LankaGuide

How to Apply for Sri Lankan Passport Online 2026 - Complete Step-by-Step Guide

~30 min read

Applying for a Sri Lankan passport online is faster and more convenient than the traditional walk-in method. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the online application process, from creating your account to collecting your passport. We'll cover common issues, troubleshooting tips, and best practices to ensure a smooth application experience.

Looking for the complete passport guide?
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Why Apply for Passport Online?

Advantages

  • Apply from anywhere - no need to visit office twice
  • Scheduled appointments - no long queues
  • Online payment options available
  • Track application status online anytime
  • Automatic form validation reduces errors
  • SMS and email notifications for updates

Important to Know

  • You must still visit in person for biometric data (fingerprints & photo)
  • Processing time is the same (8-12 weeks for normal service)
  • Requires stable internet connection and basic computer skills
  • Need to scan/photograph documents for upload

Before You Start - Requirements Checklist

Make sure you have everything ready before starting your online application. This will make the process smooth and prevent delays.

Physical Documents

  • Birth certificate (original)
  • National Identity Card - NIC (if 16+ years)
  • Current/expired passport (if renewing)
  • Other documents as per your situation

See complete documents checklist →

Digital Requirements

  • Valid mobile number (Sri Lankan or any)
  • Valid email address
  • Scanned copies of documents (JPEG or PDF)

Payment Method

  • Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
  • OR bank account for bank payment voucher
  • Rs. 10,000 for adults / Rs. 3,000 for children
Pro Tip: Scan all your documents BEFORE starting the application. Have them ready in a folder on your computer. This will save you time and prevent the session from timing out.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Official Portal: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/onlinetd/OnlineTD/

  1. 1

    Visit the Official Portal

    Go to https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/onlinetd/OnlineTD/

    Security Note: Make sure you're on the official government website. The URL should start with "eservices.immigration.gov.lk"
  2. 2

    Click "Register" or "New User"

    Look for the registration button on the homepage. It might say "Register", "New User", or "Create Account".

  3. 3

    Enter Registration Details

    Fill in the following information:

    • Mobile Number: Must be active - you'll receive OTP here
    • Email Address: Valid email for notifications
    • Password: Create a strong password (at least 8 characters, mix of letters and numbers)
  4. 4

    Verify Your Mobile Number

    After submitting registration, you'll receive an OTP (One-Time Password) via SMS to your mobile number.

  5. 5

    Account Created Successfully!

    Once OTP is verified, your account is created. You can now log in and start your passport application.

Step 2: Fill Application Form K-35A

After logging in, you'll see options to apply for a new passport or renew an existing one. Select the appropriate option and fill out the digital form carefully.

Critical: All Information Must Match Your Official Documents EXACTLY

Even small discrepancies (spelling, middle names, dates) can cause rejection. Triple-check everything before submitting.

Form Sections You'll Complete:

1. Personal Information

  • • Full name (exactly as on birth certificate)
  • • Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY format)
  • • Place of birth (district, country)
  • • Gender
  • • Marital status
  • • NIC number (if applicable)

2. Address Information

  • • Current residential address (street, city, district)
  • • Postal code
  • • Permanent address (if different)
  • • Contact numbers (mobile, landline)
  • • Email address

3. Parents' Information

  • • Father's full name
  • • Mother's full name (maiden name)
  • • Parents' NIC numbers (if available)
  • • Parents' nationality

4. Emergency Contact

  • • Name of person to contact in emergency
  • • Relationship to you
  • • Contact number and address

Important Form Filling Tips:

  • Use ENGLISH ONLY - even if your documents have Sinhala/Tamil names, transliterate them
  • Name should match birth certificate exactly (including middle names, initials)
  • Some fields are mandatory (marked with *) - you cannot proceed without filling them
  • You can save as draft and continue later if needed

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

After completing the form, you'll need to upload scanned copies of your documents. The system will guide you on which documents to upload based on your application type.

Document Upload Requirements:

  • File Format: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF
  • File Size: Maximum 2MB per file (some systems allow up to 5MB)
  • Quality: Clear, readable, not blurry
  • Color: Color scans preferred

Common Upload Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Uploading blurry or unreadable photos
  • Uploading screenshots instead of scans
  • Part of the document is cut off
  • Uploading wrong document in wrong field

Pro Scanning Tips:

Using a Scanner: Place document flat on scanner glass, close lid, scan at 300 DPI or higher in color mode.

Using Smartphone Camera: Place document on contrasting background, ensure good lighting, hold phone directly above document, use scanning apps like Adobe Scan or Google Drive.

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

Current Fees (2026):

  • Adults (16+ years):Rs. 10,000
  • Children (under 16):Rs. 3,000
  • Urgent Service:Double fees

Payment Options:

Option 1: Online Payment (Recommended)

  • • Pay immediately with credit/debit card
  • • Visa, Mastercard accepted
  • • Instant confirmation
  • • No need to visit bank

Option 2: Bank Payment

  • • Generate payment voucher from system
  • • Visit People's Bank or Bank of Ceylon
  • • Pay cash or via your bank account
Important: After payment, you cannot edit your application. Make sure all information is correct before paying!

Step 5: Biometric Appointment

Even with online application, you MUST visit an immigration office or designated Divisional Secretariat to provide fingerprints and have your photo taken.

  • You'll be asked to select a location and time slot during the online process
  • You will receive an appointment confirmation (save this!)
  • Arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment
  • Bring originals of all documents you uploaded

Step 6: Track Your Application

You can check the status of your passport application at any time.

Tracking URL: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk

Login with your account or use your Reference Number to check status.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Website not loading?

Try clearing browser cache, use a different browser (Chrome/Firefox), or try during off-peak hours.

OTP not received?

Wait 5 minutes before retrying. Check spam folder if email OTP. Ensure mobile signal is strong.

Payment failed?

Check if your card is enabled for online transactions. Try a different card or use the Bank Payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I save my application and continue later?

Yes, you can save your application as a draft and continue filling it later. Just log back in with your username and password. However, drafts may expire after 30 days of inactivity.

Q: What if the website is not working or showing errors?

The Immigration Department website sometimes experiences technical issues. Try these solutions: (1) Clear your browser cache and cookies, (2) Try a different browser, (3) Try during off-peak hours, (4) Call the helpline 1962.

Q: Can I apply online from outside Sri Lanka?

Yes, you can start the online application from anywhere. However, you must visit Sri Lanka to provide biometric data in person. Alternatively, apply through the Sri Lankan embassy in your country.

Disclaimer

The online application process and system interface may change over time. While we keep this guide updated, always refer to the official Immigration Department website for the most current information. Last updated: February 4, 2026.