The High Commission of India in Colombo has clarified that there has been no change in the visa fee policy for Sri Lankan pilgrims travelling to India, stating that eligible pilgrimage groups can obtain visas on a gratis (free) basis.

In a statement issued on Friday (24), the High Commission said it continues to facilitate the timely and smooth issuance of visas to Sri Lankan citizens, who can also make use of India’s e-visa facility.

Sri Lankans who apply through the High Commission are required to submit their online applications through Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC) located in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Hambantota and Batticaloa.

The High Commission said visas for Sri Lankans travelling to India for pilgrimage, including visits to Buddhist pilgrimage sites, are facilitated and issued swiftly. It said that where applications are recommended by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, gratis visas are issued for pilgrimage groups of 10 or more.

It added that the practice of issuing gratis visas was temporarily discontinued due to a change in the visa outsourcing agency but has now been reintroduced following the appointment of a new service provider, which began operations on 7 July 2026.

The High Commission said pilgrimage visa requests should be forwarded by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. Applicants can apply as a group of 10 or more and are required to visit ICACs either as a group or individually for biometric collection, as required under new Indian government regulations.

However, biometric registration is mandatory only for applicants between the ages of 12 and 70.

The High Commission also said a special expedited process has been introduced for senior citizens visiting ICACs for biometric collection to minimise waiting times.

It added that there is no visa fee for Sri Lankan pilgrims whose applications are submitted through the prescribed process, while applicants are required to pay a visa service fee of LKR 1,855 to the ICAC for its services.