India Visit Visa from Canada – Everything You Need to Know

India stays a country of interest for Canadian tourists, those visiting family, people seeking medical care, and those interested in its culture. If you intend to visit the Taj Mahal, go to a wedding, or get wellness treatments, be sure you have the correct visa before you travel from Canada to India.

  • Over 350,000 Canadians went to India in 2023, and that number is likely to be more than 400,000 in 2025 (Indian MEA data).
  • Canada is one of the top five countries using India's e-Visa system.
  • The Indian Tourist e-Visa comes in versions that last 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years.
  • Most visit visas for Canadians are processed in 3–7 business days.
  • India gives out visit visas that allow multiple entries, so it’s simpler to plan trips.

India Visit Visa from Canada - Everything You Need to Know

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What is an India Visit Visa?

An India Visit Visa lets Canadian residents travel to India legally for short visits. These visits can include tourism, seeing family or friends, going to cultural or religious events, or getting brief medical care. This visa is temporary, allowing entry for a set time, but it doesn't allow work or study.

India has two main visa choices for visitors:

  • The e-Visa, which people can apply for online, works well for most tourists and those seeking medical care.
  • The standard (sticker) visa, given out by Indian consulates or visa application spots, is for longer stays or specific situations.

The activities you perform with the visa, how long it lasts, and how you enter India all depends on the type of visa you select.
 

Benefits of Having an India Visit Visa

The benefits of an Indian Visit Visa are given below.

  • Qualified applicants can use India's e-Visa portal to apply easily online.
  • Tourists and family visitors can choose multiple-entry options.
  • Visas are good for up to 5 years, based on the visa type.
  • The process is straightforward, and most e-Visas are approved in less than a week.
  • It gives you access to India's cultural, medical, and wellness tourism options.

Types of India Visit Visas for Canadian Applicants

Depending on their intent, Canadian applicants may apply for the following types of Indian Visit Visas. The common types include:

  • Tourist e-Visa: This visa is for tourism, sightseeing, or casual visits with relatives. It comes in 30-day (single entry), 1-year, and 5-year (multiple entry) options.
  • Entry Visa (X Visa): This option is for people of Indian origin or those visiting family for non-tourist reasons.
  • Medical e-Visa: People seeking treatment at recognized hospitals or wellness centers can use this visa.
  • Business Visa: This visa allows people to attend business meetings, conferences, or trade events, as long as the activities are not employment-related.

Types of India Visit Visas for Canadian Applicants

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Visit Visa

Canadians applying for an India Visit Visa must meet these requirements:

  • Possess a passport that will remain valid for at least six months.
  • Have a specific reason for traveling, like tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment.
  • Provide a recent passport photo and a scanned copy of their passport if applying for an e-Visa.
  • Show they have enough money to support their visit.
  • Not have any previous visa issues or be blacklisted in India.
  • Confirm plans for returning or continuing their travel after their visit.

Documents Required for India Visit Visa

Visa requirements depend on the visa type, but usually include:

  • A passport that is still valid with at least two blank pages.
  • A recent passport-sized photo that meets requirements.
  • A completed visa request form (either e-Visa or paper).
  • Proof of your travel plans (like a return ticket).
  • Hotel confirmation or a letter if you're visiting family.
  • Proof that you can pay for your trip (like bank statements or a sponsorship letter).
  • Medical records (only needed for a medical visa).

How to Apply for an India Visit Visa from Canada?

The process to apply for an Indian Visit Visa is given below.

Step 1: Decide which visa fits your trip, such as tourist, entry, medical, or business.

Step 2: Fill out the online form at indianvisaonline.gov.in and upload the paperwork needed.

Step 3: Pay the fee online for e-Visas, or get ready to pay in person if applying through BLS/VFS.

Step 4: If you need a regular visa, schedule a meeting to give your fingerprints and documents at a BLS/VFS center.

Step 5: Receive your Indian Visit Visa.

How to Apply for an India Visit Visa from Canada

India Visit Visa Processing Time from Canada

Detailed information about the processing time for Indian Visit Visa is given below.

Visa Type

Processing Time

e-Tourist Visa

3–5 working days

e-Medical Visa

3–5 working days

Regular Entry Visa

7–15 working days

Business Visa

5–10 working days

 

India Visit Visa Fees for Canadian Applicants

Detailed information about the fees for Indian Visit Visa is given below.

Visa Type

Fee (USD)

Fees in CAD

30-Day e-Tourist Visa

$10–$25

CAD 14–35

1-Year e-Tourist Visa

$40

CAD 55

5-Year e-Tourist Visa

$80

CAD 110

Regular Tourist Visa

$100 (varies)

CAD 135+

Medical/Business Visa

$80–$120

CAD 110–160

 

Validity and Duration of Stay

The details of validity and duration of stay for various types of India Visit Visa are given below.

Visa Type

Validity

Number of Entries

Maximum Stay per Visit

30-Day e-Tourist Visa

30 days from date of entry

Single entry

Up to 30 days

1-Year e-Tourist Visa

365 days from issue date

Multiple entries

Up to 90 days per visit

5-Year e-Tourist Visa

5 years from issue date

Multiple entries

Up to 90 days per visit

Regular Tourist Visa

6 months to 10 years

Multiple entries

Usually up to 180 days per visit

 

Extension and Overstay Rules

  • Tourist and e-Visas cannot be extended while you are in India.
  • Staying past your visa's expiration date may lead to penalties like fines or make it harder to get a visa in the future.
  • In certain situations, like a medical emergency, you can ask the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for an extension.
  • Make sure your trip stays within your visa's allowed time frame and keep a copy of your ETA or visa stamp with you when traveling.

