SRI LANKA INSTRUCTIONS FOR VISA APPLICANTS :

° The visa application form is available, free of cost, at the High Commission. It can also be downloaded from this website and used. Click here to download "Visa Application Form". Enclose two recent photographs (one in case of children below 16 years).

° Please bring your N.I.C., original Birth Certificate or Driving Licence (only Sri Lankan nationals) and previous/old passport(s) at the time of personal interview.

° Sri Lankan nationals and foreigners not residing in Sri Lanka continuously for more than 12 months must apply at least 7 days before their intended departure.

Types of Visas

° Depending upon the purpose of visit to India, the Mission grants the following types of visas.

° Tourist

° Business

° Student

° Research

° Entry

° Transit

° Conference

° Journalist

° Group

° Employment

Specific requirements:

Business Visa: A letter of invitation from the Indian firm/company and sponsoring local business organisation, as well as documents supporting registration of business in Sri Lanka.

Student Visa: A letter confirming admission from a recognised educational institution, along with evidence of financial arrangements for stay in India. No student visa is granted for pursuit of studies in theological institutions or unrecognised educational institutions in India and for studies at the secondary level and below.

Research Visa: Apply directly to the Secretary, Department of Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India, New Delhi, giving full bio-data. Enclose 6 copies of synopsis of thesis.

Transit Visa: Confirmed tickets for onward journey.

Conference Visa: Apply at least 15 days in advance, before the intended departure, along with the letter of invitation from the organizers of the conference/symposium/ seminar. Organizers of international conference, symposium or seminar must apply to the MHA and MEA well in advance for clearance.

Journalist Visa: For permission to film documentaries in India, approach XP Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in advance.

Group Visa: Groups of 10 persons or more must apply at least 3 weeks before their intended departure. For pilgrims, we require a letter from the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Govt. of Sri Lanka and for participation in sports tournaments in India, a letter from the concerned sports authority of Sri Lanka.

Employment Visa: Agreement of employment with the Indian employer for a minimum period of one year.

Fee structure for Sri Lankan nationals: