Applying for and receiving a visa on the internet is a simple process. Suppose you are a visitor from Sri Lanka and need an Indian visa for Sri Lankan citizens to enter this country, you can apply for one online using any internet-connected computer or mobile device. It's as simple as filling out an online form, waiting for your visa to be approved, and then downloading it from your mailbox.
Many different kinds of visas are available for entering India, including tourist visas, medical visas, and business visas. To apply for the correct visa, travelers must first learn about the many options available. The application procedure and requirements are outlined below.
Indian e-Visa for Sri Lankan citizens
1. Types of an Indian visa for Sri Lankan citizens
Despite the South Asian continent, these two countries do not have a reciprocal travel agreement. This necessitates visas for citizens of Sri Lanka when traveling to India.
The Indian government has implemented many types of an Indian visa for Sri Lankan citizens:
- Indian e-Tourist Visa for Sri Lankans: approved for grounds of tourism, Sri Lankan nationals can enter the country and stay for up to 30 days from the date of arrival. This visa is valid for one month from the date it is issued. Aside from that, a tourist visa to India might be valid for either 1 or 5 years. During the visa's validity period, you can enter and leave the country as often as necessary, but your stay at each entry cannot be longer than 90 days.
- Indian e-Business Visa for Sri Lankan citizens: This visa provides for business targets and permits entry into India on many occasions for a total of one year. However, the total number of consecutive days spent on any one visit must not exceed 180.
- Indian e-Conference for Sri Lankan passport holders: This visa is valid for a single entry for four months beginning on the date of issue. If you are a citizen of Sri Lanka, you can use this visa to enter India and stay for up to 30 days.
- Indian e-Medical & Medical Attendant for Sri Lankan citizens: Sri Lankans can enter India with these e-Visas to visit loved ones or get medical care in one of the country's many hospitals. You can stay in India for as long as 60 days and enter the country 03 times.
2. Check the Indian e-Visa requirements for Sri Lankan citizens
To obtain an Indian visa for Sri Lankan citizens, you must meet all of the requirements. These documents are required to initiate the application form approval process:
- Valid Sri Lanka passport: This is a very important part of getting an Indian visa for a citizen of Sri Lanka. A valid passport (with at least six months remaining on its expiration date at admission to India) with at least two blank visa pages must be shown upon arrival in India. Previous passports, if any, should be made accessible, and their photos should be consistent with the ones on the current passport.
- Digital photo of Sri Lankan citizens: Sri Lankans should use a recent picture. Avoid using any expressions or other visual cues to convey emotion, and shoot against a white background.
- An invitation letter from the host with his/her ID card will be required for business e-visa.
- Besides invitation letter, travelers must submit the Political clearance from Ministry of External for conference e-visa
- A medical letter from India hospital for medical e-visa.
- An email: The place where the Indian e-Visa will arrive is when it is accepted.
Submit a letter of approval from a parent or legal guardian if you are under the age of majority to apply. This rule is applicable only if the minor is on his or her own during the trip.
Requirements of Indian e-Visa for Sri Lanka
3. How to apply for an e-Visa for India from Sri Lanka?
Nationals of Sri Lanka must be sure they qualify for a visa to India before applying for one. In addition to meeting the aforementioned criteria, the applicant must provide documentation that they are a legal resident of Sri Lanka.
If you prefer to apply electronically, you can do so by filling out the online application form and submitting it with the aforementioned documents to the Indian authorities.
Additionally, those who prefer to apply for a visa the old-fashioned way can visit the consular section of the Indian embassy in Sri Lanka to pick up an application form and submit their supporting documents in person.
Typically, visa applications for India take about one week to process. Applicants should submit their requests at least a week in advance.
Provided all requirements are met and the application is properly filled out, the Indian e-Visa for Sri Lankan citizens will be approved. Don't risk unnecessary delays by failing to double-check your visa application before sending it in.
Read more: Travel Insurance Information
Apply for an Indian e-Visa from Sri Lanka
4. Indian e-Visa fee for Sri Lankan citizens
Sri Lankan citizens applying for an Indian e-Visa must pay both the Government Fees and the Service Fees.
Payment of the government fee is what the Indian government requests from Sri Lankans before issuing them an Indian e-Visa.
You must pay our Service Fee in advance for us to provide our service of advising you on the India e-Tourist visa, providing the necessary documents, checking your application, and presenting the result of your application.
You can choose from one of three services provided by Indian Immigration Services, depending on your budget and how quickly you need your visa:
- Normal Services for Residents of Sri Lanka: If you choose this option, your Indian e-Visa will be processed and delivered to you in 03 business days.
- Urgent Services for Sri Lankans: If you are a Sri Lankan citizen and select this service, your Indian e-Visa will be processed and delivered to you on the 01 business day.
- Super Urgent Services for the citizens of Sri Lanka: Your Indian e-Visa will be processed within 5 hours during regular business hours if you choose this service.
How to pay for an India Visa from Sri Lanka: You may either pay direct transfer (via the Bank of Cyprus) or send an electronic payment (through Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or PayPal).
The cost of Indian e-Visa for Sri Lanka passport holders
India Visa Requirements for Sri Lanka Citizens FAQs
Does Sri Lanka need a visa for India?
Yes, citizens of Sri Lanka require a visa to travel to India. They must obtain a valid visa before their trip, regardless of the purpose of their visit, such as tourism, business, education, or other activities.
