By the H.B.S. Rent a Car team · Published
If you want to drive a rental car in Sri Lanka, your home licence alone is not enough. Our rental terms ask a foreign driver for a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), or a temporary driving endorsement from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC). This guide explains what an IDP is, who issues it in the main visitor countries, what to bring and how it fits with a rental. Rules for foreign drivers have changed several times, so confirm the current steps with the AAC or the Department of Motor Traffic before you travel.
What an International Driving Permit is
An IDP is not a licence. It is an official translation of your home driving licence, in several languages, issued in the country that issued your licence. It is valid only together with your original licence, so you must carry both. Sources describing the Sri Lankan rules say that the format accepted is the one defined by the 1949 Geneva Convention. An IDP of this kind is typically valid for up to one year from the date of issue, or until your home licence expires, whichever comes first.
Do you need an IDP in Sri Lanka?
For a self-drive rental from H.B.S., a foreign national needs a valid IDP or a temporary AAC endorsement, in addition to a valid national licence with one to two years of driving experience. You must be at least 21. If you hire a car with a driver, you do not need an IDP, because the driver holds the licence. Some visitors also look at a temporary Sri Lankan licence; see the temporary driving licence for tourists.
Where to get an IDP, by country
Get the IDP in your home country before you travel. It is quick and cheap there and hard to arrange from abroad. The usual issuers are listed below; check your own authority's website for the current price and rules.
| Your country | Usual issuer |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Post Office branches |
| Australia | State and territory motoring clubs (for example NRMA, RACV, RAA, RAC) |
| United States | AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance |
| Canada | Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) |
| Germany | The local licensing authority (Führerscheinstelle) |
| India | The regional transport office (RTO) |
| New Zealand | The AA (Automobile Association) |
What to bring with you
- Your original home driving licence, valid for at least the length of your trip
- The International Driving Permit
- Your passport and a valid visa or ETA
- A passport-size photograph if you plan to ask for a Sri Lankan endorsement
- A card or cash for the rental and the refundable security deposit
IDP, AAC endorsement or temporary licence?
These three documents are often confused. Read the table, then check the current rules with the authority.
| Document | What it is | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| International Driving Permit | Translation of your licence | Your home country |
| AAC endorsement / recognition permit | A local permit for a foreign licence holder | Automobile Association of Ceylon |
| Temporary Sri Lankan driving licence | A short-term licence for visitors, reported to cover certain vehicle classes | Department of Motor Traffic |
If you have no permit in time
You can still travel: book a car with a professional driver, and drive yourself later if you obtain the permit. See chauffeur-driven tours. For the full picture of licence rules read driving licence rules for tourists in Sri Lanka. Tell us your nationality and the date you arrive and we will advise on the process.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Sri Lanka?
Can I get an IDP when I arrive in Sri Lanka?
How long is an IDP valid?
Does an IDP replace my home licence?
Do I need an IDP if I hire a driver?
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