Bandaranaike Airport Offers Direct Access to Temporary Driver’s Licenses for Tourists

Key Takeaways

• Starting August 3, 2025, tourists can get temporary driver’s licenses at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka.
• Tourists must hold a valid International Driving Permit to apply at the airport counter for the $45 USD fee.
• Temporary licenses are valid for at least 14 days and allow immediate legal driving during visitors’ stays.

Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka is introducing a major change for foreign tourists starting August 3, 2025. Visitors arriving at this main international gateway will now be able to get temporary driver’s licenses directly at the airport, making it much easier for them to drive legally during their stay. This update is expected to have a big impact on how tourists experience Sri Lanka, as well as on the country’s tourism industry and government services.

Let’s break down what’s changing, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what this means for travelers and other stakeholders.

Summary of What Changed

Until now, foreign tourists who wanted to drive in Sri Lanka had to go through a long and often frustrating process. Even if they had an International Driving Permit (IDP), they were required to travel to the Motor Traffic Department office in Werahera, which is not close to Bandaranaike International Airport. This extra trip took time and effort, and many visitors found it too difficult or confusing. As a result, only about 3,500 foreigners each year managed to get the temporary driver’s licenses needed to drive cars, scooters, or tuk-tuks legally in Sri Lanka.

Starting August 3, 2025, this process will become much simpler. The Ministry of Transport and Highways is opening a dedicated counter at Bandaranaike International Airport where foreign visitors can apply for and receive temporary driver’s licenses as soon as they arrive. This means tourists can skip the trip to Werahera and avoid long waits, making it much easier to start exploring Sri Lanka by car or other vehicles right away.

Who Is Affected

This change mainly affects:

• Foreign tourists arriving in Sri Lanka who want to drive during their visit
• Car rental companies and tour operators who serve international visitors
• The Ministry of Transport and Highways and the Motor Traffic Department, which will now handle more applications at the airport instead of at their main office

It’s important to note that this update is only for foreign visitors who hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Tourists without an IDP will still need to follow the usual rules and may not be able to get a temporary license at the airport.

Effective Dates and Locations

• Start Date: August 3, 2025
• Where: Bandaranaike International Airport (also known as Katunayake Airport), at a special counter set up by the Ministry of Transport and Highways
• Who Runs It: The Ministry of Transport and Highways, working closely with the Motor Traffic Department

Step-by-Step Actions for Tourists

If you are a tourist planning to drive in Sri Lanka after August 3, 2025, here’s what you need to do:

1. Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport: After landing, look for the dedicated counter for temporary driver’s licenses. Signs and airport staff will guide you.
2. Prepare Your Documents: You’ll need the following:
   • A valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
   • Your passport and visa details
   • A passport-sized photograph (you can bring one or have it taken at the airport)
3. Apply at the Counter: Hand over your documents to the staff at the counter. They will check your paperwork and help you fill out the application if needed.
4. Pay the Fee: The cost for the temporary driver’s license is about $45 USD. This covers all administrative and processing fees.
5. Get Your License: Once your application is processed (usually right away), you’ll receive your temporary driver’s license. You can now legally drive in Sri Lanka for at least 14 days. If your stay is longer, you may be able to extend the license.

Key Details About the Temporary Driver’s License

• Validity: The license is valid for a minimum of 14 days. Extensions may be possible if your visa allows a longer stay.
• Immediate Use: You can use the license as soon as you receive it, so there’s no waiting period.
• Legal Protection: With this license, you are driving legally in Sri Lanka and are less likely to face fines or legal trouble if stopped by police.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka before August 3, 2025, you’ll still need to follow the old process and visit the Motor Traffic Department in Werahera to get your temporary license. If your trip is after this date, you can use the new airport service. For those who have already started the application process under the old system but will arrive after the new system starts, it’s best to check with the Ministry of Transport and Highways or the Motor Traffic Department to see if you can switch to the new process.

Why This Change Matters

This update is important for several reasons:

• Tourist Convenience: Tourists can now get their temporary driver’s licenses right at Bandaranaike International Airport, saving time and avoiding extra travel.
• Boost for Tourism: Easier access to legal driving means more tourists may choose to rent cars, scooters, or tuk-tuks, helping them explore Sri Lanka more freely.
• Support for Local Businesses: Car rental companies and tour operators expect more business, as tourists will find it easier to rent vehicles.
• Government Efficiency: The Ministry of Transport and Highways can process more applications quickly and improve the country’s image as a tourist-friendly destination.

