Bandaranaike International Airport In Sri Lanka Revolutionizes The Tourist Experience With Direct Access To Temporary Driver’s Licenses Upon Arrival

From 3rd August 2025, foreign travellers visiting Sri Lanka have the ease of securing temporary driver’s licenses upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport. This new approach will make it possible for the prospect tourists to save precious time and travel cost without visiting the Werahera Motor Traffic Department, facilitating hassle free and comfortable service. A dedicated counter at the airport, now lets visitors have the service when they arrive, for the convenience to give them the freedom to begin their Sri Lanka exploration as soon as they land.

The Ministry of Transport and Highways in Sri Lanka has introduced a significant change to enhance the convenience of foreign tourists visiting the country. Starting from August 3, 2025, foreign visitors will be able to obtain temporary driver’s licenses directly at Bandaranaike International Airport upon arrival. This move aims to streamline the process for tourists, offering them a more efficient way to enjoy their travels in Sri Lanka without unnecessary delays.

Previously, foreign tourists who wanted to drive in Sri Lanka were required to travel to the Motor Traffic Department (MTD) office in Werahera, located far from the capital, Colombo. There, they could apply for a temporary driver’s license that allowed them to drive legally for a specified period. However, this process involved not only time but also travel expenses, which often made it inconvenient, especially for those arriving after long flights. The new system will eliminate this need, providing a more convenient and time-saving solution.

Under the new procedure, visitors will be able to apply for and receive their temporary driver’s licenses directly at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, Sri Lanka’s main international gateway. The Ministry of Transport and Highways has arranged for a dedicated counter at the airport, ensuring that tourists can easily access the service immediately upon their arrival. This significant change will make the arrival process smoother and faster, addressing a key concern in the tourism industry.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Sri Lankan government to enhance the travel experience for international tourists. The decision to implement this change is a response to feedback from the tourism industry, which identified the inconvenience and additional costs involved when tourists had to go to the MTD office in Werahera. By introducing this more efficient system, the Ministry aims to reduce the time and effort required for visitors to obtain a temporary driver’s license, ultimately improving the overall experience for travelers.

One of the main benefits of this new system is the elimination of additional paperwork and waiting times that were previously part of the process. The new procedure will save visitors time, allowing them to proceed directly with their travel plans without unnecessary delays. As Sri Lanka continues to attract growing numbers of international tourists, this change is expected to contribute to a more seamless travel experience, ultimately benefiting the country’s tourism sector.

Another advantage of the new system is the reduction of unnecessary travel within the country. By eliminating the need for tourists to travel to the MTD office in Werahera, the Ministry is reducing the strain on both tourists and local transportation networks. Tourists will no longer need to worry about navigating unfamiliar routes or dealing with traffic, making their arrival in Sri Lanka much more pleasant.

In addition to improving convenience, this change will help promote a more positive image of Sri Lanka as a tourist-friendly destination. Offering a streamlined and efficient service will make the country more attractive to international visitors, particularly those seeking the flexibility to explore Sri Lanka on their own terms. Many tourists prefer the freedom of driving themselves rather than relying on public transportation or guided tours, and the new system will make this option much more accessible.

The Ministry of Transport and Highways has ensured that the new process aligns with international standards, guaranteeing that the temporary driver’s licenses will be issued in compliance with Sri Lankan road safety regulations. The dedicated counter at Bandaranaike International Airport will be staffed by trained personnel who will assist visitors with their applications, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. The temporary driver’s licenses issued at the airport will be valid for the duration of the visitor’s stay in Sri Lanka, giving them the freedom to drive without needing to go through the lengthy process of obtaining a full local driver’s license.

Foreign visitors will still need to meet certain eligibility requirements to obtain their temporary driver’s licenses. For example, tourists will be required to present valid documentation, such as their passport and relevant driving history, to verify their eligibility. The Ministry has emphasized that the process will be quick and straightforward, with minimal waiting time for visitors.

This new service will only be available to foreign visitors arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake. For those arriving by other means of transportation, such as by sea or through other regional airports, the existing procedure for obtaining a temporary driver’s license will remain in place, with the MTD office in Werahera serving as the primary location for these visitors.

With the introduction of this new system, Sri Lanka is taking an important step forward in enhancing its tourism infrastructure. As the tourism industry recovers and continues to grow, initiatives like this will play a key role in ensuring that Sri Lanka remains an attractive and competitive destination for international travelers. By making it easier for tourists to explore the island at their own pace, the country is positioning itself as a more accessible and visitor-friendly location.

Sri Lanka – from 3rd August 2025, foreign tourists will now be able to apply for temporary driving permits at the Bandaranaike International Airport just after their arrival, minimizing the hassle for a smoother travel experience.

In all, the launch of temporary driver’s licenses at Bandaranaike International Airport is a huge positive for Sri Lanka tourism. From August 3, foreign visitors will be able to apply for temporary driving permits as soon as they walk off the plane, in both a time-effective and hassle-free process. It will not only make the tourist experience easy and convenient, but will also create opportunities for the tourism industry in Sri Lanka to expand by allowing international visitors to easily explore the island.

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