The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced that the temporary 24-hour one-day passport issuance service, introduced earlier this year to accommodate high public demand, will officially conclude on May 30, 2025. This expedited service was implemented on February 18, 2025, as a temporary measure to manage a surge in applications.
Beginning Monday, June 2, 2025, applications for one-day passports at the Department’s head office in Battaramulla will be accepted only between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The Department clarified that individuals who have already booked appointments under the one-day service for that date, or who have urgent requirements, may still apply within the new hours.
General passport applications at the Battaramulla head office will also follow the same 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. schedule. Meanwhile, all regional offices will continue processing both regular and one-day passport applications within these same hours, consistent with the existing timetable.
The Department urges applicants to plan accordingly and utilize the appointment booking system to avoid delays, particularly as the special 24-hour service is phased out.
