2026 Sri Lanka Passport – New Rules and Major Changes Explained

In 2026, several important changes have been introduced to the Sri Lanka passport issuance system. One of the major updates is the replacement of the previous red “N Series” passport with a new navy blue “P Series” passport. In addition, the earlier “Middle East Only” passport category has been completely removed, and now all applicants will be issued a standard “All Countries” passport. To apply for a passport, applicants must first take a photograph at an immigration-approved studio and obtain a receipt with a Photo Reference Number. When submitting the application, it is mandatory to provide original and photocopies of required documents such as the birth certificate, National Identity Card (NIC), old passport (if available), and the studio receipt. It is important to note that translated documents are not accepted. According to the 2026 fee structure, the standard passport service fee is Rs. 10,000, while the one-day service fee is Rs. 20,000. A significant change is that children under 16 are now required to have their own individual passport, and their names can no longer be included in a parent’s passport. Although fingerprints are not required for children, the child must be physically present during the application process. For children’s applications, documents such as the birth certificate, parents’ NICs, consent letter, studio receipt, and any required court order or certificate must be submitted. If one parent is living abroad, that parent must sign a consent letter at the Sri Lankan Embassy in that country in the presence of an authorized officer, and the document must be officially attested. Simple consent letters without an embassy seal will not be accepted. The parent in Sri Lanka must then submit the attested original document along with the child and other required paperwork at the Passport Office. For children, a 3-year passport costs Rs. 3,000 for standard service and Rs. 9,000 for one-day service, while a 10-year passport costs Rs. 10,000 for standard service and Rs. 20,000 for one-day service. In case of a lost passport, applicants must pay a penalty along with the standard application fee. If the passport is lost within one year of issuance, a fine of Rs. 20,000 is charged, while a loss after one year incurs a Rs. 15,000 penalty. Applications are accepted at the Battaramulla Head Office as well as Kandy, Matara, Vavuniya, Kurunegala, and Jaffna offices, where one-day service is also available. Applications are processed from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM, so it is advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid long queues.