Indian e-Visa Eligibility
- Canadian citizens can apply for an eVisa India
- Canada was a launch member of the India e-Visa program
- Canadian citizens should submit the eVisa application at least 4 days before travelling to India
- Canadian Passport must be Ordinary or Regular, Diplomatic Passport is not allowed.
Other e-Visa Requirements
- Credit or Debit card (VISA, MasterCard or Amex) is required for payment
- India e-Visa is valid at designated aiports and seaports only
- Tourist e-Visa for India is available for 30 days, 365 days or 5 years
- Business e-Visa for India is valid for 12 months
- Medical e-Visa for India can also be applied online
Types of Visas Available for Canadian Citizens
The first step in the Indian visa process is determining which type of visa you require for your trip. There are various categories of visas available for Canadian residents, including tourist visas, business visas, employment visas, student visas, and medical visas. Each category has its specific purpose and eligibility criteria.
Tourist Visas: This type of visa is suitable for leisure travel or visiting family and friends in India. It allows multiple entries within a span of 6 months from the date of issue.
Business Visas: Business travelers can apply for this visa if they intend to engage in commercial activities such as attending conferences or meetings or exploring potential business opportunities in India.
Employment Visas: If you have secured employment with an Indian company or have been transferred by your current employer to their branch office in India, you can apply for an employment visa.
Student Visas: Students enrolled in recognized educational institutions in India can apply for this type of visa.
Medical Visas: This category is reserved for individuals seeking medical treatment in India. A letter from a recognized hospital or doctor stating the need for treatment must accompany the application.
Basic Requirements for All Types of Visas
Regardless of the type of visa you are applying for, there are some basic requirements that all applicants must fulfill:
1) A valid passport with at least six months remaining validity from the date of entry into India.
2) Completed online application form.
3) Recent passport-sized photographs.
4) Proof of residence in Canada (e.g., driver’s license or utility bill).
5) Proof of financial means to cover your expenses during your stay in India.
6) Payment of visa fee.
Who Needs a Visa to Travel to India?
India is a popular destination for tourists, business travelers, and individuals seeking medical treatment. However, before planning your trip to India as a Canadian citizens, it’s important to understand the visa requirements.
Firstly, all foreign nationals except citizens of Bhutan and Nepal are required to obtain a visa in order to enter India. This means that as a Canadian citizens, you will need a valid Indian visa before embarking on your journey. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose of your visit.
If you are planning to visit India for tourism or leisure activities such as sightseeing or visiting friends and family, you will need a tourist e-visa. The e-visa can be obtained online while the regular tourist visa needs to be applied at an Indian embassy or consulate. Both types of visas allow multiple entries into the country with varying durations of stay.
For those traveling for business purposes such as attending conferences or meetings with clients in India, a business e-visa is required. Similar to tourist visas, both types allow multiple entries with varying durations depending on the purpose and length of stay requested.
Individuals seeking medical treatment in India must also apply for an e-medical visa depending on their preference. These visas require submission of relevant medical documents along with proof of appointment from recognized healthcare institutions in India.
It’s important to note that even if you hold dual citizenship with Canada and another country exempted from requiring an Indian Visa (such as Nepal), you must use your Canadian passport when applying for an Indian Visa.
Any individual planning to travel to India as a Canadian citizens must obtain a valid visa before their trip. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of visit, and it’s important to carefully choose the appropriate one to avoid any delays or complications during your journey. In the next section, we will discuss the step-by-step process for applying for an Indian Visa for Canada.
Eligibility Requirements for an Indian Visa
Obtaining a visa to visit India as a Canadian resident is a straightforward process, but it is important to understand the eligibility requirements before starting your application. Here, we will discuss the key criteria that must be met in order to apply for an Indian visa.
The first and most important requirement is that you must hold a valid Canadian passport with at least six months validity remaining from the date of your planned arrival in India. Your passport should also have two blank pages for the visa stamp and any necessary stamps upon entry and exit from India.
