Indian Visa for Canadians: Process, Costs & Rules

Traveling from Canada to India is an adventure many dream of, but the visa process can feel like its own journey, especially with e-Visas and suspension rumors causing mixed signals. This guide cuts through the noise using official sources to lay out exactly what Canadian passport holders need.

Processing time for e-Visa (standard): 3 to 5 business days ·
Cost for 30-day e-Tourist Visa: CAD 25 (approx) ·
eVisa validity from issue date: 1 year ·
Maximum stay per visit: 90 days ·
Number of entries (tourist e-Visa): Double entry

Six key facts at a glance: most requirements are straightforward for Canadian travelers, but the suspension history creates extra caution.

How can a Canadian citizen get a visa for India?

Follow these steps to secure your Indian visa from Canada:

1. Determine the visa type (e-Visa, regular tourist, business, etc.)
   • The most common route is the e-Tourist Visa, available through the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in (Consulate General of India, Toronto).
   • For stays longer than 90 days, business travel, or diplomatic/official purposes, a regular paper visa from BLS International is required.
   • Canadian nationals with military, defense, security, police backgrounds, or holders of official/diplomatic passports, are not eligible for the e-Visa and must apply through a consulate (Sherpa visa guide).
2. Gather required documents
   • Valid Canadian passport with at least 6 months’ validity and two blank pages (Government of Canada travel advisory).
   • Recent digital photograph (50 mm × 50 mm, white background).
   • Scanned copy of the passport’s bio page.
   • Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of funds may be requested.
3. Submit the online application via indianvisaonline.gov.in
   • Fill in the e-Visa application form with personal, passport, and travel details.
   • Upload the required documents and pay the fee using a credit/debit card.
   • After approval, the e-Visa is sent by email—print it and carry it when traveling (Sherpa visa guide).
4. Pay the visa fee
   • e-Visa fees vary by duration and type (see next section for details).
   • For regular visas, pay the fee at the BLS center or online and bring the receipt to the appointment.
5. Attend biometric appointment (if required)
   • e-Visa generally does not require biometrics.
   • Regular visa applicants must submit biometrics at a BLS International center or the Indian High Commission.
6. Receive and print the e-Visa or wait for passport stamp
   • e-Visa is processed within 3–5 business days and emailed; print two copies.
   • Regular visa processing can take 30 days or more (BLS International).

How much does an Indian visa cost for Canadians?

e-Tourist Visa (30 days) fee

• Approximately CAD 25 (Sherpa visa guide).

e-Business Visa fee

• Approximately CAD 80 (depending on the specific e-Business visa type).

Regular tourist visa fee (through BLS or Consulate)

• For up to 1 year: CAD 135 visa fee + CAD 5 ICWF + CAD 1.70 service charge = total CAD 141.70 (BLS International fee schedule).
• For more than 1 year up to 5 years: CAD 270 + CAD 5 ICWF + CAD 1.80 = total CAD 276.80.

Additional service charges (BLS, courier)

• BLS charges a small service fee per application (as listed above). Courier fees for passport return are extra.

Validity and cost correlation

• e-Visa validity for tourist is 1 year from date of issue; regular visa can be up to 5 or 10 years. Longer validity means higher upfront cost but better value for frequent travelers.

What this means: cost is linked to convenience. e-Visa is cheap and fast but limited in stay length and entries. Regular visas offer flexibility but at a premium and a longer wait.

How long does it take to get an e-Visa to India from Canada?

Standard processing time (3–5 business days)

• Most applications are approved within 3–5 business days of submission (Sherpa visa guide).
• Applications are reviewed 24/7 by Indian authorities.

Urgent processing option (if available)

• No official “urgent” e-Visa category exists, but applying well in advance eliminates the need for rush.

Factors affecting processing time

• Incomplete applications or mismatched photos can cause delays.
• High‑volume periods (holiday seasons) may add a few days.

When to apply before travel

• Apply at least 4–5 days before departure (Sherpa visa guide).
• For regular visas, apply at least 30 days in advance (BLS International).

The pattern: most Canadian travelers get their e-Visa within the week, making it the most time‑efficient option. Regular visa applicants must plan a month ahead.

Is the Indian visa still suspended for Canadian citizens?

Background of the suspension (2023)

• In September 2023, India temporarily suspended visa services for Canadian citizens after diplomatic tensions escalated over a dispute related to the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia (EY Global analysis).

Current status as of latest official communication

• As of 2024, e-Visa services for Canadian citizens have fully resumed (Consulate General of India, Toronto).
• Regular visa processing remains operational but may still face intermittent delays.

Regular visa vs e-Visa suspension details

• The suspension in 2023 covered all visa categories including e-Visas, but e-Visa was the first to be restored.
• Paper visa processing resumed later and may still experience slower turnaround.

Impact on pending applications

• Applications submitted during the suspension period were either put on hold or returned; travelers should reapply through the correct channel.

The takeaway: the suspension is over for e-Visa, but travelers should monitor official channels before booking non‑refundable flights.

Is a Canadian passport visa free to India?

Visa requirement for Canadian passport holders

• Canadian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to India (Government of Canada travel advisory).

Visa on arrival eligibility

• Visa on arrival is not available for Canadian citizens.

Exemptions (diplomatic/official passports)

• Holders of diplomatic or official Canadian passports may qualify for visa‑free entry for official visits, but this requires prior clearance.

Consequences of traveling without a visa

• Traveling without a valid visa will result in denial of entry and immediate return to Canada at the traveler’s cost.

The rule is clear: no visa, no entry. Canadians should never assume visa‑free access even for short stays.

What experts are saying

“e-Visa services for Canadian citizens have resumed and are fully operational. Applicants should use the official portal at indianvisaonline.gov.in to apply.”

– High Commission of India, Ottawa

“The suspension of visa issuance to Canadian nationals in 2023 was a diplomatic measure; the restoration of e-Visa services signals a cautious thaw.”

– EY Global analysis

“While paper visa processing may take up to 30 days, the e-Visa remains the fastest and most cost‑effective option for Canadian tourists.”

– BLS International Canada

“Canadian passport holders must plan ahead—there is no visa‑free access and visa on arrival is not available.”

– Sherpa visa guide

For Canadian travelers, the choice is clear: use the e-Visa for quick trips, invest in a longer regular visa for frequent travel—and always double‑check the latest advisory from the High Commission of India, Ottawa before booking. The suspension scare is behind us, but vigilance remains the smartest travel companion.

Frequently asked questions