Undoubtedly, everyone loves to travel in the world. Actually, India is also one of famous tourist destinations in the world. Some of us are also love to go travel to Indian as a tourist. There are great news for Sri Lankan passport holders people. If you hold Sri Lankan passport, you can easily get India Tourist visa which is a multiple entry tourist visa and it can be issued for the duration of 1 year or 3 months or 6 months.

Visiting the high-tech country of India is a dream for several people throughout the world. However, many have found it hard to get an Indian visa because of strict rules. The investment made by the Government of India in its tourism as well as immigration departments has been increasing tremendously, and hence obtaining an India Tourist visa for Sri Lankan passport holders has become easier than before. We will base our discussion today on – Indian Tourist Visa For Sri Lankan Passport Holders. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: online indian visa application from sri lanka and indian tourist visa price

Indian Tourist Visa For Sri Lankan Passport Holders

When it comes to student visa and immigration there are various factors to consider. The generation of this visa is also a deciding factor. In addition, every country has different regulations. Amidst all these factors it becomes difficult to select the right course. We will help you in discovering your options and their benefits.

The High Commission of India, Colombo will accept Visa applications only for  Research visa category apart from Diplomatic and Official Passport holders, at the Visa hall located in the main building at 36-38,Galle road, Colombo – 3, w.e.f. February 11, 2008. Timings for accepting visa applications at the Mission- Between 0930 hrs and 1200 hrs, and Distribution of Passports submitted is from 1630 hrs to 1715 hrs, on all working days.

Visa applications for the other categories like Tourist, Business, Student, Employment, Medical & Medical Attendant, Journalist, Transit and Entry Visas should be submitted directly at the IVS Global India Visa Application Centre (IVAC),located at  129, Philip Gunawerdena Mawatha, Colombo-04, w.e.f. 2.9.2013. IVS Global, Colombo has been authorized by  the High Commission of India, Colombo to accept visa applications for  aforementioned categories of visas, collect Indian visa fees (as applicable) and  IVS Global IVAC visa processing charges of LKR 42 per visa application and return the Passports to the applicants after due process.

The IVS Global  IVAC contact  details are:

Call Centre – +94 11 2559442

Website – www.ivsvisalanka.com 

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS :

VISA INSTRUCTIONS:

• Encircle the appropriate boxes on top of the form to indicate your visa requirements carefully.
• (S),(D),(T)  and (M) stands for single, double, triple  and multiple entries/visit to India.  {<3M}, {6M}, and {12M} correspond to period for which visa is required.  It may please be ensured that the passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from date of application.  [T],[B],(M),(MX),[S],[E],[TR],[R],[C],[J] and [X] stand for the type of visa, like Tourist – [T]. 
• Visa Application Form is accepted at the counter only if the applicant presents himself/herself for isubmission.
• All columns must be correctly and carefully filled. Incomplete forms will be rejected summarily.
• Photocopy of National Identity Card (NIC) or Birth Certificate (BC) must accompany  the visa application form.  Original must be shown during interview.
• Previous Passports (Original must be shown) and details (enclose a photocopy) of dual Nationality/Green Card must be submitted.
• Visa applicants with dual nationality must produce both the passports ( along with photocopies) at the time of application.
• Acceptance of visa application does not necessarily mean grant of visa.
• Visa  Fee, once received, cannot be refunded even if the Visa application is withdrawn or service cannot be rendered.
• Finalise your travel arrangement only after you ascertain visa requirements and obtain appropriate visa.
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify visa particulars on receipt of passport and before traveling.
• Suppression of facts or furnishing misleading/false information will result in denial of  visa without assigning any reasons.
• Granting of visa does not confer the right of entry and is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities.
• For non-Sri Lankan nationals applying for a visa, photocopy of their passport must be enclosed with the visa application form.
• In cases where a fresh application is filed during the validity of an existing visa, the new visa issued will automatically annul existing visa irrespective of its validity still remaining and no fee refunds are admissible.
• Children (irrespective of age) intending to travel to India, must apply on a passport in their own names.
•  In the following cases, processing of application will take longer. ( Minimum of 5-6   working days):
  1. Sri Lankan nationals with Resident visa of some other country.
  2. Applicants not resident in Sri Lanka for at least 12 months prior to date of application.
     
     Business & Employment Visa applicants must be residents of Sri Lanka for at least 2 years.
  3. Where clearance from India is mandatory.
  4. Visitors to restricted/protected areas.(Details available at our Mission).
  5. Certain cases where documents need to be verified.
•  Visa applications of non-resident foreign nationals will be entertained for short term Tourist visa ( 3 month/single entry ). They are advised to obtain  long term Tourist visas and other categories of visas from the country of their origin .

