Many Sri Lankans applying for UAE employment, family or long-term visas are asked for a police clearance certificate (PCC) from Sri Lanka Police. The certificate itself is straightforward — but the combination of applying from abroad, attestation and translation confuses many applicants. Here's how it actually works.
Who Issues It and Where to Apply
Police clearance certificates for Sri Lankans are issued by Sri Lanka Police Headquarters in Colombo. You can apply in person, through a relative with a power of attorney, or via the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate if you're already abroad. Applying from the UAE through the embassy route takes longer, so plan ahead.
Document Checklist
Typically required for a Sri Lankan PCC
- Photocopy of the passport bio page (and old passports if requested)
- Copy of your National Identity Card (NIC)
- Completed application form
- Fingerprint form certified at a police station (for overseas applicants)
- Purpose letter or visa requirement proof, if requested
- Applicable fee receipt
Attestation and Translation
For UAE use, the certificate usually needs attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo, then the UAE embassy in Colombo, and finally the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs after arrival. If any part is in Sinhala or Tamil only, arrange a certified English or Arabic translation.
Common Mistakes
- Leaving the PCC to the last minute — processing plus attestation can take weeks
- Fingerprints taken incorrectly or not certified
- Name differences between NIC, passport and application
- Skipping an attestation step and having the certificate rejected in the UAE
When to Contact LEO Travels
If you're in the UAE and need a Sri Lankan PCC, we guide you through the embassy process, fingerprint certification, and every attestation step — and we follow up until the certificate is usable for your visa application.
Message us 'Sri Lanka PCC' on WhatsApp and we'll send you the exact current checklist for your situation.
Chat on WhatsAppPlease Note
Visa requirements and government procedures can change. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or speak to LEO TRAVELS before applying.
