India visa for Canadian citizens
Canadian citizens can apply online for an Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical or conference categories) on the official Government of India site before travelling.
Check the official site before you travel. imptpune.in is a hotel and travel site; it does not issue visas. Visa rules change: confirm on indianvisaonline.gov.in.
| Status | e-Visa available |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Indian e-Visa (tourist, business, medical, conference), applied for online |
| Where to apply | indianvisaonline.gov.in (e-Visa) |
| Processing | Set by the Government of India: check the official site |
| Arrival | At an airport or seaport designated for e-Visa arrivals |
Canadian citizens can obtain an Indian e-Visa for tourism, business or medical visits. The application is completed online, and the approved e-Visa is sent by email. You must travel with a printed copy and arrive at a designated airport or seaport. The e-Visa covers short stays. For longer periods or other purposes, a regular visa from an Indian mission is needed.
What the e-Visa means in practice
The Indian e-Visa for Canadian citizens is an electronic travel authorisation linked to your passport. It removes the need to visit an Indian embassy or consulate before travel. You apply entirely online, upload a photo and passport scan, and pay the fee through the official portal. Approval is sent by email as an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Print this document and carry it with your passport.
The e-Visa is valid for entry at specific airports and seaports. It is not valid for land border crossings. On arrival, immigration officers verify the ETA and take biometrics. The visa is stamped in your passport. The e-Visa covers tourism, business visits, and medical treatment. Check the official site for the current list of eligible purposes and any restrictions.
Before you travel and on arrival
When you land at a major Indian city airport, follow signs for the e-Visa queue. Have your documents ready. The immigration officer may ask about your accommodation and return flight. Answer clearly. After clearance, collect your luggage and proceed to customs. For domestic connections, allow enough time between flights. If you are transiting, check whether you need a visa for the transit period.
Travelling between Indian cities is generally unrestricted within the e-Visa validity. You can fly, take trains, or use buses. Domestic flights require a valid passport or government ID. Hotels and guesthouses will ask for a copy of your passport and visa. Keep your passport and visa copy with you at all times. Police or railway officials may request identification.
Staying longer, working or studying
The e-Visa is for short stays only. If you plan to stay longer than the e-Visa allows, you must apply for a regular visa at an Indian embassy or consulate in Canada before travel. Overstaying the e-Visa can lead to fines and future visa problems. Extensions are not available for e-Visa holders. You must leave India before the visa expires.
For employment, study, journalism, missionary work, or long-term research, the e-Visa is not suitable. You need a specific visa category from an Indian mission. Apply at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate in Canada. The process involves forms, documents, and an interview. Check the official site of the Indian High Commission in Ottawa or consulates in Toronto and Vancouver for details.
How to apply for the e-Visa
- Go to the official Indian e-Visa website: indianvisaonline.gov.in.
- Fill in the online application form with your passport and personal details.
- Upload a recent digital photograph and a scan of your passport bio page.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Wait for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to be emailed to you.
- Print the ETA and carry it with your passport when you travel.
- On arrival at an e-Visa-designated airport or seaport, present your passport and ETA for biometrics.
Documents to carry
- Valid Canadian passport with at least two blank pages
- Printed copy of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Copy of your passport bio page
- Return or onward flight booking
- Proof of accommodation in India
Canadian citizens: questions
Can Canadian citizens apply for an Indian e-Visa?
Yes, Canadian citizens are eligible for the Indian e-Visa. Apply online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. The e-Visa covers tourism, business, and medical visits. Check the official site for the current list of eligible purposes.
How long does the Indian e-Visa take for Canadian citizens?
Processing times vary. Apply well in advance of your travel date. The official site provides current processing times. Do not rely on a specific number of days.
Can Canadian citizens extend an Indian e-Visa?
No, the e-Visa cannot be extended. You must leave India before the visa expires. For longer stays, apply for a regular visa from an Indian mission in Canada before travel.
Which Indian airports can Canadian citizens use with an e-Visa?
Canadian citizens with an e-Visa can enter at designated airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and others. Check the official site for the full list of airports and seaports.
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for transit through India?
If you are transiting through India without passing immigration, you may not need a visa. Check with your airline and the Indian immigration rules. For any stay or connection requiring entry, an e-Visa or transit visa may be needed.
Where will you stay in Pune?
Koregaon Park for a first visit, Viman Nagar for the airport, Hinjewadi or Kharadi for work. Live prices for your dates open in the IMPT app.
Photo credits: Photo on Pexels.