July 26, Colombo (LNW): The High Commission of India in Colombo has reaffirmed that there has been no revision to its visa fee policy for Sri Lankan pilgrims, confirming that eligible groups travelling for religious purposes can continue to obtain visas free of charge.
In a statement, the High Commission sought to dispel any confusion surrounding the matter, emphasising that visa services for Sri Lankan nationals remain fully operational and that applications continue to be processed without disruption. Travellers also have the option of using India’s e-visa system where applicable.
Sri Lankans applying through the High Commission are required to complete the online application process before submitting the necessary documents at Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) located in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Hambantota and Batticaloa.
The mission noted that visas for religious travel, including visits to Buddhist sacred sites in India, are given priority to ensure timely processing. Pilgrimage groups consisting of 10 or more members are eligible for gratis visas, provided their applications are officially recommended by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
According to the High Commission, the issuance of free pilgrimage visas had been briefly suspended following a transition to a new visa outsourcing agency. However, the facility has now resumed after the appointment of a new service provider, which began operations on 7 July 2026.
Authorities have advised that requests for pilgrimage visas should be channelled through the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. While applicants may submit their requests as part of a group, each individual must complete biometric enrolment at an ICAC, either together or separately, in line with updated Indian immigration requirements.
Biometric registration is compulsory only for applicants aged between 12 and 70 years. To improve convenience, the High Commission said an expedited process has also been introduced for senior citizens visiting ICACs for biometric collection, helping to reduce waiting times.
The High Commission further clarified that although qualifying Sri Lankan pilgrims are exempt from paying a visa fee, applicants must still pay the ICAC’s service charge of LKR 1,855 for processing and administrative services.
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