Airports & Seaports

Ports Branch

The Ports Branch provides comprehensive immigration and emigration services to Sri Lankan citizens and foreign nationals travelling through approved border points. By implementing strict border policies and modern identity management systems, we safeguard national security while maintaining an welcoming gate for international tourists and trade.

Approved Ports of Arrival & Departure

View the officially designated airports and maritime seaports through which travelers may legally enter or exit the territory of Sri Lanka.

Bandaranaike International Airport

Katunayake (BIA)

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport

Hambantota (MRIA)

Colombo International Airport

Ratmalana (CIAR)

Jaffna International Airport

Palaly (JIA)

Koggala Airport

Galle (KGA)

Batticaloa International Airport

Batticaloa (BTC)

Port of Colombo

Colombo (CMB)

Port of Galle

Galle (GAL)

Hambantota International Port

Hambantota (HRO)

Port of Trincomalee

Trincomalee (TRR)

Kankesanthurai Port

Jaffna (KKS)

Port of Oluvil

Ampara (OLV)

Point Pedro Port

Jaffna (PTP)

Norochcholai Coal Jetty

Puttalam (NOR)

Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour

Wattala (DKW)

6 Approved Airports Serving Civilian International Aviation

9 Approved Maritime Seaports Across Our Coasts

24/7 Continuous Border Screening & Security Operations

100% Island-Wide Maritime & Aerial Entry Point Monitoring

Port Locations Across Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Port Locations Topographic Map

Bandaranaike International Airport

Katunayake, Sri Lanka (BIA)

Port Type: International Airport

Immigration Office Contact: Duty Officer, Terminal 1

Telephone: +94 11 225 3092

Services at Ports

Passenger Clearance

Immigration clearance for passengers arriving/departing through Sri Lankan territory.

ETA at Ports

Services for foreign nationals arriving without prior Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Crew Entry Permits

Entry and shore permits for ship/naval crew members at approved seaports.

Crew Bond Stickers

Sovereign security bond stickers for foreign naval vessels and crew.

Travel Record Information

Official traveler registry logs and security verification requests for agencies.

Immigration/Emigration Forms

Arrival/Departure declaration forms and registration materials.

Passport Dispatch Approvals

Approved dispatch requests for foreign-held passports within our jurisdiction.

Travel Restrictions & Court Orders

Prohibition and departure prevention protocols issued by local courts.

Passport Dispatch Approval

Required Documents

Formal request letter detailing purpose
Clear scan of passport photo page
Receiver destination information and address
Payment receipt of processing fees

ATTENTION: For children under 16, a certified guardian's consent letter is strictly mandatory alongside birth registry documents.

View Application Form

Operational Fees

Passport Dispatch

Rs. 2,000

Charged per individual passport. Payable at Counter 4.

Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Naval Crew Bond Sticker View Requirements

USD 25

Charged per sticker. Paid in designated USD currency.

Requires Official Agent Request

Contact & Directory

Ports Branch Head Office

Department of Immigration and Emigration, Suhurupaya, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.

Phone: +94 11 210 1581

dcports@immigration.gov.lk aoports@immigration.gov.lk hoports@immigration.gov.lk

Email Head Office Locate on Map

Port Phone Numbers

Bandaranaike Int'l Airport (BIA) 011 225 3092 / 2373

Colombo Port Control Office 011 248 3266

Mattala Rajapaksa Airport (MRIA) 047 203 1908

Ratmalana Airport (CIAR) 011 218 3352

Galle Seaport Immigration 091 222 7111

Hambantota Seaport Office 047 225 8108

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ETA to obtain my passport clearance?

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Foreign passport holders always require an active ETA status or valid entry visa to proceed through terminal checkpoints.

What should I do if my flight is diverted to another airport?

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In the event of an unscheduled diversion to an alternate Sri Lankan international airport, terminal immigration officers coordinate temporary landing clearances and transport assistance.

Are seaports open for leisure yachts and tourists?

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Yes, designated international seaports including Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, and Trincomalee accept leisure yachts subject to port health clearance and advance passenger manifest filing.

Where can I obtain an official emergency travel card?

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Official emergency clearance certificates and interim travel cards can be requested at the Department Head Office in Battaramulla or through Sri Lankan foreign missions abroad.

How do I register a complaint against seaport service delays?

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Complaints can be logged directly with the Port Immigration Officer-in-Charge, submitted via our online inquiry portal, or emailed to controller@immigration.gov.lk.

What assistance is provided for delayed departures?

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Immigration officers will inspect passports, issue interim transit clearance stamps, and liaise with the operating airline for ground transport or hotel accommodations.