• The aircraft is taxied to the VVIP Lounge area of the Bandaranaike International Airport
• First door of the aircraft opens for the visiting Head of State/Government and the delegation to disembark
• The Chief of Protocol and the Head of visiting country’s Diplomatic Mission board the aircraft to greet and invite the Head of State/Government and Spouse to disembark the aircraft
• The visiting Head of State/Government and Spouse descend followed by the Chief of Protocol and the Head of the visiting country’s Diplomatic Mission
• At the foot of the gangway, the Head of State/Government and Spouse will be presented with a garland/bouquet of flowers and are welcomed by the Honourable Foreign Minister.
• Honourable Foreign Minister /Chief of Protocol introduces the Head of State/Government to the welcoming party in the receiving line from the Sri Lankan side which will comprise of;Deputy Foreign Minister
• Minister-in-Attendance
• Lady-in-Waiting
• Governor, Western Province
• Chief Minister, Western Province
• Foreign Secretary
• Director General of the Territorial Division
• Chairman, Airport & Aviation
• Number of such welcome party shall not exceed 12
• The Head of Mission introduces the welcome party in receiving line from the visiting country to the Head of State/Government
• The Head of State/Government signs the ‘Golden Book’
• The Head of State/Government and Spouse will be escorted to the VVIP car
• The visiting Head of State/Government and Spouse, together with the accompanying delegation leave in a special motorcade to the hotel
• The reverse order shall apply on departure

• One on one meeting is a restricted meeting held between the President of Sri Lanka and the visiting Head of State/Government prior to the Bilateral Meeting.

• The First Lady and the Spouse of the visiting Head of State/Government may join the One on One.

   

• Bilateral Meeting takes place at the Conference Hall of the Presidential Secretariat.
• Twelve official delegates can accompany the visiting Head of State/Government to the meeting (1+12) (Can Vary).

• Interpreter/Note taker may join the official delegation if necessary.

   

• The Signing Ceremony takes place after the Bilateral Meeting
• Participants at the Signing ceremony take their positions in front of the signing table, with those of the visiting country on the right of the Sri Lankan side.
• The Master of Ceremony announces the names of the agreements and the signatories
• The signatories take their designated seats
• Signing of documents

• After both signatories sign, the signatories exchange the documents

  

  

   

  

Order of Precedence of the Diplomatic Corps based in Colombo

As at 02 February, 2023

• Directory of Diplomatic, Consular and Other Representation in Sri Lanka -Part I
• Directory of Diplomatic, Consular and Other Representations in Sri Lanka Part-II

Inssuance of Visa for Diplomatic and Non-Diplomatic Staff

Instructions

(1) Embassies /High Commissions/Consulate General Officials/ Consulate Based in Sri Lanka

1.1 Entry Visa for Diplomats & Non-Diplomatic Staff, Permanent Staff

• The Mission has to obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for creating new position (Home Based). A Note Verbale has to be submitted for justifying the needs of the new position, duty list, and the Curriculum Vitae of the official who is going to take this position.
• Any defence related new positions or replacement is required the concurrence of the Ministry of Defence.
• The visa application for the new position will be processed if the prior approval or concurrence of this Ministry obtained.
• Entry visa requests should be submitted to the Protocol Division through a Sri Lankan Mission abroad or respective Diplomatic Mission in Sri Lanka along with following;

                         i.  Request (Note Verbale)- should be submitted in duplicate
                        ii. A clear copy of the Data page of the passport of the applicant
                       iii.Duly filled application for Entry Visa

• Request should be submitted to the Protocol Division of the Ministry 21 days prior to the expected arrival of the officer/s.
• If the request is for Defence related position (Defence Advisor/Attaché), it should be submitted to the Protocol Division of the Ministry 30 days prior to the expected arrival of the applicant/s.
• Upon Ministry’s approval the Department of Immigration & Emigration will convey its approval to the Sri Lanka Mission abroad to issue entry visa for the applicant.
• On Arrival Visas will be issued only for the requests received from countries where Sri Lanka does not have a Resident Mission.

1.2 Entry Visa for dependents and family members of Non-Diplomatic Staff (Home based)

• If the spouse and family members are accompanied with the officer, the applicant should submit the Entry visa application/s together with the officer’s application. If the Spouse and family members are not accompanied by the officer, it is necessary to attach a copy of the visa page of passport of the officer together with their application/s.
• Entry visas for Children over 21 years of age will be granted on reciprocal basis. (Gratis/Payment)
• Entry visas for extended family members other than the Officer, Spouse & Children will be granted on reciprocal basis. (Gratis/Payment)

(2) Residence Visa for Diplomatic, Non-Diplomatic Staff

• Residence visas will be issued only for the applicants who arrived in the country through an Entry visa.
• Visa for spouse and family members shall be granted only until the duration of tenure of the Officer.
• Residence visas will be granted for three (03) years and it can be extended by one year upon request.
• Residence visas for Children over 21 years of age will be processed by the Ministry on Reciprocal basis. (Gratis/Payment)
• Residence visas for extended family members will be granted on reciprocal basis. (Gratis/Payment

Entry Visa for UN and other International Organizations’ Staff

1.1 Visa Application forms should be submitted along with the following documents;

      a) Request letter from relevant Agency/International organization

      b) Visa Application as per Protocol Circular

     c) Bio Data of the officer

     d) Terms of Reference of post including location/project

     e) Departure Notice of predecessor

     f) Recommendation from the relevant line Ministry

     g) Clear copy of data page of Passport of the applicant

Entry visa for dependents & family of UN and other organization personnel

a)Terms of Reference (TOR) of the relevant Officer
b)Clearance from the Department of External Resources or relevant Line Ministries
c)Clear copy of data page of Passport of dependent of the applicant

2.Residence Visa for Diplomatic, Embassy Staff and UN Personnel

          2.1 Note Verbale/ request letter has to be submitted by the Embassy/High Commission/UN Organisation
         2.2 Officer should enter the country through an Entry visa. The Officer who has arrived through a tourist visa will not be allowed to obtain the Residence visa. In that case, Protocol Division will reject the application and return documents.

3. Residence Visa for Dependents & Family of Diplomatic, Embassy Staff and UN Personnel

3.1 The person who applies for visa on behalf of his or her spouse/children must be officially appointed/attached to the Institute/Organization recognized by the Government of Sri Lanka to be entitled to the Diplomatic privileges and Immunities.

3.2 Visa for spouse and family members granted only until the duration of stay of the principal privileged officer

• If the visa is granted on payment basis the esteemed Mission will be notified in this regard. Necessary visa fee should be made at the Department of Immigration & Emigration by the esteemed Mission.
• When applying a visa for a family member / domestic aide of an Official attached to a Diplomatic Mission, a copy of the data page and the visa page of the passport of the official concerned should be submitted along with the duly filled
• Esteemed Missions are cordially requested to collect the passport from the Protocol Counter only without directly collecting the same from the concerned authority.
• The Ministry would be grateful if the esteemed Missions could submit the above mentioned documents when applying for visas in order to avoid unnecessary delays in processing the requests.

Please note:

1. Sri Lanka does not recognize same sex unions. Such partners of privileged persons will not be granted gratis visa by which they will be entitled to Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities.
2. As a special consideration the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognizes those in a civil union as entitled to the privileges of spouse provided that they are not of the same sex and are recognized by their own state (refer Protocol Guidelines for further details)
3. Visa for the Personal Assistant of Diplomatic Officers will be issued on free of charge on Reciprocal basis
4. All Missions are required to send quartely staff returns (Diplomatic, Non-Diplomatic and Locally recruited staff in March, June, September and December, with the updated information via email to cprot@mfa.gov.lk and protocol@mfa.gov.lk

Further Inquiries

Protocol Division
Tel : +94 112 327 048 , +94 773 671 408
Fax : +94 112 325 346
Email : cprot@mfa.gov.lk , protocol@mfa.gov.lk
Hotline : +94 772 282 725 (After office hours and Public holidays)
Web : www.mfa.gov.lk

Application for Entry visa request for Employment Assignment at Diplomatic Missions

Application for Visa-UN and other Specialised International Organizations

Request to Obtain “LAKSIRI” VIP Lounge Facility

Instructions

1. Only entitled privileged persons may use the “Laksiri” VIP Lounge on a gratis basis (determined on a reciprocity basis).
2. A duly completed application form must be submitted to the Protocol Division together with a Third Party Note (TPN) at least 72 hours prior to the visit, providing the following information:
   • Name, designation, and flight details (arrival and departure) of the VIP
   • Type of visit (Official / Private / Working / Transit)
   • Details of accompanying delegation (names and designations), if any
   • Name(s) and designation(s) of officer(s) meeting/seeing off the VIP at the Lounge
     Note: Maximum of 03 persons allowed to enter the VIP Lounge to receive/see off the VIP
   • Vehicle registration numbers and names of drivers of the Mission/Organization authorized to enter the airport premises
3. Local contact details (institution and name/telephone of the local coordinator)
4. Gratis VIP Lounge facility is granted strictly on a reciprocity basis. If reciprocity does not apply, the fee will be charged by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. Missions are required to settle the payment directly with the airport. The current fee structure may be obtained from Airport and Aviation Services or the Protocol Division.

Important Telephone Numbers

• Bandaranaike International Airport Reservation Office: +94 112 254 993
• Bandaranaike International Airport Duty Manager: +94 112 259 394

Application Form

• Application for Use of VIP Lounge Facility

Further Inquiries

Protocol Division
Tel: +94 112 327 048 , +94 775 616 542
Fax: +94 112 325 346
Email: cprot@mfa.gov.lk , protocol@mfa.gov.lk
Hotline: +94 772 282 725 (After office hours and public holidays)
Web: www.mfa.gov.lk

Request for Approval for Duty Free Vehicle Purchases

Instructions

1. Vehicles for Official Purposes of the Diplomatic Mission and Diplomats

1. Brand New Vehicles

• Prior to import/purchase a brand new vehicle, a prior approval from the Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be obtained.
• Completed Clearance Certificates should be submitted with shipping documents (Bill of Lading, Invoice etc.), together with engine number, chassis number etc.
• Vehicle should not be left-hand driven.

2. Used Vehicles

• Prior to import/purchase a used vehicle, a prior approval from the Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be obtained.
• Export certificate or 1st registration certificate is required with the clearance certificate.
• Vehicle inspection certificate should be submitted to the Controller General of Import & Export Control Department.
• Restrictions:
  • Vehicle should not be more than 3 years old
  • Vehicle should not be left-hand driven
  • Vehicle should not have tinted glasses
  • Motorcycles should not exceed 250cc

2. Personal Vehicles

• Prior to the import/purchase of a personal vehicle, a prior approval from the Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be obtained.
• Diplomats can purchase a vehicle within one year of arrival.
• Non-diplomatic staff of Diplomatic Missions and Experts attached to international organizations are entitled only within the first six months from the date of arrival, based on reciprocity.
• Vehicle should not be left-hand driven.

Limitation on the Number of Vehicles

1. Official vehicles: No limitation, but number should commensurate with the capacity and function of the Mission.
2. Diplomatic Officers: Entitlement is for one vehicle.
3. Non-Diplomatic Officers: Only one duty-free vehicle allowed within six months from the date of arrival, based on reciprocity.
4. Foreign Experts: Same conditions as non-diplomatic officers.

Disposal of Vehicles

• Prior to disposing of a vehicle, a prior approval from the Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be obtained.

Methods of Disposal

1. Sale in the open market
2. Re-exportation
3. Transfer to a privileged person
4. Transfer to a government institute
5. Other methods (especially for bullet-proof/ballistic-proof vehicles)

Sale in the Open Market

1. The vehicle should have been used for at least three (3) years from the date of importation.
2. Request should come through the Mission with the Certificate of Registration.
3. Protocol Division grants approval to sell to the Director General of Public Finance or a privileged person. For open market sale, the request is forwarded to DG Public Finance for valuation.
4. Owner pays relevant duties/taxes to Director General of Customs.
5. Submit duty payment receipts, valuation letter, and duty detail letter (originals + duplicates). For DPL plates, return to Protocol Division.
6. Once in order, approval TPN/letter and RMV transfer letter are issued.

Re-exportation

1. Prior approval from Protocol Division required.
2. Submit initial request with Certificate of Registration.
3. Approval granted with copy to DG Customs (“A”/“B” facility) and RMV for cancellation.
4. Number plate returned to RMV via Protocol Division.

Transfer to a Privileged Person or Foreign Mission/Organization

• Provide: initial request, prior approval form, seller’s and buyer’s details.
• Non-diplomat/Expert buyer: submit arrival notice and passport copy.
• DPL to DPL: No plate change.
• Non-DPL/Expert to DPL: Plate changed to DPL; old plate returned to Protocol Division.

Transfer to a Government Institute

1. Prior approval required.
2. No restrictions after payment of taxes/duties.
3. DPL plates must be returned.
4. Communication equipment must be dismantled per MoD and TRC guidelines.

Other Methods (Bullet-Proof / Armoured Vehicles)

• Cannot be sold or transferred locally. Options: re-export, hand over to Government of Sri Lanka, or destroy.
• Disposal in the sea or dismantling requires:
  • Formal request with registration certificate
  • Observations from Secretary of Defence
  • Approval from Marine Pollution Prevention Authority and Sri Lanka Navy
  • Payment of customs duty on steel scrap value
  • Return of number plate to RMV
  • Dismantling of communication equipment per MoD/TRC guidelines

All Missions are required to forward vehicle returns (both staff and mission) quarterly (March, June, September, December) with updated information via email to cprot@mfa.gov.lk and protocol@mfa.gov.lk

Further Inquiries

Protocol Division
Tel: +94 112 327 048 , +94 777 418 022
Fax: +94 112 325 346
Email: cprot@mfa.gov.lk , protocol@mfa.gov.lk
Hotline: +94 772 282 725 (After office hours and public holidays)
Web: www.mfa.gov.lk

Request for Diplomatic Clearance for Foreign State/Military Aircrafts, Ships, Weapons, Communication Equipment etc.

Instructions

Aircraft Clearance

• Requests for permission for overflying Sri Lankan territory or landing at a Sri Lankan airport or airbase by a Foreign State/Military aircraft should be made in the attached application form by the Diplomatic Missions to the Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by email at cprot@mfa.gov.lk , protocol@mfa.gov.lk or Fax No. 0094-112327048.
• Duly filled application should be forwarded to the Protocol Division along with a Mission’s Note Verbale 10 working days prior to the clearance is required.
• The validity of the Diplomatic clearance given will cover a period of 48 hours (02 days) grace period before or after the expected date of arrival of the aircraft as stated in the application.
• The application for Diplomatic clearance of the aircraft will be considered on the understanding that such aircraft does not carry nuclear weapons or any other dangerous cargo.
• The Ministry will notify the Mission concerned of its decision by a TPN/email/fax and reserves the right to refuse clearance without stating reasons.

The following aircrafts shall be exempted from the levy and charges:

1. Aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations when providing a free service
2. Aircraft returning due to technical or meteorological reasons
3. Test flights undertaken or performed during any flight with the prior approval of the Director of Civil Aviation
4. Aircraft of Heads of State/Government on a State/Official/transit Visit
5. Aircraft of the United Nations and its specialized Agencies
6. Any other aircraft as may be exempted by the Director General of Civil Aviation

Diplomatic Clearance for Ship

1. Requests for permission for entry of the Foreign Military vessels within the territorial limits of Sri Lanka should be made in the application form by the Diplomatic Missions to the Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by email to cprot@mfa.gov.lk , protocol@mfa.gov.lk or Fax No. 0094-112327048.
2. Duly filled application should be forwarded to the Protocol Division along with a Mission’s Note Verbale at least 10 working days before the clearance is required.
3. In furnishing such particulars, reference to the vessel in question in internationally accepted Directories of vessel may be cited.
4. The validity of the clearance given will cover a period of 48 hours (2 days) grace period before or after the expected date of arrival of the vessel as stated in the application.
5. The Ministry will notify the Mission concerned of its decision by email/fax/TPN and reserves the right to refuse clearance without stating reasons.

