India Reinstates Free Visa Scheme For Sri Lankan Pilgrims

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka has announced that the free visa scheme for Sri Lankan pilgrims travelling to India has been reinstated.

In a statement, the High Commission said the service had been temporarily suspended due to the appointment of a new visa service provider. 

Accordingly, The Free Visa scheme has resumed on July 7.

Under the programme, pilgrim groups of more than 10 people recommended by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs will be exempt from visa fees.

Applications can be submitted through Indian Consular Offices in Colombo, Kandy, Jaffna, Hambantota, and Batticaloa.

Applicants between the ages of 12 and 70 are required to provide biometric data, while a special fast-track process has been introduced for senior citizens.

Although the visa itself is issued free of charge, applicants will be required to pay a service fee of Rs. 1,855 to the Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) in Colombo.