Embassy of the United States

Sri Lankan Police Clearance

If you are a resident of Sri Lanka:

Submit your application for a Police Clearance Certificate to the Police Headquarters – 31, Olcott Mawatha, Pettah, Colombo 12 (Police Welfare Building, Police Headquarters) with the following documents:

1. Photocopy of National ID card. Women who use their husband’s family name must submit a copy of their marriage certificate and an affidavit stating their maiden name and name after the marriage.
2. Photocopy of Birth Certificate.
3. Photocopy of passport.
4. A fee of Sri Lankan Rupees 500/-

The clearance certificate will be mailed to your address by registered post in approximately 3-4 weeks.

Download the application form for the police clearance certificate (external link). Application forms are available at the Police Headquarters.

If you reside outside of Sri Lanka:

Submit your application for a Police Clearance Certificate to the closest Sri Lankan Diplomatic Mission (external link) with the following documents:

1. Photocopy of National ID card. Women who use their husband’s family name must submit a copy of their marriage certificate and an affidavit stating their maiden name and name after the marriage.
2. Photocopy of Birth Certificate.
3. Photocopy of passport.
4. A fee of Sri Lankan Rupees 1000/- or equalent amount is charged for the service.  The Clearance Certificate will be mailed to your address by registered post in approximately two months.

Download the application form for the police clearance certificate (external link)

You may also submit your application along with the other documents directly to the Deputy Inspector of Police, with a bank draft of Sri Lankan Rupees 1000/- drawn favoring Deputy Inspector of Police, Police Head Quarters. The Clearance will be mailed directly to the applicant and takes approximately two months. This process is more suitable for applicants who live in a country which does not have a Sri Lankan Diplomatic Mission.

For additional information, you may call +94 11 242 1111 Ext. 437 or refer to the Sri Lanka Police website (external link).  

United States Federal Clearance

To obtain a Federal Clearance, you must contact the FBI.  To obtain an FBI Clearance, log onto the FBI website (www.fbi.gov) and click on the link entitled “How do I…” then “Request an FBI Identification Record.”  From here you can find information on the procedure, fee, and any other pertinent information.  You can also download the required fingerprint card.

The Embassy cannot fingerprint individuals.  To obtain fingerprints, we recommend that you contact the main police station in Colombo or where you reside.

State Clearance

To obtain a police clearance from your state of residence in the U.S., you must contact the police in the state in which you are/were resident.  The contact information given below is for each state: