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• Visa  Fee, once received, cannot be refunded even if the Visa application is withdrawn or service cannot be rendered.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.

IX     ENTRY VISA :

• It is granted to spouse of Indian nationals, particularly those who want to live in India with their Indian wife/husband.  Permanent place of residence  of the Indian national in India is necessary.
• The spouse of the Indian national must enclose along  with the application form, a copy of  the  Indian passport of his/her spouse with the applicant’s name duly endorsed  in the Indian passport, along with a copy of the marriage certificate.  Orginal marriage certificate should be shown at the time of   visa application.
• It is extendable in India. Return to Sri Lanka is not necessary to renew the visa.

• Foreigners coming to India for learning Yoga/Vedic Culture in recognised  institutions in  India will also get  Entry Visa.

X        VISA FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS INTENDING TO VISIT INDIA FOR COMMISSIONING SURROGACY

It may be noted that the foreigners visiting India for commissioning surrogacy are required to apply for Medical Visa with the following conditions:
i) The foreign man and woman are duly married and the marriage should have sustained for at least two years;
ii) A letter from the Embassy of the foreign country in India or the Foreign Ministry of the country should be enclosed with the visa application stating clearly that:-
a) the country recognizes surrogacy; and
b) the child/children to be born to the commissioning couple through the Indian surrogate mother will be permitted entry into their country as a biological child/children of the couple commissioning the surrogacy.
iii) The couple will furnish an undertaking that they would take care of the child/children born through surrogacy.
iv) The treatment should be done only at one of the registered ART clinics recognized by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
v) The couple should produce a duly notarized agreement between the applicant couple and the prospective Indian surrogate mother.
vi) Before the grant of visa, the couple need to be informed that before leaving India for their return journey, an ‘exit’ permission from FRRO/FRO would be required. Before granting the ‘exit’ the FRRO/FRO will see whether the foreign couple is carrying a certificate from the ART clinic concerned regarding the fact that the child/children have been duly taken custody of by the foreigner and that the liabilities towards the Indian surrogate mother have been fully discharged as per the agreement.
vii) Further it may be noted, for drawing up and executing the agreement cited above at (5), the foreign couple can be permitted to visit India on a reconnaissance trip on Tourist Visa, but no samples may be given to any clinic during such preliminary visit.
vii) If the listed conditions are not fulfilled, the visa application shall be rejected.

XI  MEDICAL VISA (M ) & MEDICAL ATTENDANT VISA (MX):

         Applicants going to India for medical treatment need to submit the following:

• Original medical papers indicating appointment in India and treatment in Sri Lanka

• Bank statement for 6 months and solvency certificate from bank.

• May fill up addition  proforma  as below, on a separate page.

REGISTRATION OF FOREIGNERS IN INDIA:

• It is necessary when a foreigner intends to stay in India continuously for a period beyond 180 days. It is mandatory in respect of foreigners visiting India on Student/Employment/Research/Entry/Medical/Medical Attendant Visas.

• The registration has to be done within 14 days of his/her first arrival with the concerned Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India.

• Registration is not endorsed on passport and acceptance of disembarkation card on arrival by Immigration officials does not amount to registration.  A separate Certificate of Registration / Residential Permit (RP) is issued by Immigration officials in India on fulfillment of certain conditions.

• Registration in required only once during the validity of a long-term visa, irrespective of number of times the foreigner is visiting/departing India on a multi-entry facility.

• The registration document is required to be shown to the Immigration officials at the port of departure, every time, while departing India.  It is required to be surrendered to the immigration officials at the port of departure at the time of last departure, when another immediate visit on the same visa is not anticipated.

• For more details, log-on to" www.immigrationindia.nic.in ".