high security zone
You must obtain approval from the Ministry of Defense to:
Meet with military personnel Visit military installations Enter high security areas
Limit travel to high security areas or near military or government facilities.
Be prepared to present authorization documents at barricades and checkpoints.
driver’s license
To drive in Sri Lanka, you will need one of the following:
A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) approved by the Automobile Association of Sri Lanka (AA) A Sri Lankan Temporary Driving License issued by the Ministry of Transport
To apply for a local license, you must pay a fee and provide the following:
Australian driving license Copy of passport Copy of Sri Lankan visa passport photo
If you drive without an IDP or Sri Lankan driving license, you may not be covered by travel or vehicle insurance.
road trip
Demonstrations in Sri Lanka could lead to disruption of transport and public transportation.
Driving in Sri Lanka is dangerous. Injuries and deaths from traffic accidents are common.
Driving standards are low. Vehicles are not well maintained.
If you plan to drive in Sri Lanka:
Learn local traffic laws and practices Drive carefully and legally do not drink and drive
For more information:
motorcycle
Check with your travel insurance company to see if your motorcycle is covered.
Please be sure to wear a helmet.
taxi
If you have a local SIM card, you can use rideshare apps in major cities. However, vehicle standards are different.
public transport
Demonstrations in Sri Lanka could lead to disruption of public transport.
Bus and train safety standards may be lower than in Australia.
Many people are killed or injured in traffic accidents, especially on intercity buses. In recent years, accidents involving people and death have also occurred on Sri Lankan railways.
Please be careful with your belongings as theft may occur.See safety
For more information:
boat trip
Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka.
Obtain a piracy report from the International Maritime Bureau.
air travel
Commercial passenger flights operate scheduled flights to Australia. Flight schedules are subject to change at short notice.
Please allow additional time to complete security procedures and present your travel documents at the checkpoint.
Curfews and other safety measures may impact domestic travel, including flights.
DFAT does not provide information about the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight routes.
Check out the safety of Sri Lanka’s skies with Aviation Safety Network.
For more information:
