India Visa from Sri Lanka

Who it's for

For travel to India for tourism, recreation, sightseeing or visiting friends and relatives — not for any business or paid activity. A tourist visa cannot be extended or converted to another type, and misuse can lead to deportation. Proof of funds is required and, in some cases, a confirmed return ticket. Duration and number of entries are decided by the High Commission.

Documents required

1. National Identity Card (NIC), driving licence or birth certificate (choose one). Sinhala or Tamil documents need a certified English translation.
2. Two recent colour photos (2×2 inches, white background, full face, both ears visible) taken within the last three months, matching your current appearance.
3. Previous-visit details in Section F of the form: last visa number (starts with a letter) and date of issue (e.g. VLI123456 dated 25 June 2017). If the last visa was an e-Visa, give the visa number and the first-entry date stamped by the Bureau of Immigration, India.
4. Passport with the validity and blank pages required for the e-Visa or regular route (see the FAQ on passport validity), plus any previous passports. If a previous passport is lost, provide a police report or current-passport endorsement.
5. Three-month bank statement showing a healthy average daily balance, with the account holder's name, address and account-opening date. Business accounts add the Business Registration Certificate.
6. Address proof matching the application; a bank passbook used as proof should be at least one year old.
7. In exceptional cases, a government utility bill plus a GS (Grama Sevaka) certificate, with an employer letter; students attach their institution ID copy.
8. Applicants under 18: NOC signed by both parents (naming the accompanying adult), and parents' passport copies. Unaccompanied minors add a self-explanatory letter naming the guardian.
9. Dual nationals submit both passports with photocopies.

Financial requirement

• Self-funded: maintain an average monthly balance of at least LKR 40,000. Sudden pre-application deposits are not accepted. Overdrawn/insufficient accounts need a linked Fixed Deposit Receipt. A copy of an international credit card (name + validity) with a statement showing total and available credit may be submitted.
• Sponsored: sponsor's passport first page; a sponsorship letter stating the relationship to the applicant; sponsor's average monthly balance of at least LKR 50,000 per person (no more than 4 applicants, excluding immediate family). Credit-card statements and Fixed Deposit Receipts are not accepted as a sponsor's guarantee. Only original bank statements, bank-stamped and dated, are accepted.

Who it's for

For short business visits — meetings, negotiations, training or exhibitions. Working or seeking employment on a business visa is prohibited, and it is not for continuous residence. Also granted to senior executives, experts, consultants, specialists, tour conductors and travel agents who visit India regularly for business.

Documents required

• Endorsement of the occupation/profession that justifies a business visa.
• Invitation letter from the Indian company (purpose and duration) plus an employer letter in Sri Lanka sponsoring the visit and confirming the applicant's role.
• Indian company's Letter of Incorporation, Commercial Licence or Certificate of Registration.
• Sri Lankan Business/Registration certificate or undertaking confirming the applicant's position.
• Fully completed visa application form and two 2×2 inch white-background photos (no spectacles) matching the passport.
• Previous-visit details in Section F (last visa number and date; e-Visa first-entry date if applicable).
• Previous passports if any; NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy for Sri Lankan nationals.
• Address proof (NIC, driving licence, bank statement, rent agreement, telephone bill or GS certificate).
• Three-month employer bank statements; in exceptional cases the applicant's own statement may be accepted.
• An undertaking from the Sri Lankan employer or Indian host to cover travel, stay and other costs.
• Foreign (non-Sri Lankan) nationals: FAX Reference Form, firm's three-month bank statements, and a valid work/residence permit with 2+ years' residence in Sri Lanka.

Note: petty traders are not eligible. The list is not final and the High Commission may request more. Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages. Interviews may be required. The High Commission may refuse a visa without reasons or refund.

Who it's for

For delegates attending conferences, seminars, workshops or symposia organised by Indian government bodies, PSUs, educational institutions or government-controlled organisations. If a private company is the organiser, apply for the shortest-duration business visa instead. Apply early and ensure organisers have MHA, state/UT, nodal-ministry and MEA clearances.

