Indian eVisa for Canadian Citizens: Check Important Steps
If you wish to visit India from Canada, you need to hold a valid visa. Each year, the number of travelers from Canada visit India for different purposes, such as personal, like tourist activities or medical treatment or professional reasons, like business meetings. However, before online Indian visa services were started by the Indian government, Canadian citizens used to go through quite complicated visa paperwork to obtain an offline India visa.
However, after the introduction of Indian eVisa in 2014, the citizens of Canada are eligible to get their Indian visa online. The process to obtain an online India visitor visa for Canadian citizens is much faster and less complicated as compared to the offline India visa process.
Canadian citizens coming to India must keep themselves aware of the process and eligibility criteria to obtain an Indian eVisa online. Below, important details for Indian visas for Canadian citizens are mentioned; read carefully for a successful Indian eVisa application.
Why Is an Indian Visa Required for Canadian Citizens?
To enter India, there are only a few countries that do not require visas and can travel to India visa-free. In the case of Canada, a valid visa to travel to India is required. India requires almost all foreign nationals to obtain a visa before entering the country, and Canadian citizens are no exception. The online Indian visa works as a legal document that allows Canadians to visit India for various purposes.
Thankfully, the Government of India has streamlined the process in recent years, making it convenient for Canadian citizens to apply online for an e-Visa.
What Are the Indian Visas Canadian Citizens Can Apply for?
1. Tourist Visa
Perfect for leisure travelers, the tourist visa allows Canadian citizens to explore India’s rich culture, historical sites, and natural wonders. You can apply for an e-Tourist visa online.
Note: There are three durations of an Indian e-tourist visa, a 30-day e-tourist for the short term and a 1-year and 5-year tourist e-visa for the long-term stay.
2. Business Visa
Supposedly, if a Canadian citizen has to visit India for a business meeting (including seminars and conferences), then the Indian authority may ask for a valid business visa. A 1-year validity and multiple visits are given upon an Indian business eVisa.
3. Medical Visa
Similarly, for Canadian citizens enrolling in hospitals for medical treatment in India, the medical visa is a must. India e-medical visa ensures you can access India’s renowned healthcare facilities.
4. Medical Attendant Visa
A Canadian individual coming along with the person getting treatment in an Indian hospital is required to hold a medical attendant visa.
What Is the Application Procedure for an Online Visa for India?
The process for obtaining an Indian visa for Canadian citizens is straightforward, especially with the availability of the e-Visa system. Here’s an Indian visa for Canadian citizens guide:
1. Determine Your Visa Type
Before applying, decide which visa suits your travel purpose. Ensure you have clarity on the duration and nature of your visit.
2. Visit the Official or a Trusted Indian Visa Website
When you begin applying for an Indian visa online, verify the authenticity of the Indian eVisa website. Be cautious of unofficial websites that may charge additional fees or provide misleading information.
3. Fill Out the Online Application Form
We always advise all the travelers to fill only the right information in their Indian eVisa application form. Be it your surname or middle name or your passport details, everything will be cross-checked by the Indian authority and mismatches will result in rejection.
4. Upload Required Documents
Prepare and upload the necessary documents, including:
- A photo of the biographical page of your regular Canadian passport.
- Passport-sized photograph for which the format and file size would be mentioned.
Key Requirements for Canadian Citizens Applying for an Indian Visa
When applying for an Indian visa for Canadian citizens, meeting the following requirements is important:
A Passport valid for 6 months: Your Canadian passport must be a regular passport. A diplomatic Canadian passport is not eligible for an Indian visa online.
Digital Photograph: A photograph that is recent and meets the file size mentioned on the Indian eVisa website.
Return Ticket: You will also have to show proof of your return to Canada or an onward ticket to another country.
Additional Documents: For business, medical, or student visas, you may need to provide supporting documents such as invitation letters, medical certificates, or proof of enrollment.
Processing Time for Indian Visas
For most Canadian citizens, the e-Visa application is processed within 2-4 business days. However, it’s always a good idea to apply at least one week prior to your planned travel date to avoid last-minute surprises. Processing times for standard visas can slightly differ based on the eVisa type you have applied for.
The difference can also occur if there is a high demand in the number of applications during the time of your eVisa application processing.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Application
Double-Check Your Details: Always know that any errors in your application could lead to delays or rejections in your Indian eVisa application. So the best thing is to review all information before submitting.
Follow Photo Guidelines: Ensure your uploaded photo meets the required specifications.
Save Confirmation Emails: Keep track of confirmation emails and reference numbers for your application.
Plan Ahead: Apply at least a month before your travel date so you can manage if there are any changes or surprised delays in your application.
Entry Points for Canadian Citizens
As of 2024, Canadian citizens are given entry to India through 31 designated airports and 6 seaports, including major hubs like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Ensure your entry point matches the options available for e-Visa holders.
Updated List of Airports for Indian e-Visa Entry
- Varanasi
- Goa (Mopa)
- Bengaluru
- Chandigarh
- Calicut
- Delhi
- Jaipur
- Mangalore
- Pune
- Chennai
- Mumbai
- Bhubaneshwar
- Ahmedabad
- Amritsar
- Gaya
- Lucknow
- Goa (Dabolim)
- Madurai
- Hyderabad
- Nagpur
- Visakhapatnam
- Bagdogra
- Guwahati
- Coimbatore
- Kannur
- Trivandrum
- Indore
- Tiruchirapalli
- Port Blair
Updated List of Seaports for Indian e-Visa Entry
- Port Blair
- Goa
- Mangalore
- Cochin
- Mumbai
- Chennai
The number of Canadian citizens coming to India has increased even more after the introduction of Indian eVisa in 2014. Moreover, the government of India, to reduce any complications and confusion, has also made different Indian eVisa types available for international travelers so they can apply for the appropriate type of Indian eVisa.
Canadian citizens planning to visit India using an eVisa have several options that match different visit purposes. Before you go ahead with your eVisa application and fill out the form, confirm which India eVisa type is suitable for your visit, get the necessary knowledge about the requirement first, and then apply.