Collection of Biometrics from the Passport Applicants applying through Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions from January 1, 2018

As per Section 35(a) of the Immigrants and Emigrants Act No 20 of 1948 as amended in 2015, the Department of Immigration and Emigration(DIE) is required to obtain biometrics from passport applicants. Accordingly, the Department will be introducing a new procedure to obtain the Biometrics of passport holders whose passport has been issued through Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions after January  01, 2018. The procedure requires every passport holder who is in the age group of 16- 60 years to provide biometrics (fingerprints and digital face image) to the Department upon his/her first entry to Sri Lanka on the new passport.

Forms and Instructions can be found at the bottom of the page 

Procedure for Biometric Collection

Step 1: On arrival, you should directly report to the Chief Immigration Officer (CIO), or the Immigration Officer at the primary counter will refer to the CIO.

Step 2: The CIO will issue you a Biometric Data Acquisition (BDA) Form with a unique number, in two copies. You are required to sign both forms, one of which will be given back to you. The BDA form should be produced at the Department for biometrics collection.

Step 3: You may reserve an appointment for biometrics submission via the online appointment reservation system or visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration head office or regional office.

Step 4: Visit the Overseas Mission Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (headquarters or regional office) and submit the BDA form.

Step 5: The officers will guide you on providing biometrics. The estimated time of completion of the biometric enrollment process is 45 minutes.

Step 6: Immediately after submission of biometrics, the Biometrics Declaration Form will be issued to the passport holder confirming that the collection of biometrics has been successfully completed. With the completion of this process, the system will automatically activate the passport, allowing your departure from Sri Lanka.

For more information about the new procedure for biometrics collection, please visit www.immigration.gov.lk, contact the nearest Sri Lankan Diplomatic Mission, or the DIE Offices on following numbers:

1. Application for a Passport 

2. Application for an emergency travel Document (NMRP)

3. Application for change the name in the passport after marriage

4. Application for any other Amendments in passports