If you are a foreigner or tourist planning to drive during your vacation in Sri Lanka, you will need to obtain a valid Sri Lankan permit, as the law prohibits the use of licenses issued in other countries.
According to the State Minister of Transport, there is a plan to allow foreigners to apply for their driving license directly at the Sri Lankan Airport upon arrival. This initiative aims to streamline and simplify the process for foreign applicants. However, we have not received any further updates since the initial announcement, so it is unclear when this program will be implemented.
In the meantime, there are currently only two options available for foreigners to obtain a valid driving permit in Sri Lanka:
- Obtain a temporary Sri Lankan Driving Permit at the Department of Motor Traffic
- Get your International Driving Permit endorsed by the Automobile Association of Sri Lanka (AA)
Option 1 – Obtaining a Temporary Sri Lankan Driving Permit
Foreign Driving License holders must obtain a temporary Sri Lankan Driving Permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be able to drive legally in Sri Lanka. The DMV is located in Werahera, about 30 mins away from central Colombo, depending on traffic. The process to obtain this permit may take anything from 30 minutes to a few hours. The DMV is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. But please do check the Sri Lankan holiday calendar to ensure the DMV is open. If your license is not in English, a translation by the respective Embassy or any authority in each country is required. The following documents are required
- Your own Country Driving License (English Copy/ Translation if not in English) + Photocopy
- Your National Passport + Photocopy of profile/photo page and Sri Lankan Visa Page
More information on the DMV Website.
You can locate the DMV on Google Maps.
Option 2 – Driving with an IDL/IDP with AA Endorsement
You will need to have obtained an International Drivers License or International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country and with this IDP you could go to the Automobile Association of Ceylon, to get your driving permit endorsed. The endorsement is given over the counter at the AA office in Colombo which is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
More information on the AA Website.
You can locate the AA on Google Maps.
International Driving Permit (IDP) For Indian Citizens
Eligibility Criteria
- Indian citizen of 18 years or over
- Valid Indian driving licence
- Valide Passport and Visa
Pre-requisites
- Duly filled out Form 4A Application
- Valid Driving License
- Valid Passport
- Valid Visa (where applicable)
- Valid Air Ticket (for verification)
- Valid proof of Indian Nationality
- Fees as prescribed
How to obtain an IDP as an Indian Citizen
- Apply online via the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways website or visit their respective RTO office
Validity & Resources
- Validity : 1 year
- Website : https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan//en/content/international-driving-permit-0
International Driving Permit (IDP) For Australian Citizens
Eligibility Criteria
- Valid Australian driving licence
- Be 18 years or older
Pre-requisites
- Recent photo
- Clear scan of Driving License.
- Credit Card Payment
How to obtain an IDP as an Australian Citizen
- Apply online with the required documents
Validity & Resources
- Validity : 1 year
International Driving Permit (IDP) For UK Citizens
Eligibility Criteria
- Live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland
- Full valid UK driving licence
- Be 18 years or older
Pre-requisites
- Passport sized photograph
- Photocard or older paper driving license
- Valid passport
- Application fee (cash, debit card or credit card)
How to obtain an IDP as a British Citizen
- Visit any Post Office in UK, with the mentioned documents and the application fee and apply for one
Validity & Resources
- Validity : 1 year
- Website : https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/international-driving-permit
International Driving Permit (IDP) For American Citizens
Eligibility Criteria
- Valid U.S. driving licence
Documents required
- Duly filled out IDP Application
- 2 original Passport photographs
- Valid U.S. driving licence
- Application fee
How to obtain an IDP as a Citizen of the USA
- Visit the nearest American Automobile Association (AAA) office or mail the pre-requisites to the nearest AAA Travel office
Validity & Resources
- Validity : 1 year
- Website : https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
- AAA Office Locator : https://www.aaa.com/office/locations/?office=CRCAIDP