Statements from Officials

Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake has spoken in support of this new system. He says it will make visiting Sri Lanka easier and more enjoyable for tourists, while also helping the government manage applications more efficiently. The Ministry has worked closely with the Motor Traffic Department to make sure the airport counter is ready to handle a large number of applications and that staff are trained to help visitors from many countries.

Expert Opinions and Analysis

Tourism experts believe this move puts Sri Lanka in line with other countries that make it easy for visitors to drive legally. Many popular tourist destinations already offer quick and simple ways for foreigners to get temporary driving permits. By joining this trend, Sri Lanka is likely to attract more visitors who want the freedom to travel at their own pace.

Legal experts point out that the 14-day minimum validity strikes a good balance. It gives tourists enough time to enjoy their trip, while still allowing the government to keep control over who is driving on the roads. This helps keep everyone safe and ensures that only qualified drivers are behind the wheel.

Local businesses, especially those in the car rental and travel sectors, are looking forward to more customers. When tourists can easily rent a car or scooter, they are more likely to visit places outside the main cities, stay longer, and spend more money in local communities.

Future Plans and Possible Improvements

The Ministry of Transport and Highways plans to watch how the new system works and make changes if needed. If the airport counter is successful, similar services might be offered at other entry points in Sri Lanka, such as other airports or seaports.

There are also talks about letting tourists apply for their temporary driver’s licenses online before they arrive. This would make the process even faster and could help reduce lines at the airport. Feedback from tourists and businesses will be used to improve the system over time.

What Tourists Should Do Next

If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and want to drive, here’s what you should do:

• Check Your Documents: Make sure you have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel. You usually need to get this in your home country before leaving.
• Bring a Passport Photo: Having a passport-sized photo ready can speed up the process at the airport.
• Budget for the Fee: Set aside about $45 USD for the temporary driver’s license fee.
• Plan Your Transportation: With the new system, you can rent a car, scooter, or tuk-tuk as soon as you arrive, giving you more freedom to explore.

For Car Rental Companies and Tour Operators

Businesses should prepare for an increase in customers who want to rent vehicles. It’s a good idea to:

• Update your staff on the new process so they can help customers understand what documents are needed.
• Work with the Ministry of Transport and Highways to make sure your rental agreements match the new rules.
• Offer information at your counters and online about how tourists can get their temporary driver’s licenses at Bandaranaike International Airport.

For the Government and Airport Staff

The Ministry of Transport and Highways and the Motor Traffic Department should:

• Make sure the airport counter is well-staffed, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Provide clear signs and instructions in multiple languages.
• Collect feedback from tourists to find out what works well and what could be improved.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

Tourists and businesses can find more information on the official Ministry of Transport and Highways website, which offers updates and contact details. The Motor Traffic Department’s information is also available through the Ministry’s portal, where you can find details about driving rules and license requirements.

If you have questions or need help at the airport, staff at the dedicated counter for temporary driver’s licenses will be ready to assist.

What This Means for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Future

This new system at Bandaranaike International Airport is a big step forward for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. By making it easier for tourists to drive legally, the country is showing that it values visitor comfort and safety. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this kind of innovation can help Sri Lanka compete with other popular tourist destinations and attract more travelers from around the world.

The government’s willingness to listen to feedback and consider further improvements, such as online applications and expanding the service to other entry points, shows a commitment to making travel in Sri Lanka as smooth as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Starting August 3, 2025, tourists can get temporary driver’s licenses at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka.
• The process is quick and simple, requiring only an International Driving Permit, passport, visa details, and a small fee.
• The license is valid for at least 14 days and can be extended if needed.
• This change will help tourists, local businesses, and the government by making travel easier and boosting the tourism industry.
• More information is available on the Ministry of Transport and Highways website.

By staying informed and preparing your documents before you travel, you can take full advantage of this new system and enjoy all that Sri Lanka has to offer with the freedom of your own vehicle.

Learn Today

Bandaranaike International Airport → Sri Lanka’s main international airport, also called Katunayake Airport, where the new license counter is implemented.
Temporary driver’s license → A short-term driving permit allowing foreign tourists to drive legally in Sri Lanka for a limited period.
International Driving Permit (IDP) → A document recognized globally that translates a driver’s license into multiple languages for legal driving abroad.
Ministry of Transport and Highways → Sri Lankan government department responsible for transport policies and issuing temporary licenses at the airport.
Motor Traffic Department → Government office in Sri Lanka that traditionally processed driving licenses and now coordinates airport applications.

This Article in a Nutshell

Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport will issue temporary driver’s licenses starting August 3, 2025, simplifying driving for tourists holding valid International Driving Permits. The new service removes prior trips to Werahera, enabling quick access for travelers to drive legally, boosting tourism and easing government processing of applications.
— By VisaVerge.com