The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome has announced that applications for the conversion of driving licences under the bilateral agreement on mutual recognition between Italy and Sri Lanka are now being accepted, starting today.
The Consular Section at the embassy has designated April 10 and April 15 exclusively for receiving driving licence conversion applications, anticipating high demand from the Sri Lankan community in Italy.
Under the mutual recognition agreement, Sri Lankan licence holders residing in Italy can convert their existing licences to Italian ones without undergoing the full Italian driving examination — and vice versa. The arrangement is expected to benefit a significant portion of the estimated 100,000-plus Sri Lankan nationals living in Italy, many of whom work in the service and agricultural sectors.
The bilateral agreement represents a practical administrative improvement for diaspora members who previously had to navigate the Italian licensing process from scratch, a requirement that limited employment mobility for those relying on driving for work.
Sri Lankans in Italy interested in applying are advised to contact the Consular Section at the Sri Lanka Embassy in Rome directly for documentation requirements and appointment scheduling.
Update — April 30: Agreement formally effective with six-year residency rule
Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath announced on April 30 that the Mutual Recognition of Driving Licences agreement has formally come into effect from April 2026, with all technical requirements completed for practical implementation. Under the confirmed terms, Sri Lankan residents in Italy who have lived in the country for at least six years are eligible to convert their national driving licence into an Italian licence without sitting written or practical tests. Minister Herath credited a sustained joint diplomatic effort by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Transport and Highways for finalising the agreement.