Extension and Overstay Rules for India Visit Visa

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is a leading immigration and visa consultancy. We aid Canadian residents in their India travel plans by helping to ensure visa applications are complete, correct, and filed on schedule.

Our services consist of:

  • Advising on visa types based on the reason for travel.
  • Aiding with the online application and paperwork.
  • Arranging appointments with BLS/VFS.
  • Providing customized document lists.
  • Giving complete tracking and status

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Canadian residents need a visa to visit India?

Yes, Canadian residents with Canadian passports need a visa to enter India, no matter the reason for travel. This includes tourism, family visits, medical care, or business. The easiest way to get a visa is through the India e-Visa, which you can apply for on the official website. It comes in 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year options, with single or multiple entries. If you are a Canadian resident but have a passport from a different country, your visa rules might be different. Make sure to apply before you travel, as Canadians can't get a visa upon arrival.

What is the difference between an e-Visa and a regular India visit visa?

The primary differences between an e-Visa and a regular India Visit Visa are given below.

Feature e-Visa Regular (Sticker) Visa
Application Method Online via indianvisaonline.gov.in Online form + in-person submission at BLS/VFS
Processing Time 3–5 business days 7–15 business days
Submission Requirement No physical submission; entirely online Passport and documents submitted in person
Validity Options 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year 6 months to 10 years (varies by category)
Entry Type Single or multiple (based on visa type) Typically multiple entries
Biometrics Required Not required Often required at BLS/VFS centres
Purpose of Visit Tourism, short business, or medical Tourism, family visit, business, longer stays
Cost Range (Approx.) USD $10–$80 (CAD 14–110) CAD 135–160+ (including service and courier fees)
Visa Label/Stamp Electronic approval (ETA) sent via email Physical visa sticker in passport
Ideal For Short, straightforward visits Longer stays or special visa categories
How long can I stay in India on a tourist visa?

Details of the duration of stay on an India Tourist Visa are given below.

Visa Type Number of Entries Maximum Stay per Visit Notes
30-Day e-Tourist Visa Single entry Up to 30 days Valid for short-term visits only
1-Year e-Tourist Visa Multiple entries Up to 90 days per visit Valid for tourism; cannot exceed 90 days per stay
5-Year e-Tourist Visa Multiple entries Up to 90 days per visit Suitable for frequent travelers to India
Regular Tourist Visa Multiple entries Usually up to 180 days per visit Issued via consulate; subject to visa officer's discretion
How long does it take to process an India visit visa from Canada?

The processing times for an Indian Visit Visa are given below.

Visa Type Processing Time
e-Tourist Visa 3–5 working days
e-Medical Visa 3–5 working days
Regular Entry Visa 7–15 working days
Business Visa 5–10 working days
Can I extend my India tourist visa while in India?

No, you cannot extend your India Tourist Visa while in India. In India, tourist e-Visas and regular tourist visas cannot be extended while you are in the country. If you want to stay longer, you will have to leave India and apply for a new visa from abroad. Staying past your visa's expiration date can lead to fines, penalties, and you might not be able to get a visa in the future. In unusual situations, like a medical emergency, you can ask the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for help, but getting approval is not certain.

What documents do I need to apply for an India e-Visa?

The documents required to apply for an India e-Visa are given below.

  • A passport that is valid for at least six months.
  • A recent digital passport photo.
  • A scanned copy of your passport's personal information page.
  • Your travel plans or proof of a return ticket.
  • A credit or debit card to pay the application fee online.
  • If applying for a medical or business visa, you will need extra documents like a letter from the hospital or a business invitation.
Can children and minors apply for an India visit visa?

Yes, children and minors can apply for an India Visit Visa. To visit India, all minors, even babies on a parent's passport, need their own visa. You will have to fill out a separate form for each child. You might also need to provide more documents, like a birth certificate, copies of the parents' passports, and a permission letter from the parents if they are not both traveling with the child. Because processing times are the same as for adults, it’s better to get everything ready and apply early.

Can I travel to multiple cities in India on one visit visa?

Yes, you can travel to multiple cities in India on one visit visa. With either an e-Visa or a standard tourist visa, you can visit different cities and states in India while your visa is valid. Visa holders do not face any travel limits within the country. Note that some protected or restricted zones, like certain areas in Jammu & Kashmir, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, or the northeast, might need special permission. Make sure to review travel advice and local rules before you travel.

What are the fees for an India visit visa for Canadians?

The fees for India Visit Visa depend on the type of visit visa. Details of the Indian Visit Visa application fees are given below.

Visa Type Fee (USD) Fees in CAD
30-Day e-Tourist Visa $10–$25 CAD 14–35
1-Year e-Tourist Visa $40 CAD 55
5-Year e-Tourist Visa $80 CAD 110
Regular Tourist Visa $100 (varies) CAD 135+
Medical/Business Visa $80–$120 CAD 110–160
Can I re-enter India multiple times on the same visa?

Yes, most Indian visit visas that Canadian citizens get are for multiple entries, particularly the one and five-year e-Tourist visas and normal tourist visas. So, people can enter and exit India as many times as they want while the visa is good. But each visit has to follow the rules about how long people can stay: for example, with an e-Tourist visa, people can only stay for 90 days each time. People should always read the rules on their visa or ETA for the exact entry restrictions.