The High Commission of India in Colombo has clarified that Sri Lankan pilgrims traveling to India for religious purposes, including visits to Buddhist pilgrimage sites, will once again be eligible for free (gratis) visas. The decision follows the appointment of a new visa outsourcing service provider, which began operations on July 7, 2026, restoring a practice that had been temporarily suspended during the transition to the new agency.
The High Commission stated that Sri Lankan citizens can apply for Indian visas either through India's e-Visa system or by submitting applications at Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) located in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Hambantota, and Batticaloa. Authorities emphasized that India remains committed to ensuring the timely and smooth issuance of visas to Sri Lankan travelers.
Under the reinstated scheme, groups of 10 or more pilgrims recommended by Sri Lanka's Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs will receive gratis visas. Applications must be forwarded through the ministry, while applicants can visit ICAC centers either as a group or individually to complete mandatory biometric registration, a requirement introduced under the Government of India's updated visa regulations. Biometric collection applies only to applicants between the ages of 12 and 70.
The High Commission also announced that senior citizens visiting ICAC centers for biometric registration will benefit from a special expedited process designed to minimize waiting times. Officials noted that biometric registration will also help ensure smoother immigration clearance upon arrival in India.
While eligible pilgrims will not be charged a visa fee, applicants will still be required to pay a visa service charge of LKR 1,855 to the Indian Consular Application Centres for processing services. The High Commission stressed that there has been no increase in visa fees for Sri Lankan pilgrims, as the visa itself continues to be issued free of charge under the specified conditions.