• Canvassing for visa, suppression of material facts or submission of forged / false documents is a disqualification. Overstay of visa or violation of visa rules is a disqualification for grant of visa.
• Invitation to foreign sports teams and sports persons to visit India are to be extended by concerned Sports Federations/Associations in India after obtaining approval of Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs ,Govt. of India . The Organisers should obtain approval from the above Ministry before inviting foreign Sports persons/teams.
• An applicant who desires to visit any Restricted/Protected areas in India is required to submit an application in the prescribed proforma for issue of a special permit, in addition to the visa application. Details are  available at the Mission.
• Change of purpose of visit is not allowed. In a rejected case, fresh application will not be accepted by the Mission on other grounds.
• If the old passport/s of the visa applicant is/are lost, a photocopy of the police complaint should be submitted along with visa application and current valid passport.
• Visa forms/invitation letters  sent to the High commission by e-mail/fax will not be accepted nor any correspondence entertained.  Processing of  Visa request commences only after payment of visa fee and referral charges.  Visa fee is non-refundable.
• Visa is valid for the given period from the date of issue.
• The HCI reserves the right to delay/refuse visa without assigning any reasons. Visas are issued subject to various checks and clearances.
• The High Commission of India reserves the right of granting and deciding type of visa / duration of visa / number of entries, irrespective of the fees tendered.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA:

• Duly filled in visa application ( in prescribed format) should be submitted along with following documents.
• 2 recent color passport size ( 3.5 cms x 3.5 cms ) photographs, showing full frontal view of face against a light background, to be pasted firmly on the application form.  Scanned photographs are not acceptable.
• Valid current passport (at least 6 months validity with 2 adjacent blank pages for affixing visa) and previous passports. Non- production of previous passports can result in delay/refusal of visa. Photo on the Passport  and Form must tally with applicant’s present appearance. The applicant may face risk of deportation by authorities in India on arrival if the photograph does not match with his/her appearance.
• Copy of N.I.C. card or Birth Certificate ( For Sri Lankan nationals only ) should be enclosed.
• No objection letter from either of the parents if a minor is traveling with one parent . If the minor is traveling alone or with relatives, consent letter signed by both the parents is required
• Additional documents are required depending upon the type of visa applied for. Details are below (Types of Visas).

Correct visa fees payable by cash only in Sri Lankan rupees.(please see Fee schedule for details). Visa fees may be changed without notice.

VISA FEES (In Sri Lankan Rupees) :

Please see here for latest (29.7.2013)  visa fees for Sri Lankan nationals : click here

Service Charge from Russian nationals – SL Rs. 4565/-
Service Charge from Romanian nationals – SL Rs.  4645/-

• For non-Sri Lankan nationals and non-resident Sri Lankans, an additional fee of LKR 310/- will be charged for fax reference process. 
• Fax reference form can be downloaded here .

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH VISA CATEGORY

I  TOURIST VISA (T)

• It is non-extendable and non – convertible to other types of visas and its misuse would entail deportation by Indian authorities.  It may also entail denial of visa by the Mission.
• Proof of financial solvency and proof of confirmed return tickets  may be sought in some cases.

II    BUSINESS VISA (B)

• It is generally granted for short visits to India for engaging in business or attending business meeting/negotiations.  Stay or seeking employment in India under Business visa is illegal.  This visa is to be used for short visits and not for continuous stay in India for engaging in business.  
• Appropriate endorsement of occupation/profession on the passport as businessman is necessary. 
• Also, documents such as company registration certificate, position held by the applicant in the company, invitation letters from company in India or a letter from applicant’s company sponsoring the business visit to India indicating nature of applicant’s business, probable duration of stay, places and companies in India to be visited, are to be enclosed.
• Copy of Business Registration Certification issued by the Sri Lankan authorities should be enclosed along with application. Applicants desiring Multiple entries should enclose the recent copy of “Bill of Lading” issued by Indian/Sri Lankan authorities.