Weapons / Communication Equipment Clearance

• Diplomatic Missions should submit the request through a TPN with the following information ten working days (10) prior to the required date:

Weapons:

1. Name/s of the officer/s carrying weapons
2. Designation/s
3. Passport No/s
4. Type of the firearm
5. Brand and Model of the Weapon/s
6. Serial No of the weapon
7. Diameter
8. No of Bullets

Communication Equipment:

1. Type of Radio
2. KHz channel width
3. MHz Frequency
4. UHF Frequency
5. Declared Frequency
6. Working Mode
7. Type of Antenna
8. Calling name
9. Intended purpose

• Requests from the States that do not have resident Missions in Colombo are forwarded to this Division through the Sri Lankan Missions abroad.
• The GOSL clearance for carrying weapons will be issued to the relevant Mission/s through a TPN.
• Weapons and Ammunitions should be handed over to the airline staff at the time of check-in.
• The Mission/s should ensure that the weapons, ammunitions and communication equipment needed by the foreign delegations in the performance of their duties during specialized visits should be re-exported on the departure of the VVIP/VIP and inform the Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accordingly.

Further Inquiries

Protocol Division
Tel: +94 112 327 048 , +94 772 267 917
Fax: +94 112 325 346
Email: cprot@mfa.gov.lk , protocol@mfa.gov.lk
Hotline: +94 772 282 725 (After office hours and Public holidays)
Web: www.mfa.gov.lk

Application Forms

• Application to obtain diplomatic clearance from the Government of Sri Lanka for diplomatic flights intended to operate into Sri Lanka/overfly Sri Lankan territory
• Application to obtain diplomatic clearance from Government of Sri Lanka for diplomatic vessels which are intended to operate into Sri Lankan waters 

Instruction for the request to obtain Airport Access Permits and Application

• The Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues 02 types of Airport Access Permits.

1. Permanent Computerized Photo Access Permits
2. Temporary Day Passes (To resident home base staff, their spouses and local staff)

A. Permanent Computerized Photo Access Permits

1. Each Diplomatic Mission in Colombo is entitled for four (04) “A” Category Permanent Computerized Photo Access Permits and four (04) “B” Category Permanent Computerized Photo Access Permits.
2. International Organizations based in Colombo is entitled for Two (02) “A” Category Permanent Computerized Photo Access Permits.
3. A request for issuing or renewing a Permanent Airport Photo Access Pass should be submitted to the Chief of Protocol through a Third Party Note (Note Verbal) by the Mission/International Organization concerned.
4. The Head of Mission/Authorized Officer of the Mission/International Organization should certify the application with the official stamp of the Mission/International Organization.
5. Duly perfected applications should be submitted to the Protocol Division along with the copies of the passport, visa page of the passport and the copy of the Airport Access Permit issued to the predecessor. If a pass is requested for a local staff, a Police Report issued for the applicant should be attached to the application.
6. The Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to convey the principle of reciprocity will be applied when determining the entitlement for Permanent Computerized Photo Access Permits for each category mentioned as follows.
7. Category A: Permanent Computerized Photo Access Permits will be issued under the Category A, to the Head of Mission, spouse and diplomatic officers of the Mission on the request of the Mission. “A” category passes are valid for 01 year period from its date of issue, and are renewable on the request of the Mission. “A” category passes grant access to the Apron (A), Arrival / Departure Customs, Immigration/Emigration (C), Office area/ New Admin. Building, Arrival / Departure Public Concourse (O), Transit, Pier (T), VIP Lounge (V), Cargo Village, UL Cargo/Import/Export (G) [ACOTVG]. However, G area is granted access only for the Head of Mission under this category.
8. Category B: Permanent Computerized Photo Access Permits are issued under the category “B” for Diplomatic, Non-diplomatic and Locally Recruited Staff (LR) on the request of the respective Mission. “B” category passes are renewable and valid for 01 year period from its date of issue. “B” category passes grants access to the Arrival Customs, Departure Customs, Immigration/Emigration (C), Office area, Arrival Public Concourse, Departure Public Concourse (O), Transit, Pier (T), VIP Lounge (V) [COTV].
9. Category C: Permanent Computerized Photo Access Permits are issued under the Category “C” for Diplomatic, Non-Diplomatic and Locally Recruited Staff on the request of the respective Mission. “C” category passes are renewable and valid for 01 year from its date of issue. C category passes grants access to the Arrival Customs, Departure Customs, Immigration/Emigration (C), Office Area, Arrival Public Concourse, Departure Public Concourse (O), VIP Lounge (V) [COV].

