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PASSPORTS

APPLICATION FOR A NEW PASSPORT 

The validity of a passport cannot be extended beyond 10 years from the date of its first issue. If the passport does not have sufficient pages for visa endorsements, 10 years is over or has been lost, a new passport should be obtained.

Under normal circumstances, it takes about 10 to 12 weeks to process a passport application and receive the new passport at the High Commission. Processing times may vary, so applicants are advised to apply early with all required documents to avoid delays. If an application is submitted earlier than usual for a valid reason, please include a self‑explanatory letter addressed to the Controller General, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka.

Please note that the High Commission is responsible only for processing and forwarding applications to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka. In the event of any delay in passport issuance by the Department, the High Commission will not be in a position to expedite or guarantee an earlier release.

Inclusion of children in the parents’ passport is no longer allowed and separate passports should be obtained for children. For children under 16 years of age, consent of both the parents is required in order to obtain a passport.(Click here for a specimen of a consent letter) 

Parents who wish to have their signatures certified on the Parental Consent Letter for passport applications of children (under 16 years) residing in Sri Lanka or any other country are kindly requested to read the IMPORTANT NOTICE-Parental Consent Letter - Passport Applications for Children (Under 16 Years) provided below.

Revision of the required Supportive Documents for the submission of Sri Lankan Travel Document Applications via Sri Lankan Missions in Abroad.

Guidelines for the submission of passport applications.

 

Required Document

Description

1.

Application form

 Form K - I.E. 35 – Mandatory

Note : Please read the instructions carefully before filling the application form

2.

Current Passport

Photocopies of the data page and alteration page with original – Mandatory

If the passport is lost or stolen, please submit a police report with the application, together with the following document attached:

  1. Stolen or Lost Sri Lankan Passport – Complaint Form:  Click here

3.

Original Birth Certificate (If the applicant was born in Sri Lanka)

Original Birth Certificates (issued by the Registrar General, District Registrar, Divisional Registrar) with a photocopy – Mandatory

Note:Photocopies certified by third parties and translations will not be accepted by the Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka

Please also read the instructions under “Important Notice on Birth Certificates” for more details.

4.

Original Citizenship Certificate (If the applicant was born outside Sri Lanka)

Original  Citizenship Certificates issued by the Citizenship Division of the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Sri Lanka OR a copy of the payment receipt for Citizenship (Sri Lankan Citizenship applied and pending) registration with a photocopy – Mandatory

Note: If an applicant born outside Sri Lanka has reached the age of 21 years, he/she should submit the Citizenship Certificate with the endorsement in the reverse side of the certificate, regarding the applicant’s continuation of Sri Lankan nationality.

5.

Original Marriage certificate ONLY in the case of name change consequent to marriage

Original with a photocopy (applicable to female applicants) – Mandatory

6.

In case of divorce and if the spouse wishes to continue her married name in the new passport

Original court order with a photocopy – Mandatory

7.

National Identity Card (NIC) (ONLY for applicants over the age of 16 years.)

Original (if NIC available) or a photocopy. – Mandatory

Note:If the NIC is not available or lost, a self-explanatory letter is required.
8.

 

Proof of  Status

 

 Application should Submit a valid ,Permanent Resident Card (Original /Copy) Work Permit  or visa as Confirmation of their status in Canada– Mandatory

9.

If the applicant is a Dual Citizen

Original Dual Citizenship Certificate with a photocopy and a copy of the data page of the foreign passport– Mandatory

10.

If the applicant wishes to include his/her profession in the Passport

Original professional or educational certificates with photocopies – Mandatory

11.

If the applicant wishes to include his/her Job/ Occupation

If you wish a profession to be included on the passport;

  1. For other/executive professions, the applicant must provide academic/professional certificates and a letter of appointment/offer letter.
  2. For skilled professions, a service letter from the current employer should be provided.
  3. No documents are required for unskilled professions (i.e., laborers and house maids).

Notes:  If the profession is already included in the previous travel document, no additional document is required.

If you do not wish to include a profession on the passport, you may leave the field ‘profession’ empty in the passport application.

12.

If the applicant wishes to include his/her status as a Student

The enrolment letter from the University/Institute/College/School [original] – Mandatory

13.

If the applicant is a member of the Buddhist clergy

Certificate of Higher ordination (Upasampada Sahathikaya) in addition to the Birth Certificate– Mandatory

14.

How to submit the application

Applications can be submitted to the Consular Section of the High Commission in person or by post. The Consular Section cash counter is open from Monday to Friday on all working days except public holidays from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m

Address;

Sri Lanka High Commission

333 Laurier Avenue West ,Suite 1204

Ottawa, ON, K1P 1C1

15.

Fees payable

Category

Passport fee (C$)

Postage (C$)

Total (C$)

M or N series passport holders

280.00

20.00

300.00

L,K and J series passport holders

380.00

20.00

400.00

If the passport is lost but a copy of the lost passport is available

380.00

20.00

400.00

If the passport is lost and a copy of the lost passport is not available

480.00

20.00

500.00

Note: C$ 20.00 is charged to return the new passport and other original documents by Registered post by the High Commission.

In addition, applicants who wish to have their original documents returned immediately after verification should enclose a prepaid, self‑addressed registered envelope, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate items such as degree certificates.

16.

Payment method
If the applicant visits the High Commission, he/she should pay by Cash. Exact amount should be paid.

    Note: Credit/ATM/Debit cards, personal or Company cheques are not accepted.

    If the application is sent by post, a Money Order or Bank Draft in favour of  the     “ Sri Lanka High Commission” should be enclosed for the required fee.

    17.

    Special Notes (Important)

     
    • Fees will not be refunded under any circumstance, after the issuance of an official receipt;
    • Translations will not be accepted as originals;
    • All photocopies should be on letter size paper;
    • The High Commission will attest the photocopies of the original documents and return the originals to the applicant along with the new passport.
    • If deletion of child’s name from the parent’s passport is required; parent’s passport must be submitted.
    • Parents, who are also applying for a new passport along with their child/children, need not delete the child’s details from their passports, as the parents are also issued new passports.
    • The High Commission will not to take any responsibility for documents lost or delayed in the post/courier.
    • Incomplete applications will be returned.
    • Submission of forged documents and/or making false declarations relating to citizenship is a punishable offence and fees will not be refunded in these circumstances.
    • Duly completed applications received at the High Commission are processed and forwarded to the Controller General, Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo by the next Diplomatic bag, leaving Canada.

       

      SUBMISSION BY POST

      Applications may be submitted by post to the High Commission. When applying by post, and in addition to the instructions provided in the guidelines, applicants should ensure the following:

      • The original, duly completed application form.
      • All original documents (original passport and original birth certificate) and copies of other supporting documents as indicated in the Guidelines for the submission of passport applications.
      • Please ensure one set of photocopies of all supporting documents must be on letter‑size paper, printed on one side only. (A photocopy of the application form is not required)
      • The applicant’s signature must be certified by a Notary Public, Medical Practitioner, Solicitor, University Professor, Buddhist Clergy in Canada, or any Canadian government official with an official seal.
      • Applicants who wish to receive their original documents immediately after verification by the High Commission, should enclose a prepaid, self‑addressed registered envelope, ensuring it is large enough to include items such as degree certificates (if originals are enclosed).

       

      Important Notes for Applicants 

      • Applicants must submit one set of photocopies of all documents along with the original, duly completed application form (no photocopy of the application form is required). All photocopies must be on letter‑size paper, printed on one side only.
      • A valid email address must be provided to enable direct communication from the Department of Immigration & Emigration regarding any queries.
      • Name in the Passport: Passport will be issued in the name given in the Original Sri Lankan Birth Certificate, unless a name change has been done by the Registrar General in Sri Lanka.
      • Change of name done abroad or the current usage of a different name in documents issued by an organization/institute/foreign government will not be taken into consideration.
      • Permanent address: Please mention your current Canadian address, including the postal code. If an incorrect or outdated address is given, the High Commission cannot take responsibility for any misdirected mail or delays. Applicants are kindly requested to inform the High Commission promptly of any change of address by email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
      • Photograph: 4.5 x 3.5cm size three (03) colour photographs taken during the last three months between the date of submission of application are required. The photographs should be clear with full front face, both ears clearly visible and without spectacles or head dress and must be taken against a light coloured background. Photos that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be accepted.
      • Of the three (03) colour photographs, affix one photograph in the box given on the (upper right hand side) first page of the application.
      • Affix one photograph in the box given on the left hand side of the second page of the application form.
      • Affix the other photograph in the box on the right hand side of the second page of the application.
      • Signature of applicant:The applicant’s signature should be placed neatly within the two signature cages, without touching the borders. Please ensure that the signature matches the one used in the previous passport, as any significant difference may not be accepted by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
      • For minors who are unable to sign, parents can write a part of the child’s name in the signature cages.(Parents must not place their signature or write their name on the signature cage of the child’s passport application)
      • Declaration of the applicant: Applicant must fill and sign the declaration. If the applicant is a minor and is unable to sign, a parent can sign the declaration.
      • Submission of forged documents or false declarations regarding citizenship is a punishable offense. Fees will not be refunded in such cases.
      • Incomplete applications will be returned.