Sri Lankan travelers visiting India will require a visa for their trip. Depending on the purpose of their visit, the duration of their short-term stay can last for 30, 90, or 180 days. It is important to note that fully vaccinated Sri Lankan travelers must fill in a self-declaration form online within 72 hours before their travel. This online form replaces the requirement for a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test for vaccinated Sri Lankan citizens.
To make the visa application process faster and more convenient, Sri Lankan nationals can apply for an e-visa. The e-visa application can be completed online on the Indian Immigration Services website, allowing applicants to apply from anywhere in the world within just under 15 minutes. The processing time for the e-visa is typically no more than 3 working days, and once approved, Sri Lankan travelers will receive their e-visa via email.
It is important for Sri Lankan travelers to ensure they have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of arrival in India. Additionally, they should carefully review the specific requirements and documents needed for their visa category before submitting their application.
Is a passport required to travel in India?
To enter India as a Sri Lankan citizen, you must have a valid passport and visa. For Sri Lankan citizens, you may apply for an Indian visa online or at an Indian embassy or consulate. For easier experience, Sri Lanka citizens can apply for an e-visa online through India Immigration Services.
Here are some things to keep in mind when traveling within India:
- Traveling to specific parts of India, such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands or the Northeast, may necessitate the acquisition of a special permission.
- It is usually a good idea to bring one with you throughout the trip. This will make it easy to identify yourself and get assistance if necessary.
Do I need an India Visa if I’m only in transit?
If you're merely passing through India, whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you'll be there.
Many countries including Sri Lanka are eligible for a transit visa-free stay of up to 72 hours in India if they satisfy the qualifications listed below:
- They have a valid passport that is at least six months old as of the date of admission into India.
- They hold a valid ticket to another nation.
- They do not exit the airport's international transit area.
Citizens of all other nations must get a transit visa, even if they are only passing through for a few hours. A transit visa can be obtained online or at an Indian embassy or consulate in your native country.
If you're unclear if you need a transit visa for India, contact the Indian embassy or consulate in your home country.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when transiting through India:
- You must enter and exit from one of India's recognized international airports.
- You must remain in the airport's international transit area at all times.
- A valid onward ticket to a third nation is required.
- You must have a valid passport that is at least six months old as of the date of arrival in India.
If you depart the airport's international transit area or your onward flight is delayed for longer than 72 hours, you must get a visa at the Indian Immigration Services website. We are providing you with a tourist visa with a 30-day stay during the 1-month period in order to give you a chance for you to travel the whole India.
Can I Use My Indian Transit Visa More than Once?
No, your Indian transit visa cannot be used more than once. An Indian transit visa is only good for one entrance and one way transit across India. You cannot leave and then return to India on the same transit visa.
If you need to visit India more than once, you must apply for another type of visa, tourist e-visa for example.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Indian transit visas:
- A transit visa is valid for 2 weeks from the date of issue.
- A transit visa allows you to stay in India for up to 72 hours.
- You must enter and exit from one of India's recognized international airports.
- You must remain in the airport's international transit area at all times.
- A valid onward ticket to a third nation is required.
- You must have a valid passport that is at least six months old as of the date of arrival in India.
Can my baby travel to India without OCI?
Yes, your baby can visit India without an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card if their parents are eligible for OCI, however, it is best when having a valid visa.
If your child is a foreign national, they must apply for a standard Indian visa. You may apply for a baby visa online or in person at an Indian embassy or consulate in your own country.
If your child is a dual citizen of India and another nation, unless they have an OCI card, they will need to apply for an Indian visa. You may apply for your baby's Indian visa online or at an Indian embassy or consulate in your own country.
The Indian visa processing time for babies is the same as the visa processing time for adults.
Here are some additional tips for traveling to India with a baby:
- Ensure that your child has received all of the necessary vaccines.
- Pack plenty of diapers, wipes, and formula.
- Be ready for hot and humid conditions.
- Dress your infant in loose-fitting, comfy attire.
- Bring a stroller or baby carrier to make getting around simpler.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and take care to keep your infant germ-free.
Can I travel to India from Sri Lanka?
Yes, you can travel to India from Sri Lanka. However, you need an Indian visa to enter the country. As a Sri Lankan national, applying for an Indian visa is easier than ever. Sri Lankans may now acquire an electronic visa without needing to visit the Indian consulate. All you need is a computer or smartphone with an internet connection to apply online.
The India Tourist eVisa for Sri Lankan citizens is a government-issued document that is required to enter and travel inside India. It is electronically connected to your passport.
As a Sri Lanka citizen, you are able to apply for the following visas:
- Tourist eVisa.
- Business eVisa.
- Conference eVisa
- Medical eVisa.
Travelers from Sri Lanka, regardless of vaccination status, can now enter India without being quarantined. Furthermore, according to the international arrivals standards, the government has eliminated the obligation of Air Suvidha for arriving overseas passengers, and showing a negative PCR test report is no longer required.
Can you fly from Sri Lanka to India?
Yes, you can fly from Sri Lanka to India. There are several airlines offering direct flights from Sri Lanka to India, including Air India, SriLankan Airlines and IndiGo. Flight time from Colombo to Delhi is approximately 3 hours.
To book a ticket to India, go to your favorite airline's website or use a travel bookings tool like Skyscanner or Kayak.
Here are some tips for flying from Sri Lanka to India:
- Book your flights in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.
- Check the visa requirements for India before you travel. You can apply for an Indian visa online or at an Indian embassy or consulate in Sri Lanka.
- Pack light, as you will be limited to one carry-on bag on most flights.
- Bring a book or something else to entertain yourself during the flight.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.