Does National require an IDP in Sri Lanka?
National in Sri Lanka: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
Sri Lanka drives on the left and asks foreign drivers to validate an IDP locally; tourists should carry one with their national licence.
In Sri Lanka specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Sri Lanka ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. An IDP usually needs to be endorsed by the AA of Ceylon before driving.
National runs a global network; at its Sri Lanka desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Sri Lanka drives on the left, uses the LKR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the National counter in Sri Lanka
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the LKR deposit; Sri Lanka drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Sri Lanka National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- IDP needs a local validation/recognition permit.
- 0.06% alcohol limit.
- Watch for tuk-tuks, buses and animals.
National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.
A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.
The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.
Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).
National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.
Once you collect the keys in Sri Lanka
Expressways (E01 Southern, E03 Airport, E02 Outer Circular) are tolled with cash booths and the contactless 'TAGRush'/expressway pass; tourists typically pay cash, with charges of a few hundred to roughly LKR 1,000+ depending on distance.
Urban parking in Colombo and tourist towns is largely paid on-street with attendants/wardens collecting cash, plus private and mall lots; unattended or restricted-zone parking can be ticketed or wheel-clamped.
Police issue on-the-spot fines (spot-fine slips paid later at post office or now via online/eRL channels) for speeding, no seatbelt and mobile-phone use; tourists driving without a valid Recognition Permit risk prosecution and rejected insurance claims.
In any injury accident you must stop, not move vehicles, and call Police on 119 (ambulance 1990 Suwa Seriya); a police report is needed for insurance, and driving without the Recognition Permit can void your claim and lead to prosecution.
Full driving guide for Sri Lanka →