III STUDENT VISA (S)

• It is granted for study only in Government of India recognized educational institutions/Colleges for foreigners to pursue a recognized course. Before seeking admission, Students are advised to confirm these two aspects, as production of documents relating to recognitions of the institute/college for study by foreigners and recognition of the course will be necessary for grant  of student visa.  Please also note that some new courses run by a few established colleges have not yet been recognized by the Government. 
• Tourist Visa is not convertible to Student Visa. Seeking admission /studying in India under Tourist visa is illegal. 
• Student visa would be granted only for full term of the course. Student visa for primary school education will not be entertained . Bonafide certificate, issued by the educational authorities in India, should indicate the full term of the course as well as the relevant year in which the applicant would be pursing the course.
• Submission of proof of Academic records in respect  of education completed will be necessary. Evidence of admission to the Institute/Course from recognized  University / Board ( Indicate name of Institution/address/Tel & Fax no. & e-mail/website address); bonafide certificate as a student if already  pursuing studies in India,  Photocopies of relevant  academic  certificates  on the basis of which  admission is sought or has  been  obtained  and  Satisfactory evidence  of financial  support –  bank guarantee / letter of support from parent / guardian. The Student  should also produce  evidence of transfer of  funds for at least 4 months sustenance  in  India  or  show  Travellers  Cheques  for a  similar  amount.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Government of India (G.O.I.) is necessary for grant of student visa to pursue a medical/ para-medical course in recognized medical colleges and diploma/degree/post-graduate courses in recognized engineering institutions/polytechnics. Aspiring students are advised to obtain  G.O.I’s  NOC from the institution before applying for visa. It may please be noted that admission to professional courses is regulated by GOI and institutions cannot grant admission directly without the consent/approval of the GOI/concerned state Government.
• As regards institutions/procedures, aspiring students may take guidance from the Education Wing of the High Commission. (Details on our website).             .

IV EMPLOYMENT VISA (E)

• Copy of the Contract/Agreement of Employment with the Indian employer  in Senior Managerial/Executive positions or jobs needing very special skills, will be necessary.  
• Proof of registration of the company under relevant provisions of the Government of India rules,  
• A  letter from the employer indicating nature of the job, salary structure and duration of hire
• Justification letter from the  employer for proposing to hire a foreigner should  be submitted.  Proof of  qualifications  and work experience of the applicant also need to be enclosed .
• The spouse and children accompanying the applicant would be issued the visa only after the applicant obtains employment visa. The copy of the applicant ‘s employment visa should be attached with the spouse/children application along with a copy of marriage/birth certificate/s.
• Employment visa is extendable in India by Immigration Department. Registration is mandatory.
• Non-residents of Sri Lanka will not be issued Employment visa by our Mission.

V  TRANSIT VISA (TR)          

• It is granted for the sole purpose of enabling a foreigner to travel through India to reach his ultimate destination
• For stay in India beyond 3 days, appropriate visa must be obtained.
• Applicant must submit detailed travel plans along with his/her form and produce confirmed tickets.
• No transit visa is required  for a person passing  through in direct transit by air, where then is no through flight, provided he/she does not leave the specified precincts  of the Airport.

VI RESEARCH VISA (R)

• Foreigners desiring to undertake research work in India must apply (6 copies)  in the prescribed format, at least three months in advance, to the Secretary, Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India, New Delhi, giving full bio-data and synopsis of the thesis. Research visa needs prior clearance form the Government of India.
• Acceptance letter from the Indian institution and details such as period of proposed research in India, educational  qualifications, arrangement for stay and meeting expenditure towards boarding/lodging, must accompany the ApplicationForm.

VII CONFERENCE VISA (C)

• Conference Visas are given to foreign delegates to International conferences/seminars/workshops/meetings/symposia held by Government bodies, International  Organisations , Public sector units , NGO’s, etc.
• The conferences, etc. should have been cleared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), nodal Ministry, concerned State Government/UT and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) , Government of India . It is the responsibility of the Organizers to obtain clearances through the nodal ministries from MHA , MEA  and concerned State Government/UT before sending the invitation letters to the foreign participants.The applicants  for the conference visa  should produce the invitation letters at the time of application.
• Applicants are advised to apply well in advance and ensure that the organizers who are inviting  by them have obtained necessary approval from the MHA , concerned State Governments/UT,  nodal Ministries and  MEA, Government of India.

            The following Documents  are required to be attached along with the application for a Conference Visa:

           1.  Invitation letter from the organizer.

           2.  Security  clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India.

           3.  Administrative approval  of  the nodal Ministry.

           4.  Political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India.

           5.  Clearance from the State Government/UT concerned.      

VIII JOURNALIST VISA (J)

• Applicants representing recognized print/electronic media and visiting India on professional work must apply well in advance.
• They can contact the Counsellor (Press, Information &Culture) at the Mission  for details.

