Sri Lanka has introduced a streamlined process for foreign tourists to obtain temporary driving licenses directly at Bandaranaike International Airport. This move eliminates the previous requirement to visit the Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera.

Sri Lanka’s decision to grant travelers temporary driving licenses at the airport aims to improve convenience for visitors renting motorcycles or light vehicles for travel across the country, though it excludes heavy vehicles and three-wheelers. Applicants must present a full, valid driving license from their home country — with certified translation if not in English — along with their passport and visa. The foreign license must have at least one year of remaining validity, and any restrictions like corrective lenses or automatic transmission will carry over to the temporary permit. Issued for up to five months, the license costs LKR 2,000 per month of validity.

Image Credit: Daily Mirror