Sri Lanka

High Security Zones

You must get approval from the Ministry of Defence to:

• meet military officials
• visit military establishments
• enter High Security Zones

Limit travel in High Security Zones and near military and government installations.

Be ready to present your approval documents at roadblocks and checkpoints.

Driving permit

To drive in Sri Lanka, you need either:

• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed by the Automobile Association of Sri Lanka (AA)
• a temporary Sri Lankan driver’s licence from the Department of Motor Traffic

To apply for a local licence, you must pay the fee and provide:

• your Australian driver’s licence
• a copy of your passport
• a copy of your Sri Lankan visa
• passport photos

If you drive without an IDP or Sri Lankan driver’s licence, you may not be covered by your travel or vehicle insurance.

Road travel

Driving in Sri Lanka is hazardous. Road accident injuries and deaths are common. You’re over three times more likely to die in a motor accident in Sri Lanka than in Australia.

Driving standards are poor. Vehicles aren’t well maintained.

If you plan to drive in Sri Lanka:

• learn local traffic laws and practices
• drive carefully and legally
• don’t drink and drive

More information:

Motorcycles

Ask your travel insurer if your policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

When you arrive at the airport, use taxis arranged within the arrivals terminal or by your hotel.

If you have a local SIM card, ridesharing apps are available in major cities. However, vehicle standards vary.

Public transport

Safety standards on buses and trains may be lower than in Australia.

There are a high number of road deaths and injuries, especially on intercity buses. There have also been fatal accidents on Sri Lankan railways in recent years.

Take care of your belongings because theft occurs. See Safety

More information:

Sea travel

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka.

Get piracy reports from the International Maritime Bureau.

Travelling by yacht or small craft during COVID-19

Air travel

Allow additional time to clear security formalities and be ready to present travel documents at checkpoints.

Curfews and other security measures could affect domestic travel, including flights.

Commercial domestic Sri Lankan Air Force flights may not meet international airline standards for safety and maintenance.

When Australian officials book scheduled flights with Helitours, the Air Force-run domestic airline, they choose only MA60 aircraft.

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Sri Lanka’s air safety with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government