Documents required

• Accurately completed application form; professional endorsement in the passport where applicable.
• Two 2×2 inch white-background photos (full face, both ears) matching the passport.
• Previous-visit details in Section F (last visa number and date; e-Visa first-entry date if applicable).
• Previous passports, or a police report if lost; NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy (Sri Lankan nationals).
• Address proof (NIC, driving licence, bank statement, rent agreement, telephone bill or GS certificate).
• Invitation letter from the event organiser.
• Clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs and political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs, plus the concerned ministry.

Note: duration is case-by-case. List not final. Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages. Interviews may be required. Refusals carry no reason or refund.

Who it's for

For highly skilled, qualified foreign nationals taking up senior, executive or specialist roles in India — not for routine jobs available locally. Granted at the High Commission's discretion, usually up to one year, and an interview is required. Categories include contracted consultants, performing artists, coaches and sportspeople, self-employed specialists (engineering, medical, legal, etc.), language teachers, ethnic chefs, engineers/technicians, project staff, trainers and NGO workers.

Documents required

• Accurately completed application form.
• Two 2×2 inch white-background photos taken within three months, matching the passport.
• Passport valid 18+ months with at least five blank pages.
• Police report if a previous passport is lost; NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy.
• Appointment/contract letter copies and any extensions.
• Employer justification letter explaining the hire, and a letter stating the count of Indian and foreign employees.
• Education certificates (Master's/PG/Graduate/Diploma and 3-month+ certificate courses). Do not include CVs or extracurricular certificates.
• Relevant work-experience certificates; if previously employed in India, Form 16 Part B or 26AS-TRACES.
• Employer's Certificate of Incorporation and any name-change certificate.

Note: visas over 6 months require FRRO/FRO registration within 14 days of arrival. Employment visas up to one year can be extended in India. List not final; interviews may apply; refusals carry no reason or refund. Dependent visas for spouse/children are issued only after the employment visa, with the employment-visa copy plus marriage/birth certificates.

Who it's for

1. Spouse/children of an Indian national or person of Indian origin (proof of the Indian spouse's permanent residence required; submit the spouse's Indian passport copy with the applicant endorsed, and an attested marriage certificate).
2. Participants in events organised by Indian ministries, government institutes, universities or PSUs (invitation letter required).
3. Participants in sports tournaments approved by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs (federation/association letter required).
4. Foreigners learning yoga / Vedic culture at recognised institutions.
5. Family members of diplomatic households (who do not qualify for diplomatic visas).

Documents required

• Accurately completed application form; profession endorsed in passport if applicable.
• Two 2×2 inch white-background photos (within three months) matching the passport.
• Previous passports, or a police report if lost; NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy.
• Address proof (NIC, driving licence, bank statement, rent agreement, telephone bill or GS certificate).
• Three-month bank statement with a healthy average daily balance.
• The relevant invitation/eligibility letter from the categories above.

Note: entry visas can be extended in India subject to conditions; maximum one year, case-by-case. Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages. List not final; interviews may apply; refusals carry no reason or refund.

Who it's for

For internships at an Indian company, educational institution or NGO. The sponsoring organisation is named on the visa sticker and gives an undertaking to ensure the intern's departure. For paid company internships the minimum remuneration is INR 65,000/month (INR 7.8 lakh/year); there is no minimum for institutes or NGOs.

Documents required

• Completed application form and two 2×2 inch white-background photos (within three months).
• Previous-visit details in Section F (last visa number and date; e-Visa first-entry date if applicable).
• Previous passports (police report if lost); NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy.
• Address proof (NIC, driving licence, bank statement, rent agreement, telephone bill or GS certificate).
• Dual nationals: both passports with photocopies.
• Three months' bank statements or a sponsor letter (with sponsor's passport/driving-licence copy).
• Sponsoring organisation's internship letter stating duration; undertaking confirming departure and responsibility for conduct; remuneration and tax documents if paid; current graduation/post-graduation certificate.

Note: case-by-case duration. Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages. List not final; interviews may apply; refusals carry no reason or refund.

Who it's for

All foreign journalists must apply for a "J" visa regardless of the purpose of the visit — including editors, columnists, cartoonists, correspondents, photographers, non-commercial film producers/directors, radio/TV representatives, travel writers and anyone involved in producing or broadcasting news or current-affairs content. A journalist travelling purely as a tourist still needs a journalist visa.

