FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

LIST OF ANSWERS

Do we need an International driver's licence?

Yes, you need an international driving licence. If you don’t have one, you can obtain a temporary driving permit.

Yes, a refundable deposit of USD 200 to USD 300 is required based on the selected vehicle. We do not keep your passport.

Do you charge for delivering the car?

Yes, we charge for delivery based on distance to cover fuel costs, driver wages, and highway tolls.

Can we extend our rental dates?

Yes, you can extend your rental period. Please inform us in advance. Subject to availability, we can allocate a car for your extended period.

Do we need a rental agreement?

Yes, we have a rental agreement that you can sign.

Can I pick up a car at Colombo Airport and return it in Unawatuna?

Yes! We offer flexible one-way rentals between our Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) office and our Unawatuna branch. You can start your journey at either location and return the vehicle to the other, providing you with total freedom to explore the island without backtracking.

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Temporary Driving Licences for Foreign Tourists in Sri Lanka – Easy On-Arrival Process

Sri Lanka has recently introduced a simplified and tourist-friendly process that allows foreign visitors to obtain a temporary Sri Lankan driving licence immediately upon arrival at the airport. This new system makes it much easier for tourists to legally self-drive vehicles — including cars and motorcycles — during their stay in this beautiful island nation.

Why This Matters for Tourists

Driving in Sri Lanka offers freedom and flexibility to explore stunning beaches, cultural sites, scenic highlands, and hidden gems at your own pace. However, driving legally requires a valid local driving permit. Previously, travellers had to visit the Motor Traffic Department (DMT) office in Werahera (outside Colombo) to apply for a temporary licence — a process that could take hours and require extra travel.

New On-Arrival Temporary Licence Service at BIA

As of 3 August 2025, the Sri Lankan Government (through the Ministry of Transport and Highways and the Department of Motor Traffic) launched a dedicated service counter at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake where eligible foreign tourists can apply for and receive a temporary driving licence right after landing.

Available location: Arrivals terminal of BIA, Katunayake.
Processing: Same-day / immediate issuance for eligible applicants.
Valid for: Up to five months (based on your visa duration).
Vehicle categories: Light vehicles (cars, small vans) and motorcycles/scooters.
Not available for: Heavy vehicles or three-wheelers (tuk-tuks).
Fees: Currently about LKR 15,000 per month of validity.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the temporary licence, foreign tourists must present:

A valid full driving licence from their home country (learner/provisional/temporary licences are not accepted).
Valid passport and visa/entry permit.
If the foreign licence is not in English, a certified English translation of the licence.
The foreign licence should be valid for at least 12 months from the date of conversion.

Once issued, the Sri Lankan-temporary licence carries over any conditions or restrictions from the original licence — for example, requirements to wear corrective lenses or to drive only automatic transmission vehicles.

Benefits for Self-Drive Tourists

Drive legally from Day One: Start your road trip in Sri Lanka right after landing without needing to make a separate trip to Colombo.
Explore at your pace: With a valid licence you can confidently rent and drive cars or motorcycles across the island.
Affordable and convenient: Quick processing and reasonable monthly fees make this ideal for holiday travel or long stays.

Tips Before You Travel

Bring your original driving licence and a passport-sized photo to speed up the process.
If your licence is not in English, arrange a certified English translation before arrival.
Make sure your visa duration supports the length of your temporary driving licence.

Required Documents

1. Valid foreign driving licence

Must be a full licence (not a learner, provisional, temporary or probationary licence).
Must remain valid for at least 1 year from the date you apply.
If your licence is not in English, you’ll need either a certified English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

2. Valid passport

Your original passport with your photo page.

3. Valid visa / entry permit

The visa you entered Sri Lanka on must be valid at the time of application.

4. (Sometimes) Passport-sized photo

Some travellers carry one, but usually the airport counter takes your photo on the spot.

Important Notes

The permit issued at BIA is sometimes called a temporary driving licence or recognition permit and is processed on-arrival at the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) counter in the arrivals area.

This on-arrival licence is typically valid for up to 5 months (matching your visitor stay) and applies to light vehicles and motorcycles only — heavy vehicles or three-wheelers (tuk-tuks) aren’t covered by this airport service.

All conditions/restrictions from your original licence (e.g., corrective lenses, automatic transmission only) carry over.

FAQ