• “G” Area Access: Access to the “G” area (Cargo Village / Terminal 1/2/3 / UL Cargo) could be included to above-mentioned categories on the request of the Mission. “G” area access could be given only to two persons of each Mission.

i. For renewals, in addition to the applicant of the above requirements should submit a copy of the Airport Photo Access Permit issued to the officer concerned, previously. The renewal of the Airport Access Permits by the Locally Recruited Staff required a Police Clearance Report and it should be forwarded along with the duly completed application form.

ii. Original Airport permits will be issued only after the return of the Expired Original Airport Permits tenure by the officer concerned or the predecessor/spouse to the Airport Authorities.

iii. Applicant should have a valid visa for the entire period of the requesting Permanent Airport Access Pass.

iv. The new application forms for Permanent Computerized Photo Access Permits will be issued to the Diplomatic Missions, the United Nations and its Specialized Agencies and International Organizations by the Protocol Division. Relevant applications can download by the following links.

APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF PERMANENT COMPUTERIZED PHOTO ACCESS PERMIT

APPLICATION FOR PERMANENT COMPUTERIZED PHOTO ACCESS PERMIT

B. Day Passes

All Diplomatic Missions in Colombo are entitled to apply for Airport Day Passes for the staff of the Mission attending official Protocol duties at the Airport. Day Passes are issued to the Mission’s staff only to attend official duties at the Airport. Day Passes are valid for the requested areas and request for Day Passes should be made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before 05 working days of the official duty, and late submission will be rejected. Name and the Designation of the officers required the day pass and the Purpose should be indicated in the Diplomatic Note with required access areas of the airport.

Copy of Mission ID, Passport copy/National Identity card (for Local Staff) should submit with the request.

Stamp will be placed on the request of Airport Day Pass and it should be submit to the Day Pass Counter at the Airport

Further Inquiries

Protocol Division
Tel: +94 112 327 048, +94 775 616 542
Fax: +94 112 325 346
Email: cprot@mfa.gov.lk , protocol@mfa.gov.lk , id.protocol@mfa.gov.lk
Hotline : +94 772 282 725 (After office hours and Public holidays)
Web: www.mfa.gov.lk

Request for Clearance for Duty-Free Goods/Services (Personal/Official)

