India has reintroduced its free visa scheme for Sri Lankan pilgrim groups, making travel to India easier for religious visitors.
The Indian High Commission says it will continue to facilitate the swift and convenient issuance of visas to Sri Lankan nationals under its existing visa policy.
Sri Lankans travelling to India can apply through the electronic visa facility, while those applying through the Indian High Commission must submit their applications online and hand over the required documents to Indian Consular Application Centres in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Hambantota and Batticaloa.
The High Commission says visas will be issued expeditiously to Sri Lankans travelling to India on pilgrimages, including visits to Buddhist religious sites.
Under the reintroduced scheme, groups of 10 or more pilgrims recommended by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs can receive visas without paying a visa fee.
The scheme was temporarily suspended following a change in India’s visa service provider and was reintroduced after the new provider began operations on July 7, 2026.
Pilgrim groups of 10 or more can apply collectively or individually at an ICAC to provide biometric information.
Under new Indian Government regulations, biometric data is mandatory for applicants aged between 12 and 70. The High Commission says this will help ensure smoother immigration procedures upon arrival in India.
While no visa fee will be charged under the scheme, applicants must pay a service charge of Rs. 1,855 to the Indian Consular Application Centre for processing their applications.