Next, you must determine which type of visa you need based on the purpose of your visit. The Indian government offers several categories of visas such as tourist, business, employment, student, conference, and medical visas. Each category has its own specific requirements and documentation needed for approval. It is crucial to select the correct type of visa based on your intended activities in India to avoid any delays or rejections.
In addition to having a valid passport and selecting the appropriate visa category, you must also provide proof of sufficient funds for your trip. This can include bank statements or proof of employment showing steady income. The amount required may vary depending on factors such as length of stay and proposed activities during your visit.
Furthermore, applicants are required to submit a recent color photograph (2×2 inches) with white background along with their application form. The photo should have been taken within the last three months and should be clear with no obstructions covering the face.
It is important to note that if you have travelled to Pakistan after 1st March 2019 or were born in Pakistan or hold dual nationality including Pakistani nationality then additional documents will be required.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Indian Visa
As a Canadian citizens, planning a trip to India may seem daunting, especially when it comes to obtaining the necessary travel documents. However, with this step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Indian visa, the process will be straightforward and stress-free.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa You Need
The first step in applying for an Indian visa is determining the type of visa you need. There are various visas available depending on your purpose of travel, such as tourist visa, business visa, and medical visa. It is crucial to choose the correct type of visa as each has its specific requirements and fees
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Once you have determined the type of visa you need, gather all the required documents. These typically include a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India, recent passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation in India, flight itinerary or ticket booking confirmation, and proof of financial means
Step 3: Fill Out Online Application Form
All Indian visas must be applied for online through the Indian our official website. Fill out the online application form accurately and upload all required documents. Be sure to double-check all information before submitting as any errors could lead to delays or rejection.
Step 4: Pay Applicable Fees
After submitting your application form successfully, you will be directed to make payment for applicable fees. The cost varies depending on your chosen type of visa; therefore it is essential to check current fees before proceeding with payment
Step 5: Track Application Status
Once you have completed all necessary steps, you can track the status of your visa application online. It typically takes a few business days for applications to be processed and approved
Step 6: Collect Your Visa
Upon approval, your visa will be sent to your email address in the form of an electronic travel authorization (ETA). Print out the ETA and carry it with you during your trip to India. You will also need to present this document upon arrival at Indian immigration
Indian visa for Canadian citizens is a straightforward process when following these step-by-step instructions. Be sure to plan ahead and allow enough time for processing to ensure a hassle-free experience. Happy travels!
Is there a requirement for Canadian Citizens to visit the Indian Embassy at any stage?
When an Indian Visa from Canada is applied online, there is no requirement at any stage to visit the Indian Embassy or Indian Consulate. Once the eVisa for India is received by email, you are authorised to travel to India.
You do not have to visit the Indian Embassy for any confirmation or stamp on the passport.
Indian Visa Online is recorded in the central computer system of the Government of India; the Immigration Officers can access this information from any Airport in the world. Your name, passport number, and Canadian Nationality are recorded in the computer system.
Canadian citizens must keep a soft copy of an email received on their Phone/Computer/Tablet or a printed copy and carry the eVisa to the airport. There is no stamp requirement on the passport for Canadian citizens for the electronic Indian Visa Online (eVisa India) that is sent in an email.
What are the limitations with regards to the Indian eVisa for Canadian Citizens?
There are a few limitations of Indian Online Visa which are: Canadian Citizens cannot pursue journalism, film making, university degree in India or long term paid work on eVisa India (India Visa Online). Additionally, India Visa Online (eVisa India) does not provide the privilege of visiting military or cantonment areas – separate permission is required from the Government of India to visit these protected sites.
What help and support can Canadian Citizens get for filing the Indian Visa Online?
One of the big advantages of applying Indian Visa Online from this website for the Government of India’s official immigration Visa is that Canadian Citizens can provide us with the supporting documents for their Indian Visa Application either by email or upload on the portal. Additionally, you can email our friendly Indian Visa Customer Support staff in any file format like JPG, TIF, PNG, JPEG, AI, SVG and many more saving you the time and hassle of file conversion or compression of files. This is ideal for customers who are not technically savvy because a physical visit to the Indian Embassy can result in the rejection of the Indian Visa Application because of a blurry, bad photograph or passport scan copy.
In case the Immigration Officers from the Government of India require additional documents to support a Canadian Citizen’s trip to India, then you can click on this link to learn the Indian Visa Documents Requirements. You can read about the requirements for essential documents here – Indian Visa Photograph Requirements and Indian Visa Passport Requirements. You can take a photo of your passport page and of your own face on your mobile phone or a camera and email Indian Visa Customer Support or upload it on this website.
How many Airports can the citizens of Canada arrive in India?
Citizens of Canada can utilise the eVisa India on Thirty One (31) Airports as on 2024. This list of airports is constantly revised to stay up to date on the Indian Visa Arrival Airports and Seaports. Note that, if your Airport or Seaport is not in the list, then you should book a regular paper Visa at one of the Indian Embassy.
What can Canadian citizens do after getting an approved Indian Visa Online by email?
If the electronic Visa for India (eVisa India) is approved by the Immigration Officers from the Government of India office, then it will be notified to you by secure email. You will find a PDF attachment which you can carry to the airport, alternatively you can take a paper printout of the email electronic Indian Visa Online (eVisa India).
You can go to the airport either in the Canada or any offshore airport and visit India. At no stage do you need a stamp on your passport for Visa nor is there a need to visit the Indian Embassy or Indian consulate.
Is Indian Visa for Canadian citizens needed if coming by cruise ship?
Electronic India Visa is required if coming by a cruise ship. As of today, however, the eVisa India is valid on the following sea ports if arriving by cruise ship:
- Chennai
- Cochin
- Goa
- Mangalore
- Mumbai
Can the Canadian Citizens arrive India from any country or only depart from their country of Passport?
You can arrive from any other country, no necessarily commence your flight or cruise from the country of your passport. Additionally, once you have received Indian eVisa by email, you are not required to either visit Indian embassy or get a paper stamp on your passport.
When do I need to contact Embassy?
During the Online electronic Visa process for India, at no stage are you required to visit or call Embassy of India.
However, if your eVisa is rejected for some reason, which is very rare case, then, you may be asked to apply for a regular paper Visa at the Indian Embassy. Read our guide on how to avoid rejection of Indian Visa.
Can I visit India from any country in the world?
Yes, you can enter India from ANY country in the world into India. You need not be living in that country as a resident.
However, there is a limitation on which ports you can enter from and which ports you can exit from. Airports and Seaports are allowed for Entry into India on eVisa. While Airports, Seaports, Railway Ports and Land Ports are allowed for Exit from India on eVisa.
11 Things To Do and Places of Interest for Canadian Citizens
- Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur
- Munnar Hills, Idukki
- Kodaikanal Lake, Kodaikanal
- Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur
- Dharamshala, Kangra
- Gir National Park, Junagarh
- Tughlaqabad Fort, Delhi
- Bishnupur Temples, Bankura
- Shalimar Bagh, Jammu and Kashmir
- Kakatiya Temple, Warangal
- Srirangapatna, Mandya
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to process an Indian visa from Canada?
Processing times vary but typically range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the type of visa and other factors.
Can I apply for an Indian visa online from Canada?
Yes, you can conveniently apply for an Indian visa online through the official portal from the comfort of your home in Canada.
What are the common reasons for visa application rejection?
Visa applications may be rejected due to incomplete documentation, inaccuracies, or failure to meet eligibility criteria.
Do I need a visa if I’m transiting through India to another country?
Transit passengers may require a transit visa depending on the duration and purpose of their layover in India. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements beforehand.
Can I extend my Indian visa while in India?
Depending on the type of visa and circumstances, it may be possible to extend your visa while in India by applying through the appropriate authorities.