The Ministry of Public Security and the Department of Immigration and Emigration have implemented significant measures to enhance passport issuance in Sri Lanka, catering to the growing demand.
Increased Passport Issuance
The number of passports issued under the one-day service has been increased to 2,500–3,000 per day, compared to the previous capacity of 1,200. This increase addresses the surge in applications, reflecting a record issuance of 874,955 passports in 2022—a 129% rise from the previous year.
Special Counter for Urgent Applications
A dedicated counter has been introduced for applicants needing expedited service for urgent travel abroad. Applications submitted to this counter will undergo review by a designated committee, ensuring quick issuance of passports for qualifying individuals.
Online Application Facility
To streamline the process further, an online application portal has been launched. Applicants can now complete the initial application steps from home and visit designated offices only for biometric registration. This innovation reduces congestion at passport offices and enhances user convenience.
Updated Passport Fees
The revised fees for passport issuance are:
- Normal service: Rs. 5,000
- One-day service: Rs. 20,000
Improved Services to Meet Demand
These measures collectively aim to improve service efficiency and manage the increasing demand for passports in Sri Lanka, ensuring a more accessible and user-friendly process for applicants.
For more details, visit the official Department of Immigration and Emigration website.