Child Passport Application Sri Lanka 2026 (Under 16)
Applying for a child's passport in Sri Lanka is different from an adult application. This guide covers the critical rules, parental consent requirements, required documents, fees, and what to do in special circumstances (parent abroad, divorce, adoption, etc.).
Critical Requirements
Children cannot be included in parents' passports
Every child needs a separate passport
Both parents MUST attend submission
Fee: Rs. 3,000 (3-year OR 10-year — same price)
Age Definition
Under 16 years = Child/Minor for passport purposes.
Child Passport
- ✓ Age 0–15 years
- ✓ Rs. 3,000 fee
- ✓ 3-year or 10-year validity
- ✓ Both parents attend submission
- ✓ NIC not required (if under 16)
Adult Passport (16+)
- ✓ Rs. 10,000 fee (normal)
- ✓ 10-year validity
- ✓ Apply independently
- ✓ NIC required
3-Year vs 10-Year Passport (Children)
Same Rs. 3,000 fee for both options.
3-Year Passport
Rs. 3,000
Best for:
- ✓ Babies and young kids (0–5)
- ✓ Updating photos more often
10-Year Passport
Rs. 3,000
Best for:
- ✓ Older children (especially 11–15)
- ✓ Better value (no renewal for 10 years)
Parental Requirements
- ✓ Both parents sign the consent letter
- ✓ Both parents accompany the child for submission
- ✓ If one parent is abroad: Embassy/Consulate-certified consent
Documents Required
Child's Birth Certificate
Original + photocopy
Parental Consent Letter
Signed by both parents
Parents' Passports / NICs
Photocopies of both
Application Form (K-35A)
Fill in English block capitals
For other document lists (renewals, special cases, etc.), see Documents Required for Passport.
Fees & Processing Times
| Service | Fee | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Rs. 3,000 | 8–12 weeks |
| Urgent | Rs. 9,000 | Same day (or 1–2 days) |
Want the full breakdown (adult vs child, urgent rules, payments)? → Read the complete passport fees guide
Special Circumstances
Parent Abroad
Consent letter must be certified by a Sri Lankan Embassy/Consulate.
Parents Divorced
Provide divorce certificate and custody order / proof of legal guardian.
Parent Deceased
Death certificate required.
Adopted Child
Adoption certificate and/or court order is required.
Born Outside Sri Lanka
Citizenship Certificate is typically required to prove entitlement.