The official place for visitors to obtain a temporary Sri Lankan driving permit is the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) counter at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
This is the government operated service for tourists arriving with a foreign driving licence.
– Passport – with arrival stamp / visa.
– Valid foreign driving licence – must be a full licence, not provisional or learner.
– Sri Lankan visa / entry permit – validity determines maximum permit period.
– Certified English translation if your licence is not in English.
Important:
Your foreign licence must have at least 1 year remaining validity.
The temporary permit will reflect the classes of vehicles on your overseas licence.
Motorcycles / scooters are classed as A1 so you will lead a two wheel category on your overseas licence for at least 100cc
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DMT Counter – In the tunnel as you start to leave the arrival area at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
This is after the hall that has the telephone SIM card kiosks and money changing kiosks.
Open 24 hours / 7 days.
Fees updated for 2026
| Validity Period | Official Fee (LKR) | |
| Up to 1 Month | LKR 15,000 | |
| 1 to 2 Months | LKR 21,000 | |
| 2 to 6 Months | LKR 30,000 | |
| 6 to 12 Months | LKR 45,000 |
– No online application — get it in person at Colombo Airport (BIA).
– Bring passport, visa, foreign licence, English translation (if needed).
– Cost ranges LKR 15,000–60,000 depending on duration.
– Valid for up to 1 –12 months depending on visa.
– Covers cars & motorcycles if you have that category on your licence
NOTE – does not cover tuk‑tuks.
The Department of Motor Traffic counter was declared open at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).
Now tourists arriving in Sri Lanka can obtain a 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 right after landing, making it easier to explore Sri Lanka at your own pace.
The on-arrival service counter to issue driving licenses for foreign tourists has been launched at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) premises in Katunayake, Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Kamal Amarasinghe announced.
Until now, the service was available only at the Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera. However, the new facility aims to provide greater convenience for tourists, most of whom rent vehicles near the airport and drive themselves during their stay.
What do you need to show at the counter?
- Driving license of your country of residence with a validity of one year.
- Passport
- Valid visa or entry permit.
If your driving licence is not in English language, please provide an English translation certified by the relevant embassy.
Benefit:
You are allowed to drive motor cycles and light vehicles up to five months during your stay.
Limits of use
You are not allowed to drive a three wheeler tuktuk.
All restrictions and conditions in the foreign license are applied.
(e.g corrective lens automatic transmission, hearing aid user, etc.)
| Please feel free to contact |
| +94 11 246 9300 +94 70 304 5888 +94 70 304 5899 dmt.fdl.lk@gmail.com |
Driving welcome to Tourists:
Sri Lanka Launches On-Arrival Tourist Driving License Counter at BIA – CMB Bandaranaike International Airport
Starting today (03 August 2025), international travellers landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, will be greeted with a thrilling new convenience—a dedicated on-arrival service counter for driving licenses!
This exciting move, announced by Commissioner General of Motor Traffic Kamal Amarasinghe, means no more wasting half a day of your holiday with long travels to visit Werahera DMT office just to get behind the wheel.
Whether you’re planning to cruise coastal roads on a motorcycle or enjoy a trip through the hills in a car, the new facility is tailor-made for the growing number of tourists who prefer self-driven adventures. It’s a perfect match for Sri Lanka’s spirit of adventure and exploration.
A seamless, swift, and smart start to your Sri Lankan road trip right from the airport at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo.
How to apply for a temporary tourist driving permit directly at the arrivals area.
Bring your passport with Sri Lankan visa, and a valid foreign driving licence (with English translation or International Driving Permit if needed)
If your Driving Licence is issued by a different country to your passport, for example, If you’re a resident of dubai and you’ll have a dubai driving licence, you also need to show your residence visa or Emirates ID card for example.
The process is fast and avoids visiting the Department of Motor Traffic which is about 30 minutes from the verge of Colombo.
Where to Apply
- Location: Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Colombo – arrivals area, in the tunnel to the car pick up and parking area. Look for the dedicated Temporary Driving Licence counter operated by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT). It’s on the right side of the tunnel, just through the doors after the phone card shops.
Eligibility
- Must hold a full foreign driving licence valid for at least 1 year.
- Learner, provisional, or temporary licences are not accepted.
- If your licence is not in English, you need a certified English translation, or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Documents Required
- Original passport with valid tourist visa.
- Original foreign driving licence.
- Residue visa if licence is issued by a country different to your passport.
Validity
- Permit is valid for the same duration s your Sri Lankan tourist visa.
- Only covers motorcycles if your foreign licence has that, and only covers classes similar or lower class to your foreign country class of Motor cycle. Check with Department of Motor Traffic department as not all countries use same motorcycle classification system. It’s better to check first, rather than be disappointed.
Why Use the Airport Counter
- Convenience: No need to travel to the Department of Motor Traffic in Werahera.
- Speed: Processing is quick; you can rent and drive immediately after arrival.
REMEMBER that it is a legal Requirement: Driving in Sri Lanka without this permit is illegal, even if you have an IDP. Insurance may be void otherwise.