Instructions

1. Clearance certificates must be submitted to the Protocol Division in triplicate together with the following documents:
   1. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
   2. Packing List or Invoice
   3. Copies of relevant approvals (where applicable) from:
      • Ministry of Defence
      • Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment
      • Department of Forest Conservation
      • Department of Archaeology
      • Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC)
2. Clearance Certificates must be completed as follows:
   1. Bill of Lading / Airway Bill must clearly show the consignee (individual or Mission name).
   2. Quantities must exactly match the Bill of Lading / Airway Bill.
   3. For personal effects, the consignee must sign the right-hand corner.
   4. An authorized officer of the Mission/Agent must sign the left-hand corner.
   5. Only three (3) officials (including the Head of Mission) are authorized to sign. Specimen signatures must be submitted to Protocol Division at the beginning of each year or when changes occur.
   6. Detailed description and value of all items must be indicated.
   7. For local duty-free purchases, original invoices must accompany the certificate.
   8. Non-diplomatic personnel: Duty-free clearance allowed only within 6 months of first arrival.
   9. Diplomatic personnel: No time restriction.
   10. International Experts (UN/IOs) – local consumables only:
       Unmarried: USD 175/month  Married: USD 250/month
   11. Fresh fruits by air freight prohibited; sea freight allowed only with prior approval from National Plant Quarantine Service.
   12. Plants/seeds require prior approval from National Plant Quarantine Service.
   13. Telecommunication/security equipment requires prior approval from Ministry of Defence and TRC.
   14. Pet animals require prior approval from Department of Animal Production & Health, Peradeniya.
   15. Archaeological items cannot be exported without Department of Archaeology permission.
   16. Wooden furniture/forestry products require export permit from Department of Forest Conservation (inspection will be conducted).

Customs Clearance Facilities

• “A” Facility (no routine inspection): Diplomatic Officers, Heads of UN/IO representations.
• “B” Facility (subject to inspection): Non-diplomatic officers and administrative staff of UN/IOs.
• Officers completing tenure (minimum 6 months) may re-export personal belongings with MFA approval.

Note: Honorary Consuls in Sri Lanka are not entitled to any duty-free purchases or imports.

Further Inquiries

Protocol Division
Tel: +94 112 327 048 , +94 777 368 617
Fax: +94 112 325 346
Email: cprot@mfa.gov.lk , protocol@mfa.gov.lk
Hotline: +94 772 282 725 (After office hours and public holidays)

Other Important Contact Details

• National Plant Quarantine Service
  – Gannoruwa, Peradeniya: +94 812 384 226 , +94 812 388 044
  – Katunayake: +94 112 252 028
• Department of Animal Production & Health: +94 112 695 255
• Department of Forest Conservation: +94 112 866 616
• Telecommunications Regulatory Commission: +94 112 689 345
• Department of Archaeology: +94 112 695 255
• Ministry of Defence: +94 112 430 860 , +94 112 324 801

Request for Identity Cards for Diplomats, UN Agencies and Honorary Consuls

Instructions

1. Protocol Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues identification cards to resident home-based staff and their spouses (Diplomatic, Non-Diplomatic, Foreign Experts, UN personnel & Honorary Consuls).
2. Applications must be submitted with:
   • Two (2) photographs (25 mm x 37 mm) with red background
   • Photocopies of the photo page and visa pages (entry and residence visa) of the passport
3. The Head of Mission or an authorized officer must certify the application with the official stamp of the Mission/Organization.
4. In case of loss of an Identity Card, a Police Report must be obtained immediately. A new Identity Card will be issued only after one month from the date of receipt of the Police Report.
5. For renewal, the current Identity Card must be returned together with the duly completed new application (following procedures 2 and 3 above).
6. Identity Cards for a successor and his/her spouse will be issued only after the return of the predecessor’s and spouse’s Identity Cards to the Protocol Division upon completion of their tour of duty.
7. The applicant must have a valid visa covering at least six (6) months ahead from the date of application.
8. Identity Cards are normally issued within 15 working days.

Note: The Ministry will issue a diplomatic ID card to Non-Resident Heads of Mission accredited to Sri Lanka on a reciprocal basis.
The date of submission of fully completed documents will be considered as the official submission date.

Application Forms

• Application for Identity Cards for Honorary Consuls
• Application for Identity Cards for Honorary Consuls (Form 02)
• Application for Identity Cards for Diplomatic and Non-Diplomatic Staff, UN Personnel and Foreign Experts
• Application for Identity Cards for Diplomatic and Non-Diplomatic Staff, UN Personnel and Foreign Experts (Form no. 02)

Further Inquiries

Protocol Division
Tel: +94 112 327 048 , +94 772 267 939
Fax: +94 112 325 346
Email: cprot@mfa.gov.lk , protocol@mfa.gov.lk
Hotline: +94 772 282 725 (After office hours and public holidays)
Web: www.mfa.gov.lk