No change in Indian visa fee for Sri Lankan pilgrims, clarifies High Commission
COLOMBO: The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka has clarified its stance on visa issuance for Sri Lankan pilgrims traveling to India, reaffirming its commitment to facilitating smooth and timely travel while reintroducing gratis visas for organized pilgrim groups.
Responding to recent press queries, the High Commission stated that facilitating visa issuance for all Sri Lankan citizens remains a standing policy. Sri Lanka continues to be among the nations whose citizens can access India’s e-visa facility. Those choosing to apply directly through the High Commission are required to complete an online application and submit it to one of the Indian Consular Application Centers located in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Hambantota, or Batticaloa.
Addressing concerns regarding travel to Buddhist and other pilgrimage sites in India, the High Commission confirmed that pilgrim visas are processed swiftly. Under standing procedures, groups of 10 or more pilgrims whose applications are recommended by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs receive visas on a gratis basis, exempting them from standard visa fees.
While this gratis practice was temporarily suspended during a transition between visa outsourcing agencies, the High Commission confirmed its official reintroduction following the deployment of a new service provider, which began operations on July 7, 2026.
To utilize the gratis visa scheme, pilgrim groups must have their requests forwarded by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs. Applicants may complete their biometric capture at the application centers either individually or as a group. Under updated regulations issued by the Government of India, biometric capture is mandatory for all applicants between the ages of 12 and 70. The High Commission noted that biometric registration is intended to ensure seamless immigration clearance upon arrival in India.
To assist elderly travelers, special expedited procedures have been instituted at all application centers to minimize waiting times for senior citizens undergoing biometric collection.
The High Commission clarified that because qualifying pilgrim visas remain free of charge, any claims regarding an increase in visa fees for Sri Lankan pilgrims are unfounded. However, applicants submitting through the consular application centers are required to pay a standard service handling fee of LKR 1,855 directly to the service provider.