       

      IMPORTANT NOTICE - I - BIRTH CERTIFICATES

      The Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka requires a clear and legible Birth Certificate for passport issuance. To avoid processing delays, applicants must submit a clear copy of their Birth Certificate with the application.

      Applicants wishing to obtain a new Birth Certificate through the e‑BMD Data System should first email the High Commission at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to confirm whether their Birth Certificate is available in the system.

      If the High Commission confirms that the Birth Certificate is available, please include a separate Money Order or Bank Draft for c$ 30.00 payable to the "Sri Lanka High Commission".

      Note: Do not add this amount to the main passport application fee.

      If a Money Order or Bank Draft is sent without prior verification, the High Commission will check the system and include the Birth Certificate if available. If it is not available, the payment will be returned with the original documents after the application is processed.


      IMPORTANT NOTICE - II - Parental Consent Letter-Passport Applications for Children (Under 16 Years)

      • Parents residing in Canada may submit a Parental Consent Letter to the Sri Lanka High Commission for certification in respect of passport applications for their children under 17 years of age who are currently residing in Sri Lanka or in any other country.
      • The certified Parental Consent Letter may thereafter be submitted to the relevant authorities in the country where the child is residing for the purpose of processing the passport application.

      Requirements for Certification

      Applications for certification may be submitted in person or by post, together with the following documents:

      In-Person Submission

      1. Duly completed Parental Consent Letter Original passport of the parent (with a photocopy)
      2. Documentary proof of legal status in Canada (valid visa/Permanent Residence Card/Work Permit/Study Permit/Canadian Citizenship Certificate)
      3. National Identity Card (with a photocopy)
      4. Child’s Birth Certificate (and Citizenship Certificate, if applicable)
      5. Processing fee: CAD 60.00 (cash only)

      Submission by Post

      1. Duly completed and signed Parental Consent Letter - The applicant’s signature must be certified in the presence of a Lawyer, Notary Public, or any other authorized government official (e.g., bank officer or medical practitioner), with the official seal affixed.
      2. Photocopy of the parent’s passport
      3. Documentary proof of legal status in Canada (valid visa/Permanent Residence Card/Work Permit/Study Permit/Canadian Citizenship Certificate)
      4. Photocopy of National Identity Card
      5. Child’s Birth Certificate (and Citizenship Certificate, if applicable)
      6. Processing fee: CAD 60.00 by money order or bank draft only, payable to “Sri Lanka High Commission”

      Documents should be forwarded to:

      Sri Lanka High Commission

      333 Laurier Avenue West

      Ottawa, ON, K1P 1C1

      Applicants are kindly requested to include a prepaid, self-addressed registered envelope to enable the High Commission to return the certified documents securely.

       

      Urgent Notice

      Introduction of biometrics for new Sri Lanka passport applicants outside Sri Lanka

      The Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) has introduced the collection of biometrics (fingerprints and digital face image) from passport applicants applying in Sri Lanka on 15 August 2015 and from 01 January 2018 and for applicants between the ages of 16 - 60 years applying through Sri Lanka Missions abroad.

      The following will become mandatory with effect from 1st January 2018.

      • Those applying for passports from Sri Lanka Missions abroad will be required to provide biometric data  such as fingerprint and digital face image, to the Department of Immigration and Emigration upon his/her first entry to Sri Lanka.
      • On first arrival in Sri Lanka with the new passport, the passenger can either report directly to the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) at the port of entry, or should be referred to the CIO, who will issue a system generated Biometric Data Acquisition (BDA) form with a unique reference number, along with a guidance note.
      • Each passenger is required to sign the BDA form in two copies, one of which will be given to the passenger to be produced at the Department of Immigration at the time of biometrics enrolment.
      • As there are no facilities at the port, all passengers should report to the Department Head Office in Battaramulla, or any of its branch offices in person to provide biometrics.
      • A special counter at the Overseas Mission (OM) Division will be arranged for this purpose at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. No payment will be required.
      • Passengers are encouraged to reserve a convenient date and time through the online appointment scheduling system on the Department’s website.
      • Upon providing biometrics, the Department will issue a system generated receipt to confirm completion of biometrics acquisition process, and border control system will be updated to allow the passenger departure. The estimated time of completion of the biometric enrollment process is 45 minutes.
      • Facilities will be provided to obtain biometric only for the disabled at the BIA in Sri Lanka
      • Biometric enrolment process will not include any changes to the passport of the passenger.
      • It should be noted that the departure from Sri Lanka will only be allowed upon completion of this requirement.
      • Therefore, all those Sri Lankan passport holders to whom this new process will apply are kindly requested to follow the guidelines in order to avoid any inconvenience.

      Further details can be obtained from the following link: http://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/index.php?lang=en

      Updated: 21.12.2017