Planning your next overseas trip, heading abroad for work, or simply need to renew an expiring document? Getting a Sri Lankan passport has become significantly smoother thanks to the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) online appointment booking system.
Whether you are applying for the One-Day Service or Normal Service, securing an online appointment in advance is required—especially if you are submitting your application at a Regional Office.
Here is a clear guide on how to book your appointment online, what documents you need, and essential tips for appointment day.
💡 Why You Need an Online Appointment
To manage applicant volume efficiently and cut down waiting times, the Department of Immigration and Emigration requires applicants to pre-book their visit slot online.
Mandatory at Regional Offices: Appointments are strictly required if you are visiting offices in Kandy, Matara, Kurunegala, Vavuniya, or Jaffna. Applications without a valid online reservation will not be accepted at regional branches.
Head Office (Battaramulla): While booking online is recommended for smooth processing, walk-ins without an appointment are accommodated at the Head Office in "Suhurupaya," Battaramulla, for applicants with genuine emergency travel needs.
📑 Prerequisites Before Booking
Before accessing the online appointment portal, ensure you have the following ready:
Approved Digital Photo Acknowledgement Slip:
Visit an authorized photo studio to take your ICAO-standard digital passport photograph.
The studio will upload your photo directly to the department's database and issue a Photo Studio Acknowledgement Slip containing a unique reference number. You must enter this number to complete your booking.
National Identity Card (NIC) / Existing Passport: You will need your NIC number or existing passport number.
Active Mobile Phone Number: Necessary to receive your One-Time Password (OTP) verification and final confirmation SMS.
💻 Step-by-Step: How to Book Your Passport Appointment Online
Follow these steps to reserve your date and time slot:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Access the Department of Immigration and Emigration e-services portal:
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Step 2: Choose Your Language & Verify Mobile Number
Select your preferred language (Sinhala, Tamil, or English). Enter your mobile number to receive an OTP verification code via SMS.
Step 3: Select Service Type & Enter Details
Choose between Urgent (One-Day Service) or Normal Service.
Input your NIC number/Passport number and date of birth.
Enter the Photo Studio Acknowledgement Slip Number.
Family Appointments: If traveling together, you can create a Family Batch Appointment for up to 5 immediate family members (maximum 2 adults and 3 children) in a single reservation.
Step 4: Choose Branch & Time Slot
Select your preferred location (Head Office in Battaramulla or Regional Offices in Matara, Kandy, Kurunegala, Vavuniya, or Jaffna). Browse the calendar to select an available date and suitable time slot.
Step 5: Confirm & Save Details
Once submitted, you will receive an SMS notification confirming your booking details, including the appointment date, time slot, and chosen branch.
📋 What Documents to Take on Your Appointment Day
Bring the original copies (and clear photocopies) of the following:
NIC / Passport: Original National Identity Card (or current passport if renewing).
Birth Certificate: Original Original Birth Certificate.
Photo Acknowledgement Slip: The physical slip provided by the studio.
Completed Application Form (Form K 35 A): Filled neatly in English block letters.
Appointment Confirmation SMS/Printout: Presented at the entrance for verification.
Additional Supporting Documents: Marriage certificate, dual citizenship document, or professional/employer certification (if applicable).
⚠️ Important Tips to Remember
Punctuality is Key: For One-Day Service at regional offices, applicants must report before 12:00 PM on their appointment day. Missing your time slot results in cancellation, requiring a new booking.
No Printed Photos Required: Do not bring paper passport photos—only digital photos processed via an authorized studio are accepted.
Biometric Capture: Applicants aged between 16 and 60 will have their fingerprints captured during the submission process.
https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/MakeAppointments/
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