India visa for Sri Lankan citizens

Please note:The India Visa for Sri Lankan citizens is currently not available to apply for, we hope the service resumes very soon so we can offer you our services and help you apply for it. In the meantime read below all about the Indian visa and the requirements to enter India

Applying for an Indian visa, as a citizen from Sri Lanka, is more accessible than ever. Sri Lankans can now obtain their electronic visa from home, without having to go to the Indian embassy. All you need is a computer or smartphone with internet connection and you will be able to apply online. Here you will find information on how to apply and the requirements needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I HAVE A SRI LANKA PASSPORT, DO I NEED A VISA TO VISIT INDIA?

Yes, Sri Lankan citizens will require an electronic tourist visa to visit India.

You will find that the process is simple and fast with us.No need to visit an embassy or consulate. You can check the requirements to apply for an eVisa here.

WHICH VISA TYPES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SRI LANKANS?

As a Sri Lanka citizen, you are able to apply for the following visas:

• Tourist eVisa.
• Business eVisa.
• Medical eVisa.

NOTE: This blog is about the Tourist eVisa. Information can vary for the Business and Medical Visas, click the links to read the specific requirements for each.

WHAT IS AN INDIA TOURIST EVISA?

The India Tourist eVisa is an official document, necessary to enter and travel within India and it is electronically linked to your passport.

HOW LONG CAN VISITORS WITH A SRI LANKAN PASSPORT STAY IN INDIA WITH A TOURIST EVISA?

This depends on which Tourist visa you choose, there are 3 available. Visitors from Sri Lanka entering India with a Tourist eVisa, double entry, will be able to enter for 30 days maximum. Those who opt for the 1 year or 5 years visa will be able to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 consecutive days in total for each visit. These 2 visas also grant Multiple Entry to India.

WHAT ARE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY?

The list of requirements Sri Lankan citizens need to provide is short. iVisa will do most of the work, but you still need to provide us with a few things to get started. Here is what you need:

• Passport – It is very easy to obtain a passport. If you already have one, make sure that it is still valid. Just look at the expiry date.
• Digital photo of yourself – it is recommended that it is a recent photo. You should not make face gestures in it, and the background should be white.
• Scanned passport – information page
• Payment method – iVisa accepts multiple methods of payment. You can use a credit or a debit card.

HOW LONG IS THE INDIA TOURIST EVISA VALID?

Your Tourist eVisa for India will be valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years after issue. This means that it has to be used in that timeframe.

All 3 visa types should be used within 120 days (4 months) of issue.

WHAT ARE THE PROCESSING TIMES AND PRICES?

iVisa provides excellent service at an affordable price. The cost of your visa depends on how quickly you need your visa and the processing time you choose:

• Standard processing – 5 days. Because it is the most economical option, most applicants go for standard. It only costs USD 88.12
• Rush processing – 3 days. You will be charged USD 118.99
• Super Rush processing time – 36 hours. The fastest option available. This option will cost you USD 151.29

All Indian Government and service fees are included in our prices.

HOW DOES THE INDIA TOURIST EVISA WORK?

iVisa will process your eVisa by using the India eVisa system. We enter the information provided by you in the system, then, the government reviews it and grants your eVisa. We then send the final document to the email you provided. So, your Indian Tourist eVisa is issued electronically by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Indian Government.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO APPLY FOR AN INDIAN TOURIST EVISA?

It won’t take you longer than 10 minutes. You just need to fill in our simple application form with the documents mentioned above and we will handle the rest.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR AN INDIAN TOURIST EVISA?

The process to apply online is an easy 3 step application form:

1. Fill in your personal information and choose both the processing time and visa type
2. Revise what you already entered and pay the service fee. Make sure that all the information you provide is 100 % accurate.
3. Finally, answer a few personal questions and add any additional documents required.

Submit your form to finalize the application and wait for your visa to arrive by email. In case you need assistance to fill in your application, iVisa has a fantastic support service that you can call 24/7.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I HAVE APPLIED?

After submitting your form, we will send your eVisa to you by email in PDF format. You do not need to go to the embassy anymore! Then, you need to print your Tourist eVisa to show on arrival in India.

DO MINORS NEED A SEPARATE TOURIST VISA?

Yes, every passenger must hold a valid visa to enter India, regardless of their age.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR MY FAMILY OR FRIENDS?

To apply for others, you will need to have all their documents and information required (mentioned above). Then, you just fill in the application form with his or her information. If you plan to apply for more than one person, just click on ‘Add new applicant’ and follow the same process, as above.

WHAT IF I MAKE A MISTAKE IN MY APPLICATION?

If this is the case, then please contact one of our customer service representatives immediately online and we will assist you.

If we already submitted your application, then changes are NOT possible and you will have to apply again, but we will NOT charge you another service fee.