Ordinary passport

To obtain a normal Sri Lankan passport, you need to submit the following documents along with the completed application form:

• A valid passport with a photocopy of the biodata page;

• Photo;

• The original birth certificate of the applicant with a photocopy;

• The original national identity card of the applicant with a photocopy;

• Marriage certificate with photocopy if necessary;

• A certificate of education related to the profession and an acceptable document confirming the authorization of work or education and its photocopies.

Diplomatic passport

This passport is valid for all countries for 10 years, unless otherwise stated in the passport. This passport is issued to VIPs, Members of Parliament and persons appointed to posts in Sri Lankan missions abroad.

What documents must be submitted?

• A valid passport with a photocopy of the biodata page’

• Photo’

• The original birth certificate of the applicant with a photocopy;

• The original national identity card of the applicant with a photocopy;

• Marriage certificate with photocopy if necessary;

• A certificate of education related to the profession and an acceptable document confirming the authorization of work or education and its photocopies;

• For deputies –a request from the parliament;

• For foreign representatives – a request letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• For other representatives – a request letter from the relevant ministry.

Who can apply for a diplomatic passport?

Service passports are issued to the following categories of persons:

• Members of the provincial councils;

• Mayors;

• Heads of local self-government bodies;

• Officers of all insular services;

• Identified staff of members of parliament.

Passport for minors

This passport can be obtained by a minor under the age of 16. The applicant's mother and father, or legal guardian must accompany their child when the applicant comes to the Admissions Office to submit the application. A letter of consent from one of the parents or a legal representative must be attached to the application.

What documents must be submitted?

• Birth certificate of the applicant with a photocopy;

• Photo;

• Parents' passport (with photocopies of the data page and the child's page);

• If the parents do not have a passport, submit a national identity card;

• Letter of parental consent. Either the applicant's parents or legal guardian must accompany the minor;

• For an adopted child:

• Adoption certificate;

• Court order;

• Letter from the Commissioner for Probation and Child Care

Where can I get the application form?

At the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, or at the website: https://www.immigration.gov.lk// 

What are the terms of passport delivery for all countries?

An ordinary passport will take 30 working days to be delivered, and an urgent passport can be issued on the day of application.

What is the price of issuing ordinary and diplomatic passports?

A fee of 3,500 rupees should be paid for an ordinary or diplomatic passport, and 15,000 rupees for an urgent one.

How much is a passport for minors?

A fee of 2,500 rupees should be paid for an ordinary passport and 7,500 rupees for an urgent passport.

The Resident Guest Scheme is open to all foreign nationals. Any foreign investor/specialist who could contribute to the economic and socio-cultural enrichment of the country can apply.

A visa application can be obtained from the Office of the Executive Agency of the Department of Immigration and Emigration or from the website of the Immigration Service of Sri Lanka:

https://www.immigration.gov.lk//. 

What documents must be submitted to obtain a guest visa?

• Application form;

• Photocopies of the passport;

• Six photos (6cm x 5cm);

• Photocopy of the marriage certificate (if married);

• Documentary confirmation of educational qualification and experience (if available);

• Medical report;

• Protocol of police inspection;

• Details of the project in which the investment is planned;

• RGFCA Bank Account (Resident Guest Foreign Currency Account) in Sri Lanka (confirmed);

• Applicant must invest at least 250 000 dollars;

• Dependent must invest at least 35 000 dollars;

• RGRCA bank account (resident's guest currency account).

Can I bring my family with me if I got a visa under this program?

Yes, if you are a qualified investor or professional, you can bring your spouse, dependent children, and your parent or spouse's parent.

What is the maximum validity period of a guest visa?

The visitor visa will be valid for five years.

Is it possible to renew a guest visa?

Applications for the extension of all visas should be submitted to the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Proof of satisfactory investment in the project, bank statements, etc. will be required when applying for a visa extension after five years. Documentary proof of tax clearance from the Department of Internal Revenue and a recommendation from the Board of Investments in case of project tax exemption must be submitted with the renewal application.

Additional information on the guest visa

Funds transferred to Sri Lanka by any foreign investor must be invested in an approved project. If the applicant does not make satisfactory progress in investing in the country during the first two years of their residence in Sri Lanka, the Executive Agency may stop any further interest payments on the credit balance in the investor's special account.