e-Visa required

Canadian citizens need an e-Visa or a regular visa before travelling to India.

Canadian citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter India. The most convenient option for tourism is the e-Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization), which can be applied for online. For longer stays or specific circumstances, a regular visa can be obtained from an Indian Embassy or Consulate.

Select visa type & details

Pick a visa category to see every detail at a glance — all options for Canada → India.

e-Tourist Visa (1 Year) — visa details for Canadian citizens travelling to India
Detail e-Tourist Visa (1 Year)
Verdict e-Visa required
Validity 1 year from the date of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) issuance
Max stay 90 days per visit
Entries Multiple Entry
Processing time Typically 72 hours, but it is advisable to apply at least 4 days in advance of your travel date.
Government fee Fees vary by visa type and nationality, and change often — check the official fee portal.
Best for For recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends/relatives, or short duration yoga programmes.

How much does an India visa cost for Canadian citizens?

You pay online when you apply. The total is usually the government e-Visa fee plus any card or processing charge.

  • Government fee Set by the destination and charged when you submit the e-Visa application.
  • Processing / card charge Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top.
  • Third-party sites Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

Documents required for Canadian citizens

Tick items as you collect them — 0 of 5 ready.

How to apply for a India visa from Canada

Follow these steps in order.

  1. 1
    Visit the official Indian e-Visa website.
    Apply for e-Visa
  2. 2
    Click on 'e-Visa Application' and select your visa type (e.g., e-Tourist Visa).
  3. 3
    Fill out the online application form accurately with all required personal and travel details.
  4. 4
    Upload your recent digital photograph and a scanned copy of your passport's bio page, ensuring they meet the specified requirements.
  5. 5
    Pay the e-Visa fee online using a credit/debit card. Fees are non-refundable.
  6. 6
    Receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email, typically within 72 hours. Print a copy of the ETA and carry it with you during your travel to India.

Common India visa rejection reasons

Why Canada → India applications get refused — and how to avoid it.

  • Incomplete or inaccurate application form

    How to avoid: Ensure all mandatory fields are filled correctly and completely. Double-check all information before submission.

  • Poor quality or incorrect document uploads

    How to avoid: Upload clear, high-resolution scans of your passport bio page and a digital photograph that strictly adhere to the specified dimensions and file size requirements.

  • Passport validity issues

    How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in India and has at least two blank pages.

  • Discrepancy in personal information

    How to avoid: Verify that all personal details provided in the application (name, date of birth, passport number) exactly match those on your passport.

  • Previous visa violations or overstays

    How to avoid: Always adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of any previous visas for India. Any past violations can lead to future rejections.

  • Security concerns or criminal record

    How to avoid: Be truthful in your application regarding any past criminal history or security-related issues. Non-disclosure can lead to rejection.

Trip essentials

Hand-picked tools for your India trip.

Travel insurance

Cover for medical emergencies & delays.

eSIM & data

Get online the moment you land.

Flights

Compare routes to India.

Stays

Hotels & rentals at your destination.

Things to know & places to visit

Practical tips and top destinations.

  • Always carry a printed copy of your e-Visa (ETA) and passport during your travel.
  • Be aware of local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Stay hydrated, particularly in warmer regions, and consider using bottled water.
  • Use reputable transportation services and pre-booked taxis or ride-sharing apps for safety.
Best time to visit

October to March, when the weather is generally cooler and drier across most of the country.

Top places
  • 📍 Taj Mahal, Agra
  • 📍 Jaipur (Pink City), Rajasthan
  • 📍 Goa (Beaches)
  • 📍 Kerala (Backwaters)
  • 📍 Delhi (Historical Sites)

Frequently asked questions

  • No, e-Tourist Visas are generally non-extendable and non-convertible. You must depart India before your visa expires.

  • e-Visa holders can enter India through 28 designated Airports and 5 designated Seaports. Departure can be from any authorized Immigration Check Post (ICP).

  • No, the e-Tourist Visa is strictly for tourism, recreation, and casual visits. It does not permit employment, business activities (other than those covered by e-Business visa), or study.

  • If your e-Visa application is rejected, you may apply for a regular visa at the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. Review the reasons for rejection if provided, and ensure your new application addresses those issues.

  • If you remain within the international transit area of the airport and do not pass through immigration, a transit visa is generally not required. However, if you need to leave the airport or your layover is long, a transit visa or e-Tourist visa might be necessary. It's best to confirm with the airline or Indian authorities.

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in India to be eligible for an e-Visa. Additionally, it must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps. You should renew your passport before applying if it does not meet these requirements.

  • It is recommended to apply for an Indian e-Visa at least 4 days before your date of arrival. While processing times can vary, applying closer to your travel date increases the risk of not receiving your e-Visa in time. You should submit your application as soon as your travel plans are firm.

  • You should accurately declare your occupation as "Self-Employed" on the e-Visa application form. You may be asked to provide details about your business or profession. Ensure all information provided is consistent with your supporting documents.

  • Yes, every individual, including infants and children, must have their own separate e-Visa to enter India. Each child must also possess their own valid passport. You will need to complete a separate e-Visa application for each child.

  • The e-Tourist Visa for Canadian citizens typically allows for multiple entries into India within its validity period. This means you can re-enter India after a side trip to a neighboring country like Nepal. Always ensure your e-Visa is still valid for the duration of your intended re-entry.

  • You pay online when you apply. The total is usually the government e-Visa fee plus any card or processing charge. Government fee: Set by the destination and charged when you submit the e-Visa application. Processing / card charge: Some official portals add a small payment-handling charge on top. Third-party sites: Unofficial sites charge far more for the same application — always apply on the official portal. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

  • You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a India visa is valid for the whole country — including Taj Mahal, Agra, Jaipur, Goa and Kerala. Apply once for India and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.

This page is AI-assisted and last verified on 12 Jul 2026. Visa rules change — always confirm on the official source before you travel.