Documents required

1. Letter from the employer stating job title, nature of work and purpose of travel (apply at least 7 days before travel).
2. Completed application form and two 2×2 inch white-background photos (within three months).
3. Previous-visit details in Section F (last visa number and date; e-Visa first-entry date if applicable).
4. Previous passports (endorsement or police report if lost); NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy.
5. Address proof (NIC, driving licence, bank statement, rent agreement, telephone bill or Grama Sevaka certificate).
6. FAX Reference Form for all foreign nationals applying in Sri Lanka.
7. Three months' bank statements.

Note: case-by-case duration. Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages. List not final; interviews may apply; refusals carry no reason or refund.

Who it's for

For treatment at recognised hospitals in India (e.g. neurosurgery, cardiac, renal, transplant, ophthalmic, joint replacement, radiotherapy). One medical visa allows up to two Medical Attendant visas for close relatives. Minors are not eligible for a Medical Attendant visa and travel on a tourist visa if needed. Misuse leads to punitive action.

Documents required

• Original medical papers confirming the appointment at an Indian hospital.
• Letter from the Sri Lankan hospital stating the ailment and treatment received locally.
• Three-month bank statements showing capacity for travel and treatment.
• Completed proforma listing the referring and treating hospitals/doctors (name, address, contact) in Sri Lanka and India.
• Completed application form and two 2×2 inch white-background photos (within three months).
• Previous-visit details in Section F (last visa number and date; e-Visa first-entry date if applicable).
• NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy and address proof.

Note: usually up to 6 months, double entry, extendable on conditions. Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages. List not final; interviews may apply; refusals carry no reason or refund.

Who it's for

For travel to India for religious purposes, on invitation from an Indian host organisation registered with the central/state government (registration certificate required). The host gives an undertaking to cover journey costs. Apply at least three months ahead; validity runs from the date of issue.

Documents required

• Completed application form and two 2×2 inch white-background photos (within three months).
• Previous-visit details in Section F (last visa number and date; e-Visa first-entry date if applicable).
• Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages; previous passports with endorsements, or a police report if lost.
• NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy and address proof.
• Three-month bank statement showing a healthy average daily balance.
• The host organisation's invitation and registration certificate.

Note: case-by-case duration. List not final; interviews may apply; refusals carry no reason or refund.

Who it's for

For conducting research in India. Apply at least two weeks ahead with full bio-data and a thesis synopsis. Some cases need prior Government of India clearance. Include an acceptance letter from the Indian institution stating the research period, your qualifications and stay arrangements. Visa duration matches the research period.

Documents required

• Completed application form; profession endorsed in passport if applicable.
• Acceptance letter from the Indian institution stating the research period.
• Proof of qualifications and stay/boarding arrangements.
• Two 2×2 inch white-background photos matching the passport.
• Previous-visit details in Section F; previous passports (endorsement or police report if lost).
• NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy and address proof.

Note: case-by-case duration. Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages. List not final; interviews may apply; refusals carry no reason or refund.

Who it's for

For Sri Lankan nationals admitted to a recognised Indian institution (university, college or school). You must show an acceptance/admission letter and sufficient funds for tuition and living costs (bank statements, scholarship or sponsorship letters).

Documents required

• Completed application form; profession endorsed in passport if applicable.
• Admission/acceptance letter from the Indian institution.
• Proof of qualifications and arrangements for stay and expenses.
• Two 2×2 inch white-background photos (within three months) matching the passport.
• Previous-visit details in Section F; previous passports (endorsement or police report if lost).
• NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy and address proof.

Note: case-by-case duration. Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages. List not final; interviews may apply; refusals carry no reason or refund.

Who it's for

For travelling through India to a final destination. Not needed if you stay airside in the international transit area without crossing immigration. Required if you move between international and domestic terminals or stay at an airport hotel. Valid for entry within 15 days of issue, single or double entry, with each stay limited to 3 days including arrival and departure.

Documents required

• Completed application form and two 2×2 inch white-background photos (no spectacles) matching the passport.
• Confirmed onward air ticket from India, and a valid visa for the third country if applicable.
• Previous-visit details in Section F; previous passports (police report if lost).
• NIC / driving licence / birth-certificate copy and address proof.
• Minors: parental NOC and parents' passport copies.
• Non-Sri Lankan nationals: passport copy; dual nationals submit both passports and the FAX Reference Form.

Note: list not final. Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages. Interviews may apply; refusals carry no reason or refund.