If you're a Canadian citizen planning to visit India, one of your first steps should be to apply for an Indian Visa for Canadian citizens. Here’s what you need to know to apply – and how to avoid making these common mistakes.
Applying for an India eVisa can be confusing, but our expertise simplifies the process. We're committed to delivering a straightforward and effective application process, minimizing any hurdles you might encounter.
How to apply for an Indian eVisa from Canada with us
Applying for an Indian eVisa from Canada is straightforward and can be done in minutes. Here's how:
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Step 1: Enter your personal and travel details on our website or via the iVisa app.
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Step 2: Verify that all the information you’ve provided is accurate and choose your preferred processing time. Pay the fees with a credit or debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.
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Step 3: Complete the rest of the application form, upload the required documents, and submit it.
Once your eVisa is approved, you'll receive an email from us. Make sure to save it on your mobile phone.
All travelers are required to have a printed copy of their Indian eVisa available to present to Immigration officials upon arrival in the country.
Failure to present a printed copy of your visa at the border could result in entry denial.
If you prefer simplicity, apply on our website, or use the handy mobile app. Although you can apply directly with the Indian Government, many travelers report issues with the website, long waits, and a higher rejection rate than through iVisa. Speaking about the Indian Government website, one applicant says, “Helpdesk is as useful as a chocolate teapot. If only there was a way to give these lot a zero star - bar NONE, the worst service EVER provided by a so-called government agency!”
What is an Indian eVisa for Canadian citizens?
The Indian eVisa is an electronic authorization that allows travelers to visit India for tourism, business, medical, or conference purposes. Unlike traditional visas, the eVisa process is entirely online, offering a more convenient way to apply for and receive travel authorization.
Do Canadian citizens need a visa to visit India?
Yes, all Canadian citizens planning to travel to India need a visa to enter the country. This requirement is part of India's travel regulations, ensuring all visitors have the necessary authorization before they arrive in the country.
Canadians cannot obtain an Indian visa on arrival and must apply for one before leaving their home country.
If you are a Canadian citizen with a military background, you are not eligible to apply for the India eVisa. You must contact the Indian Embassy to apply for a different visa.
Can Canadian citizens with Pakistani heritage apply for an India Visa?
Yes, Canadians with Pakistani heritage can apply for an India visa, but the process may be more complex than for other applicants. India has specific rules for people with Pakistani nationality or ancestry. (An Example of a relation is that the father’s country of birth is Pakistan.)
Even if they hold Canadian citizenship, applicants with Pakistani heritage often face additional scrutiny, and the processing time may be longer. They may need to provide additional documentation, and sometimes, the application might require clearance from Indian authorities, which could extend the waiting period.
Check with the Indian High Commission or Consulate for specific guidelines and requirements.
Which visa do Canadian citizens need to visit India?
There are several types of Indian eVisas available for Canadian citizens. They include:
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Tourist eVisa: For recreation, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or attending a short-term program, such as a yoga retreat.
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Business eVisa: For all business activities permitted under a standard Business Visa.
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Conference eVisa: For attending conferences in India.
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Medical eVisa: For medical treatment in India.
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Medical Attendant eVisa: For those accompanying a person holding a Medical eVisa.
Find out more about the different India visas available
10-year Tourist visas issued to Canadian passport holders are currently not valid for travel to India. They would need to obtain a fresh visa.
Check for the latest updates on the 10-year Indian Visa for Canadian citizens
Do Canadian minors need to apply for an Indian eVisa?
Yes, Canadian minors must also obtain an eVisa for travel to India. Parents or guardians must complete separate visa applications for each child they travel with.
If the child travels with one parent, a notarized letter from the other parent is needed. If the minor child is traveling with someone else, a consent letter from both parents giving permission to the person accompanying them will be required.
Top 5 mistakes Canadian citizens make when applying for an Indian Visa
Applying with dual citizenship confusion:
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Mistake: Canadian citizens who also hold Indian citizenship or OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) cards sometimes mistakenly apply for an Indian visa when they are actually required to use their OCI card for entry.
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Impact: This can lead to visa rejection or complications upon entry, as Indian regulations require OCI cardholders to use their OCI status instead of applying for a standard visa.
Using a recent passport renewal to enter India without updating visa information:
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Mistake: Some Canadian travelers forget to update their visa applications with the new passport number after renewing their passports.
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Impact: The Indian eVisa is linked to the passport number provided during the application. Failure to update this information can invalidate the visa, leading to denial of entry.
Uploading incorrect document formats or sizes:
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Mistake: The Indian eVisa application requires specific formats and sizes for passport scans and photos. Many Canadian applicants upload documents that don't meet these criteria.
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Impact: This can result in automatic rejection of the application, requiring resubmission and delaying the visa approval process.
Misunderstanding the visa’s duration of stay vs. validity period:
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Mistake: Some Canadians misunderstand the difference between the visa's duration of stay (e.g., 180 days) and the validity period (e.g., 120 days from issue). They assume they can stay for the full validity period.
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Impact: Overstaying the allowed duration (e.g., 180 days) can lead to fines, deportation, or issues with future visa applications.
To avoid any issues or mistakes, refer to our comprehensive blog on understanding India visa validity.
