Driving, customs allowances, drones and bringing medication, the practical rules to know before you travel.
On this page
Driving
Sri Lanka drives on the left; an International Driving Permit (IDP) alone is not enough, and neither is your home licence.
Every foreign driver must have their licence locally validated first. Two routes: the Automobile Association of Ceylon (aaceylon.lk) issues a Recognition Permit but has required a physical IDP since 30 March 2025, or the Department of Motor Traffic issues a Temporary Driving Licence against an English-language home licence with no IDP needed.
The Department of Motor Traffic now runs a 24-hour counter in the arrivals hall at Colombo airport, so you can be legal before you leave the terminal.
Driving without that local endorsement is a LKR 25,000 fine, and far more seriously it voids every insurance policy on the vehicle, leaving you personally liable for third-party medical costs and the full replacement value of the car.
Only the Automobile Association can endorse you for a three-wheeler (tuk-tuk), and only against a physical IDP booklet. The Department of Motor Traffic will not issue that endorsement to foreigners at all.
Most self-drive rental firms arrange the permit for you from scans sent before you arrive, ask before booking.
Helmets are compulsory on motorbikes/scooters; many tourist accidents involve rented scooters, go slowly and wear one even on short hops.
Roads are often narrow and shared with pedestrians, animals and three-wheelers; a private driver is a common and inexpensive alternative to self-driving.
On the tolled expressways (E01 to E04) the limit is 100 km/h, keep-left lane discipline is actively policed, and stopping on the hard shoulder is for emergencies only, use the service area instead.
Motorcycles, three-wheelers and agricultural vehicles are banned from the expressway network entirely, so a tuk-tuk trip always takes the slower A roads.
The expressways run a closed toll system: keep the entry ticket, because losing it means paying the maximum fare from the furthest possible entry point.
Save 1969, the single expressway emergency hotline covering breakdowns, medical emergencies and accidents across the whole network.
Verify current permit requirements with the Automobile Association of Ceylon (aaceylon.lk) or the Department of Motor Traffic before renting a vehicle.
Customs & duty-free
Standard duty-free allowances apply for personal effects, alcohol and tobacco within limits set by Sri Lanka Customs, check the current allowance before arrival if you are bringing more than a small amount.
Bringing in more than USD 15,000 (or equivalent) in cash generally requires a customs declaration on arrival.
Exporting gems, antiques or protected wildlife products (ivory, tortoiseshell, certain corals) is tightly restricted or banned, buy only from licensed dealers and keep receipts.
Drones, satellite phones and some radio equipment can attract extra scrutiny at customs, see the drones section below.
Rules and thresholds change; check Sri Lanka Customs (customs.gov.lk) for the current figures before you fly.
Flying a drone
Flying a drone in Sri Lanka requires prior approval, in practice from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), with additional clearance needed near airports, military sites, and some cultural/heritage zones.
Approval typically needs to be arranged in advance of your trip, this is not a same-day airport process.
Flying without permission risks confiscation of the drone and fines; sites like Sigiriya and other archaeological zones have specific restrictions from the Department of Archaeology as well.
If in doubt, contact a local tour operator, many can arrange drone permits as part of a booking.
Requirements shift; confirm the current process with CAASL (caa.lk) well before travel.
Bringing medication
Travel with prescription medication in original packaging, plus a doctor's letter or prescription copy, especially for controlled substances (some common ADHD, anxiety and strong painkillers are restricted).
Sri Lanka enforces strict penalties for narcotics, this extends to some medications that are freely available over the counter elsewhere; when unsure, declare medication on arrival.
Carry enough for your full trip in hand luggage where possible; pharmacies (see the Emergency page) can fill many common prescriptions, but brand names differ.
For anything unusual, check with the Sri Lankan embassy/consulate in your home country before you travel.
This page summarises general, widely-known public guidance. Rules, fees and permit processes change, always confirm time-sensitive specifics with the relevant Sri Lankan authority or your embassy before you travel.