A passport is a window into the world, allowing you to travel to different countries and enjoy different cultures. If you want to expand your horizons in other countries, you must have a passport with you. In this article, we will show you a complete guide on how to obtain your Sri Lankan passport, apply for your first passport or renew your passport in Sri Lanka or outside Sri Lanka.
There are some differences between applying for a Sri Lankan passport inside and outside Sri Lanka. Here you can see the summary chart below:
| Time | Location | Methods | Cost | |
| Apply for a new passport in Sri Lanka | Normal process application: from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Urgent process application: from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm | Immigration and Immigration Department | Online application | 5000 LKR (normal service) or 15,000 LKR (urgent service) |
| Renew a passport in Sri Lanka | From 8:00 am and 1:30 pm (normal service) From 7:00 am and 1:30 pm (one-day service). | Immigration and Immigration Department | Online application | Rs. 3500 (normal service) Rs. 15,000 (one-day service) |
| Apply for a new passport outside Sri Lanka | From 8:00 am and 1:30 pm (normal service) From 7:00 am and 1:30 pm (one day service). | Sri Lankan Embassy in different countries | By post or call Email: srilanka@bellnet.ca Call: 416 323 9133(In Canada) | $158 |
| Renew a passport outside Sri Lanka | Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm It depends on different countries. | Sri Lankan Embassy in different countries | By post or call Email: srilanka@bellnet.ca Call: 416 323 9133(In Canada) | $158 |
Steps to Apply for a New Passport in Sri Lanka
If you are a citizen of Sri Lanka and reside in the country at the time of applying for your first Sri Lankan passport, you need to follow the steps below to complete your passport appointment.
Step 1. Log in to the Sri Lanka online website.
Step 2. Hit “New Passport”. Select the application type: “Normal service” or “Urgent service.”
Step 3. Submit a passport photo (35×45 mm). You can choose a photo taken from a studio or a service location. If you are taking a photo in a photo studio, you must provide the photo identification number.
Step 4. Select the courier way you want to receive your passport.
Step 5. Then upload all required documents in JPEG format and the file size must be less than 5 MB.
- Original National Identity Card (NIC)
- Original Birth Certificate
- Certificate issued under section 5(2) or section 11 of the Citizenship Act. No. 18 of 1948 (if applicable)
- Certificate of dual citizenship (if applicable)
- Letter from the Employer (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Step 6. Select the location where you would prefer to have your fingerprints taken, such as the departmental head office, departmental regional offices or departmental sub-offices. You will receive the appointment date once your payment has been made.
Step 7. Pay for your passport application fee of LKR 5000 (normal service) and LKR 15,000 (urgent service). You can pay online with a valid credit/debit card or choose the “Pay at Bank” option. When you choose to pay offline, you need to download the receipt, print it out and make the payment in the selected Bank of Ceylon (BOC) branch.
Step 8. On the scheduled date, bring your appointment receipt, birth certificate and NID to the selected office to complete the biometric information collected.
Step 9. Get your passport after 30 days if you choose normal service, or three days if you choose urgent service.
Passport Renewal in Sri Lanka
If you live in Sri Lanka and your passport is nearing expiry, six months before expiry, you must renew your passport in Sri Lanka. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to use an expired passport to travel on board. Here you can check the steps below to renew your passport.
Step 1. Launch the passport booking system in Sri Lanka.
Step 2. the type of application: day service or normal service.
Step 3. Select the preferred location, such as Head Office, Matara branch, Kandy branch, etc.
Step 4. Enter your photo identification number, applicant name, NIC number and other basic information.
Step 5. Choose the available appointment date and time slot for your passport renewal.
After that, you will receive an appointment notice. On the scheduled date and time, you must bring it with other required documents to the selected location to complete the renewal:
- A completed application form was downloaded from the Department of Immigration and Emigration website. (Form O)
- Current valid passport with a photocopy of the bio date page.
- Photo studio acknowledgement
- Original and photocopy of birth certificate
- Original and photocopy of the national identity card
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
On the spot, you will be asked to have fingerprints and pay for your application fee. If you choose a normal service, you only need to pay Rs. 3500. However, you will pay Rs. 1500 if you choose the one-day service. Then you will receive a payment acknowledgement once you have made the payment.
You will receive your new passport in two weeks for normal service. Of course, if you choose the one-day service, you will receive a new passport and the documents submitted on the same day. Just wait a few hours to get your new passport.
How to book a passport outside of Sri Lanka?
Suppose a Sri Lankan Citizen by descent or by registration is living in another country. In that case, he or she can apply for a new passport or passport renewal through the Sri Lanka embassy in that country or in the nearest country. The Overseas Missions Branch at the Immigration Head Office will process your passport applications.
Applicants must provide the required documents with the original and photocopy versions listed below:
- Application form (Form K-35A) from the Sri Lankan diplomatic mission in each country.
- Current passport with copies of bio-data page and observation page
- Birth certificate
- Citizenship certificate
- Three passport-size color photos (3.5cm *4.5cm)
- National Identity Card (NIC)
- 2 Photocopies of dual citizenship certificates and foreign passport data pages, if an applicant has dual citizenship.
- Certificate of Higher Ordination (Upasampada Sahathikaya), if the applicant is a member of the Buddhist clergy
You must post your required documents in the envelope to the Overseas Missions Department at the Immigration & Emigration Department in Sri Lanka.
After receiving your application, they will issue a new passport in about two to three months. The process time varies between various embassies.
During this process, the Controller, Immigration & Emigration will cancel your old passport. Therefore, applicants are not advised to travel to Sri Lanka until they obtain a new passport.
The applicant must pay by cash to the High Commission or Consulate. Payment should be made only by cash at the counter for $158.
How do I reschedule my passport appointment?
If you have other important things to do during the scheduled appointment time, you need to change your passport appointment in advance. You can reschedule your passport appointment via the booking website. Enter the mobile number and choose another available date and time to change your appointment.
How to cancel a passport appointment?
There is no option to cancel your passport booking online. If you need to cancel the appointment, you must visit the regional office on the date of the appointment and tell the officer that you need to cancel the appointment. Then the officer will cancel it for you. If you want to pick another day to get your appointment, they can help you reschedule.
FAQ
🔹 Can I miss my passport application on the scheduled date?
No. You can’t miss the passport application on the scheduled date. As the passport application is one of the most important documents you need to show in the passport application. If you missed it, you can’t get through the passport application. Besides, all the fees can’t be refunded, if you give up the passport application.
🔹 How many times can I cancel a Sri Lanka Passport booking?
It is not shown how many times you can cancel your Sri Lankan passport appointment. However, if you have some urgent things to do, you are allowed to cancel your passport application appointment once or twice. You’d better not do this over and over again, which may make it harder for your future passport renewal or other card applications.
🔹 How can foreigners arrange a passport appointment in Sri Lanka?
If you are a foreigner who wants to arrange a passport appointment in Sri Lanka, the process is the same as for local citizens applying for a passport. Foreigners must first obtain Sri Lankan citizenship.
🔹 How long is a Sri Lankan Passport valid?
A regular adult Sri Lankan passport is valid for 10 years. However, for children under 16 years of age and people aged 75 and over, their passports are valid for 5 years.
Conclusion
All in all, it is simple for you to apply for a Sri Lankan passport and make an appointment in Sri Lanka or outside Sri Lanka. Prepare all required documents first and bring them to the scheduled appointment date. Then you just wait for your new passport to start your international travel.