Booking non-refundable travel before visa approval:
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Mistake: Canadians often book non-refundable flights or accommodations before their Indian eVisa is approved, assuming the visa will be processed without issues.
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Impact: Delays, rejections, or errors in the visa application can lead to financial losses if the visa is not approved in time for the scheduled travel.
eVisa validity and stay duration for Canadian visitors to India
The validity of an Indian eVisa varies based on its type.
Tourist eVisa:
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1-month validity: Allows for two separate entries into India and permits a stay of up to 30 days from the date of first entry. This visa option can't be extended beyond the 30-day period.
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1-year validity: Offers the flexibility of multiple entries into India within a year. Your stay in India with this visa can't exceed 180 days in any calendar year.
Business eVisa: Allows multiple trips to India within a 1-year period, with each visit not exceeding a 180-day duration.
Conference eVisa: Valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Medical eVisa and Medical Attendant eVisa: Permits up to three entries into India and a combined stay of 60 days.
Documents required for an Indian eVisa application for Canadian citizens
The required documents for an Indian eVisa application are:
A common reason for the Indian Government rejecting applications is often because of photos and file types. If you choose to apply with us, we will convert your photo into the right format before you submit the application, raising your chances of approval.
Additional documents may be required depending on the type of visa you're applying for:
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Tourist eVisa: Letter from the relevant institute/organization if you plan to do short courses or voluntary work.
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Business eVisa: Business card and an invitation letter (if applicable).
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Medical eVisa and Medical Attendant eVisa: Letter from an Indian hospital.
Indian eVisa for Canadian citizens: Cost and processing time
The cost of an Indian eVisa depends on the visa type you are applying for and how fast you need it.
When you choose us and invest in having a team of visa experts guide you through the application process, there’s an additional cost depending on the processing time you choose:
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Standard processing: which takes approximately 4 days.
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Rush processing: which takes approximately 2 days.
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Super rush processing: which takes approximately 36 hours.
These are the average processing times for an Indian visa, but each visa type may vary. To check the exact processing times available to Canadian citizens and the total cost (including Government fees), just begin your India visa application now.
India visa for Canadian citizens - Common questions and answers
1. Q. Can my Indian Medical visa be transferred to another visa type?
A. Paula Lopez, one of our product specialists, answers, “This can't be done. We cannot transfer the visa type from one to another. You will need to apply for another visa type if you wish to change the purpose of your India trip.”
2. Q. Are there any areas of India that I can't visit with my India Tourist Visa?
A. Yes, there are some restricted areas of the country. Some regions, especially near borders with Pakistan, China, and Jammu & Kashmir, require special permits for foreign travelers. You can usually apply for these permits once you are in the country. Always check if you need additional permits before visiting the northeastern states.
3. Q. What happens if a traveler's port of entry changes after eVisa has been granted?
A. If a traveler's port of entry changes after their Indian eVisa is approved, they can still enter India as long as they use another designated port of entry.
Holders of an Indian eVisa must enter the country through an authorized airport or seaport. Entry via land crossings is not permitted.
The approved airports include:
1.Ahmedabad (AMD)
2.Amritsar (ATQ)
3.Bagdogra (IXB)
4.Bengaluru (BLR)
5.Bhubaneshwar (BBI)
6.Calicut (CCJ)
7.Chandigarh (IXC)
8.Chennai (MAA)
9.Cochin (COK)
10.Coimbatore (CJB)
11.Delhi (DEL)
12.Gaya (GAY)
13.Goa (GOI)
14.Guwahati (GAU)
15.Hyderabad (HYD)
16.Jaipur (JAI)
17.Kannur (CNN)
18.Kolkata (CCU)
19.Lucknow (LKO)
20.Madurai Airport (IXM)
21.Mangalore (IXE)
22.Mumbai (BOM)
23.Nagpur (NAG)
24.Port Blair (IXZ)
25.Pune (PNQ)
26.Tiruchirapalli (TRZ)
27.Trivandrum (TRV)
28.Varanasi (VNS)
29.Visakhapatnam (VTZ)
Approved seaports are:
1.Cochin Seaport
2.Chennai Seaport
3.Goa Seaport
4.Mangalore Seaport
5.Mumbai Seaport
If travelers wish to enter India through a port of entry not listed here, they must apply for a traditional visa in accordance with India's visa policy.
4. Q. What if I have a medical emergency in India and my visa is about to expire?
A. First and foremost, ensure you have travel insurance with good medical coverage, including evacuations and hospital stays. The Government of Canada gives some great India travel advice - “If you encounter a medical emergency in India, you can apply for a visa extension through the Foreigner's Regional Registration Office (FRRO).”
5. Q. What vaccines do I need to enter India hassle-free?
A. Vaccine requirements are very much a recommendation and can depend on where you have been traveling before entering India. E.g. If you have traveled to an area with a risk of Yellow Fever within 6 days before entering India, you will be required to have a Yellow Fever vaccination.
We recommend keeping updated with the CDC India page for ALL vaccines and medical advice.
India Embassy in Canada
For consular queries about the India eVisa for Canadian citizens, you can contact:
If you need more information about traveling to India for tourism, medical assistance, or business, don't hesitate to contact our customer support team anytime via online chat or Whatsapp.
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