A Guide to Securing an Indian Visa for Canadian Travelers

Step-by-step navigation through India's electronic visa process for Canadian travelers

Document Preparation

Gather valid Canadian passport with minimum 6-month validity, recent digital photograph with white background, and supporting documentation based on visa category selected.

Online Application Submission

Complete the electronic form with personal details, travel information, and upload required documents in specified formats (PDF, JPG, PNG with maximum 3MB file size).

Payment Processing

Submit government fees ($80 USD for Canadians) plus 2.5% bank transaction charges through secure payment gateway at least 4 days before intended travel date.

Authorization Delivery

Receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email within 72 hours, print copy for airport presentation, and verify entry through designated ports.

Comprehensive information about electronic travel authorization requirements, processing procedures, and entry protocols for Canadian citizens traveling to India.

India's electronic visa system provides Canadian citizens with five distinct categories designed to accommodate various travel purposes. The Tourist eVisa offers multiple validity options including 30-day double entry, 1-year multiple entry, and 5-year multiple entry authorizations, with maximum stays ranging from 30 to 180 days per visit depending on nationality and specific visa type.

Applications must be submitted between 4-120 days before intended arrival. The standard processing time is 72 hours, though delays may occur during peak travel seasons or due to incomplete documentation. Canadian applicants should allow additional time for potential verification procedures.

Business eVisas enable commercial activities including meetings, conferences, and trade negotiations with 1-year validity and 180-day maximum stays. Medical eVisas facilitate specialized healthcare treatments with 60-day validity from first entry, while Conference eVisas provide 30-day single entry authorization for academic or professional events.

The recently introduced Ayush eVisa category specifically targets visitors seeking traditional Indian medicine treatments including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy practices, reflecting India's growing wellness tourism sector.

eVisa holders must enter India through 29 designated airports including major international gateways in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Additionally, 5 seaports in Chennai, Cochin, Goa, Mumbai, and New Mangalore accept eVisa entries for maritime arrivals.

Canadian citizens with military, defense, security, or police backgrounds (serving or retired) cannot apply for eVisas and must obtain regular visas through diplomatic missions. Holders of official or diplomatic passports are similarly restricted from eVisa eligibility.

All supporting documents including invitation letters, business cards, and medical referrals must be submitted in English language only. Non-compliance with language requirements results in automatic application rejection without refund consideration.

170+

Eligible Countries

34

Total Entry Points

2.5%

Bank Charges

5MB

Max File Size

Essential guidance and professional recommendations for successful India eVisa applications by Canadian citizens

Submit applications 2-3 weeks before intended departure to accommodate potential processing delays and allow time for resubmission if necessary. Canadian citizens should avoid applying during Indian holiday periods when processing may experience extended delays beyond the standard 72-hour timeframe.

Ensure passport scans show clear, unobstructed view of personal data page without shadows, glare, or partial coverage. Digital photographs must demonstrate professional quality with proper lighting, white background, and exact dimensional specifications to prevent automatic rejection by the system.