The Government of Sri Lanka is set to launch new, efficient, and secure e-Passports for Sri Lankan citizens, effective from January 1, 2025. The Department of Immigration and Emigration has introduced a new methodology for applying for passports to streamline the process and enhance applicant convenience. Here are the key details:
Commencement Date: The new e-Passport application process will begin from January 1, 2025.
Prior Registration: Applicants are required to register in advance on the official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, https://www.immigration.gov.lk, starting from July 16, 2024. This registration process will continue until July 18, 2024, after which the existing methodology will no longer be in effect.
Priority Basis: Registered applicants will receive priority in obtaining the new e-Passports.
Applicant Criteria for Priority:
Holders of valid passports expiring within the next 6 months.
Those who have recently used their current passport for foreign travel.
Existing passport holders.
Required Documents:
Valid National Identity Card (NIC).
Valid mobile phone number, which can be used for up to two registrations.
Registration Process:
Applicants meeting the criteria outlined above should visit https://www.immigration.gov.lk
Ensure to bring the photograph receipt obtained from an approved photo studio.
Click on the "Registration to apply for Passports" icon to begin the registration process.
This initiative aims to modernize passport services in Sri Lanka, ensuring enhanced security and efficiency for passport applicants. For further details and updates, please visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration's official website.
Media Release - Department of Immigration and Emigration
01. The Government of Sri Lanka schedules to provide new, efficient and safe e- Passports to Sri Lankans with effect from 01.01.2025. Accordingly, the methodology of applying for Passports will be executed as a new methodology as follows for the ease of Passport applicants.
02. Accordingly, a prior registration is required on the link https://www.immigration.gov.lk for applying for Sri Lankan Passports with effect from 16.07.2024. This methodology is commenced with effect from Friday, 19.07.2024 for the applicants registered on 16.07.2024. Therefore, the existing methodology is effective up to Thursday, 18.07.2024.
03. Subsequent to registration, opportunity to obtain Passports will be received on a priority basis.
04. Those who already possess a Passport as well as the new applicants may be registered to obtain Passports. The following facts are taken into consideration to grant priority for the applicants who already posses a passport.
4.1 Possession of a valid passport already at present.
4.2 The period of validity of the present passport you possess is less than 06 months.
4.3 Usage of the passport you possess for recent foreign travels
05. The following documents are required for the registration.
5.1 Possession of a valid National Identity Card - One valid National Identity Card Number may be used only for the application of the relevant applicant and for an application of one of his / her child below 16 years of age.
5.2 A valid Mobile Phone Number - Same mobile phone number may be used for maximum of two registrations.
06. You, who have fulfilled the requirements in 04 and / or 05 above, may visit the website www.immigration.gov.lk keeping the photograph receipt obtained from a relevant, approved Photo Studio with you and get registered by clicking the icon "Registration to apply for Passports".
07. If your registration is successful, you will be informed through an SMS a date to submit the application. It is compulsory to visit before 12.00 noon on the date assigned to you as per the SMS. If you are unable to visit on the date, you will lose your opportunity.
08. Prior registration methodology is valid for both one day service and normal service.
09. It is appropriate to use your passport until the e-Passport is executed in near future, if you already possess a valid Passport and if there are blank visa pages thereof.
10. You are kindly informed that there is no possibility of obtaining a Passport by visiting the Department without previously getting assigned a date and a time.
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