The Government Information Center

General Information on Passports

NEW PASSPORT APPLICATION APPROVAL PROCESS

With effect from 10th August 2015, applicants applying for passports are required to provide digital photograph and fingerprints to the Department. The digital photograph should be submitted through one of our authorized photo studio located island-wide or at the Department head office or at regional offices. Printed photographs will no longer be accepted. Fingerprints will be collected at the Department head office or regional offices and applicant should be present in person.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

1. All passport applicants irrespective of age should use passport Application Form K 35A (Instructions)
2. All passport applicants including children should provide digital photograph through Authorized photo studio
3. Fingerprints will be collected from all applicants above 16 years at the head office and three regional offices in Sri Lanka
4. Applicants submitting passport applications through Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions overseas could do so without providing fingerprints and digital photograph.
5. Inclusion of children in parents passport will NO longer be allowed and children will be issued separate passports
6. No Emergency Certificate (EC) shall be issued for applicants below 60 years

HOW TO SUBMIT A DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH TO THE DEPARTMENT

1. Visit a Authorized photo studio of your choice to obtain a digital photograph
2. Studio will send your photograph online to our computer system and will issue a Studio Acknowledgement Note to you. No printed photographs are required for passport application.
3. Studio acknowledgement note must be presented with your application and other supporting documents to the Department.

More information: Hotline 1962 or telephone numbers 011 532 9200 / 001 532 9175
Am I eligible for a Sri Lankan Passport ?
You can obtain a Sri Lankan Passport if you are – A Sri Lankan Citizen by descent or by registration.


Getting passport urgently
If you need your passport for urgent traveling you can apply for one-day service. This service is only available at Immigration & Emigration Department Head office. see Issue of passport


Validity Period of a Passport
Currently issuing N series passports are valid 10 years unless otherwise specified. Validity period of passports for minors below 16 years of age are 03 years. Emergency Certificates are valid two (02) years but can be extended for further two years.


What are the Working Hours ?
We accept

• Normal Processing Applications - from 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
• Urgent Basis Applications - from 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. On week days only. The office closes on weekends and Public Holidays.

How do I apply for a passport ?
You can submit all passport applications to the Passport Division (Level 01 - Normal Service / Level 02 - Urgent  Service) of the Department of Immigration & Emigration located at "Suhurupaya", Battaramulla.


What are the types of passports ?

1. A Passport valid for all countries

• Ordinary Passport
• Diplomatic passport
• Official passport

2. Emergency Certificates for Buddhist Pilgrims travel India and Nepal
3. ICOM & NMRP for urgent one way travel document issued by Sri Lankan Overseas Missions