If you’re a Sri Lankan expat living in the UAE, keeping your travel documents up to date is important. One of the most important of these is your Sri Lankan passport, which is valid for 10 years.
But what happens when it’s close to expiry or you’ve run out of visa pages? It’s time to apply for a passport renewal. Luckily, the process is clear and manageable once you know what to do. Let’s learn the details.
- When Should You Renew Your Passport?
- Where to Apply
- Documents Required
- Sri Lankan Passport Renewal Fees
- Step-by-Step Process
- Tips to Avoid Delays
- FAQs
When Should You Renew Your Passport?
You should renew your passport at least six months before it expires or earlier if you’ve run out of visa pages. This is because all passport renewals are processed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the turnaround time can take between 40 to 90 days, depending on the case. Waiting until the last minute could lead to travel delays or visa complications, so it’s always better to plan ahead.
Where to Apply for a Sri Lankan Passport Renewal in the UAE
If you’re living in the UAE and need to renew your Sri Lankan passport, you can visit one of the two official Sri Lankan government offices in the country:
Consulate General of Sri Lanka – Dubai
This consulate serves Sri Lankans living in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and other northern emirates. It handles passport renewals, consular services, and other documentation support.
Location
Villa No 2, 8C Street, Al Mankhool Road
Timings
Monday to Friday: 08:30 AM to 01:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Embassy of Sri Lanka – Abu Dhabi
This is the main diplomatic mission of Sri Lanka in the UAE and caters to Sri Lankan citizens living in Abu Dhabi and nearby emirates.
Location
Villa No.18A, Al Danah, Zone 1
Timings
Monday to Friday: 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Documents Required For Sri Lankan Passport Renewal
To ensure a hassle-free passport renewal process, make sure to bring the original documents along with one clear photocopy of each.
Mandatory Documents
- Completed Passport Application Form
- Current Passport
- Photocopy of Passport Pages 2 & 3 (Data Page)
- Photocopy of Passport Pages 4 & 5 (Observation and Alteration)
- Photocopy of UAE Visa Endorsement Page
- Three Recent Colour Photographs (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm)
- Original Sri Lankan National Identity Card (NIC) + Copy
- Original Birth Certificate + Copy
If Applicable
- Marriage Certificate (if name changed after marriage)
- Proof of Profession (original certificates + employer letter with two copies)
Sri Lankan Passport Renewal Fees
The cost of renewing a Sri Lankan passport in the UAE depends on two main factors: the type of passport you choose and whether you’re applying for a regular renewal or replacing a lost passport in the UAE.
| Passport Type | Fee (AED) |
| Regular Passport – Middle East Only | 185 |
| Regular Passport – All Countries | 580 |
| Lost Passport – Middle East Only | 645 |
| Lost Passport – All Countries | 1,290 |
Step-by-Step Process for Sri Lankan Passport Renewal in the UAE
1. Download or Collect the Application Form
You can either download the form from the embassy/consulate’s website or collect it in person. Read the instructions carefully, especially the back of the form
2. Fill Out the Form
- Use block letters
- Complete all fields (1 to 20)
- Sign twice in the signature boxes without crossing the lines
3. Prepare All Required Documents
Double-check that all originals and copies are included. Also, make sure your photographs meet the specified requirements
4. Submit the Application
- Visit the Embassy or Consulate during working hours.
- Submit the form, documents, and fee.
- You’ll receive a receipt as confirmation.
5. Wait for Processing
- Your application is forwarded to the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.
- Processing time is approximately 40–60 working days, but it can take longer depending on document verification.
6. Collect Your New Passport
Once the passport arrives, the mission will contact you. You must submit your old passport at this stage, as it will be cancelled and returned with the new one
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Use only recent, studio-quality photographs
- Make sure all fields in the form are complete and accurate
- Provide authenticated documents if they are issued outside Sri Lanka
- Double-check that copies are clear and legible
- Include your UAE contact details clearly in the form
FAQs
To renew your Sri Lankan passport in the UAE, you must visit either the Sri Lankan Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai and submit your application in person.
If you are based in Dubai or nearby emirates, you can renew your passport at the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai. Visit during working hours, submit your documents, and follow the same steps as you would at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
The passport renewal fee varies depending on the type of application. For a regular passport valid only for Middle Eastern countries, the fee is AED 185. If you need a passport that is valid for all countries, the fee is AED 580.
Renewing your Sri Lankan passport in the UAE isn’t complicated, but it does require attention to detail and early planning. If you prepare your documents correctly and submit them well before your passport expires, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress or travel delays.
Furthermore, you can also explore how to get a UAE residence visa through property investment on the Property Finder Blog.
