India entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 11, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadians need a visa to visit India. The easiest option is the eVisa, which you apply for online before you travel. As of 2026, the eVisa covers tourism, business, and medical visits for up to 90 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for an Indian eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in at least 4 days before departure. The fee ranges from $25 to $80 USD depending on the visa type (tourist, business, medical). Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in India. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from India | Immigration officers at Indian airports routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in India. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. Officers rarely ask, but it is better to have it ready if questioned. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from arrival, not departure
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in India. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa. A rejected application means lost time and money.
eVisa is for tourism, business, or medical visits only
You cannot work, study, or do journalism on an eVisa. For those purposes, you need the appropriate visa from the Indian consulate. The eVisa is strictly for short-term visits.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Indian eVisa website (indianvisaonline.gov.in). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport info page. Pay the fee (around $25 USD for a 30-day tourist eVisa). Processing usually takes 3-5 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and also save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival in India.
3
Arrive at an Indian airport with eVisa counters
eVisa holders can enter at 28 designated airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. At immigration, join the 'eVisa' queue. Hand over your passport and printed eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. They'll stamp your passport and you're in.
Download India Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$25 USD (approx. $25 USD)
For single entry only; must apply at Indian embassy/consulate.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Allows multiple entries; apply at embassy/consulate.
Business eVisa
Max stay60 days per visit
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$80 USD (approx. $80 USD)
For business purposes; multiple entry allowed.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost~$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Requires admission to recognized Indian institution.
Employment Visa
Max stayDuration of employment
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost~$150 USD (approx. $150 USD)
Requires job offer from Indian company; multiple entry.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (for foreigners over 50)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year
For individuals aged 50+ who wish to retire in India. Requires proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000/month). Allows multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (under consideration)
Not yet available
N/A
India is exploring a digital nomad visa but has not launched one as of 2025. Currently, remote workers typically use tourist eVisa or business visa.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Business Visa)
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$150 USD per year
For foreign investors making significant investment in India (minimum $100,000 USD). Requires business plan and proof of funds. Multiple entry allowed.
work visa
Employment Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
~$150 USD per year
For skilled professionals with a job offer from an Indian company. Requires employer sponsorship and minimum salary threshold (approx. $25,000/year).
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 5 years)
~$100 USD per year
For enrollment in recognized Indian educational institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work on campus.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Tourist) – 30 daysStandard eVisa for short tourism, valid for 30 days from arrival. | $25 USD (approx. $25 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist) – 1 yearMultiple entry eVisa valid for 1 year, max 180 days per stay. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| eVisa (Tourist) – 5 yearsMultiple entry eVisa valid for 5 years, max 180 days per stay. | $80 USD (approx. $80 USD) |
| Stay extension (via FRRO)Extension possible for up to 14 days beyond eVisa validity, subject to approval. | ~$50 USD (approx. $50 USD) + processing fee |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa; must be paid at immigration or FRRO. | $10–$20 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through India
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Indian airports if they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the international transit area for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa is required.
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may be eligible for visa-free transit for up to 72 hours in some cases (check with airline).
Transit hubsIndira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi · Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai · Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bangalore
Health & vaccines for India
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsiderTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)RecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during monsoon season.
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread in many regions, especially rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Typhoid FeverModerate risk
Spread through contaminated food and water; vaccination recommended.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high in most parts of India, especially rural areas and during monsoon (June–September). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for travelers to affected regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Delhi
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Delhi
East Block VIII, Level 2, Sector 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110066
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
Handles visa extensions, re-entry permits, and registration. Appointments recommended online.
Mumbai
FRRO Mumbai
Annexe II, CGO Complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614
Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30
For visa extensions and registration. Online application via indianfrro.gov.in.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalNew Delhi
LanguageHindi, English (22 official)
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 95.67 INR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,MType C, D, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water anywhere in India. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to India
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to India — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Usually 3-5 business days, but apply at least 4 days before your flight. In busy periods it can take up to a week. You can check the status online using your application ID.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you need a different visa type (like a regular tourist visa from the Indian consulate). Overstaying can result in fines and future visa bans.
You must enter through one of the 28 designated airports. If you land at a non-eVisa airport, you'll be denied entry. The major airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad) all have eVisa counters.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area or have a layover longer than 24 hours, you need an eVisa or transit visa. Check with your airline.
Yes. The 30-day tourist eVisa allows double entry. The 1-year and 5-year eVisas allow multiple entries, but each stay is limited to 90 days. Business eVisas also allow multiple entries.
No vaccines are mandatory for entry, but the CDC and WHO recommend hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines. Yellow fever vaccine is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Check with a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your photo doesn't meet specs or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You'll get an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information. If you're unsure, contact the Indian embassy in Ottawa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.