India visa for Canada citizens
Canadian tourists heading to India do not queue at an embassy — the e-Tourist visa is issued entirely online. Expect to pay 40 USD and to wait roughly 3–5 days for the electronic approval to arrive by email. Holders from Canada may stay up to 180 days on this visa, ample time for extended or multi-stop itineraries. The application asks for a digital passport photo, the bio-data page of your passport, and your travel dates. Keep a printed copy of the approved e-Tourist visa, as airlines check it before boarding.
| Visa required | Yes (source) |
|---|---|
| e-Visa available | Yes (source) |
| Maximum stay | 180 days (source) |
| Processing time | 3–5 days (source) |
| Visa fee | 40 USD (source) |
Requirements
- A Canadian passport with a minimum of six months' validity from the day you land and at least two free pages.
- A scan of the photo page that is sharp and shows all four corners.
- A square passport-style photograph against a white background.
- An active email account to receive the e-Tourist visa approval.
- Details of where you will stay and your planned date of entry.
- A payment card for the 40 USD application fee.
- A return or onward ticket as proof you intend to leave.
- An understanding that the visa allows up to 180 days in India and is valid for entry at designated ports only.
Documents checklist
- Canadian passport with six months' validity from arrival and at least two blank pages.
- A clear scan of the bio-data page showing all four corners.
- A square white-background photograph in the size the portal specifies.
- An active email account to receive the e-Tourist visa approval.
- Your planned date of entry and an address where you will stay.
- A payment card for the 40 USD online fee.
- A confirmed return or onward booking.
- A bank statement or similar proof of funds, in case it is requested.
- Information about earlier Indian visas, where applicable.
Application steps
- Prepare a scan of your Canadian passport's photo page and a square white-background photograph.
- Go straight to the official Indian e-Tourist visa website rather than an agent's page.
- Fill in the online form with your details and planned dates of travel.
- Attach the required photo and passport image.
- Settle the 40 USD application fee using a payment card.
- Keep the reference number and wait about 3–5 days for a decision.
- Download and print the e-Tourist visa once it arrives by email.
- Enter India via a designated port, showing the printed visa and passport, for a stay of up to 180 days.
Processing time
3–5 days (source) (typical). Processing times may vary.
Visa cost
Fee (from our data): 40 USD (source) . Fees are subject to change; check the official source before applying.
Canadian applicants pay a government e-Tourist visa fee of 40 USD, settled online as part of the application. The amount covers electronic processing; there is no separate service-centre charge for this category, as biometric details are typically taken when you arrive.
Payment is by debit or credit card on the official portal. Be wary of intermediary sites that quote a much larger total — the difference is their commission, not an official cost.
Because fees are subject to periodic revision, check the latest figure on the official government source before paying.
Common mistakes to avoid
Most Canadian travellers who hit problems with India's e-Tourist visa do so over small data-entry errors that are easy to prevent.
- Entering passport details that don't match the document. A single transposed number in the passport field can invalidate the e-visa even after it is approved — proofread against the bio page.
- Leaving the application to the last minute. Build in a buffer: processing typically takes 3–5 days, and weekends or public holidays can stretch that.
- Assuming the stay is open-ended. The e-Tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 180 days, and overstaying carries fines and future entry bans.
- Using a passport with under six months' validity. Renew first if needed; airlines check validity at check-in.
- Overpaying via third-party agents. The official government charge is 40 USD through the official Indian government e-visa portal; lookalike sites add unnecessary fees.
- Flying into an unlisted entry point. Electronic visas are accepted only at designated airports and seaports, so check yours is on the approved list.
Country context & recent trends
Canadian visitors handle the whole e-Tourist visa online, so consular appointment availability is not a concern for this route. Processing typically takes about 3–5 days, but it is sensible to allow more time during the busy winter tourist season and around major Indian festivals, when application volumes climb.
- Enter only through approved airports or seaports listed for the e-Tourist visa.
- Restricted and protected areas may need a separate permit even with a valid visa.
- Keep a printed approval, as it is checked at boarding and on arrival.
How it compares to nearby destinations
Canadian travellers weighing India against nearby destinations can use the table below as a quick orientation on entry rules.
| Destination | Visa required | Typical processing | Indicative fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Yes — online e-Tourist visa | 3–5 days | 40 USD |
| Sri Lanka | Yes — electronic travel authorisation | Varies | Varies — check official source |
| Nepal | Visa on arrival available | Issued on arrival | Varies — check official source |
| Maldives | Free visa on arrival for tourists | On arrival | None for the on-arrival stamp |
Rules and fees differ from country to country and change over time, so verify each one on its official government source before you finalise an itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
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Do Canadian citizens need a visa for India?
Yes, a visa is required, and Canadians apply for it online as an e-Tourist visa. There is no need to attend an Indian consulate for this category.
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What is the visa fee?
The government charge is 40 USD, paid by card on the official portal. Be cautious of intermediary sites that quote a larger total including their own commission.
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How soon should I apply before my trip?
Processing typically takes around 3–5 days, but applying one to two weeks ahead is safer during peak travel periods. This leaves room if extra checks are needed.
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How long can I stay?
Canadian travellers may stay up to 180 days on this visa. Confirm the validity on your approval, since the period granted can differ between applicants.
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Does each family member need a visa?
Yes. Every person travelling, children included, must hold their own e-Tourist visa. Each application is submitted separately.
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Can I enter India anywhere with this visa?
No. Entry on the e-Tourist visa is limited to designated airports and seaports. Some restricted regions also require a separate permit even with a valid visa.