India restores free pilgrimage visas for Sri Lankan pilgrim groups

The Indian High Commission in Colombo confirmed that the policy of issuing gratis visas for Sri Lankan citizens travelling to India for pilgrimage remains unchanged. Free visas are available to groups of ten or more that are recommended by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

The service, temporarily suspended after a change in the visa outsourcing agency, resumed when a new provider began operations on 7 July 2026. Applicants can apply through India’s e‑visa system or at Indian Consular Application Centres (ICAC) in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Hambantota and Batticaloa. Biometric data are required for applicants aged 12‑70, with a fast‑track option for senior citizens. No visa fee is charged, but a service fee of LKR 1,855 must be paid to the ICAC for processing.