Indian Visa for Canadians

Traveling to India as a Canadian citizen involves securing the appropriate visa based on your purpose of visit. Whether you are planning a trip for tourism, business, employment, or other purposes, this guide provides detailed information on the types of visas, application processes, required documents, and important considerations.

Who Requires an Indian Visa?

All foreign nationals, including Canadians, require a visa to enter India. However, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders do not need a visa to enter the country.

Process of Application for a Indian Visa for Canadians

Step 1: Submission of Application Online

Register and submit your visa application online by visiting the Indian visa website and following the guidelines. Detailed instructions can be found here for more information visit the official website. 

• Here's a step-by-step guide to fill the Visa application form. 
• Here's the process for uploading photo. 

Step 2: Submit Documents at BLS Center

Submit the printed application form, supporting documents, and fees at a BLS Center. For more details, visit BLS India Canada.

Indian Tourist Visa Fee & Processing Time

Processing typically takes seven business days, excluding postal transmission time. The fee for a one-year tourist visa is CAD 153 plus CAD 4. The fee for 1-5 years is CAD 275. Additional processing fees are payable to BLS International.

Mode of Payment at BLS

1.  In Person: You can pay using the following methods:

• Debit Card
• Cash (Please bring the exact amount needed for your application)

2. Postal Applications: Please provide a Demand Draft/Money Order in favor of BLS International Services Canada Inc. This should cover the passport fee, consular fee, BLS service charges, and postal charges.
Do not include cash in your postal application. BLS is not responsible for lost cash or postal orders.

3. Optional Postal Service: You can choose to send your application by post and pick up your documents in person at the BLS Centre. In this case, pay only for the postage from your home to the BLS Centre, not for the return postage.

Indian Visa Requirements for Canadians - Checklist

• Online Application Form: Complete the form. 
• Canadian/Foreign Passport: Submit the original and a copy of your passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages.
• Proof of Address: Provide documents verifying your current address.
• Photograph: Submit two recent passport-size photos (51mm x 51mm)(link)
• Surrender Certificate: For Indian-origin foreign nationals, a surrender certificate is mandatory.
• Former Indian Passport Holders: Renunciation of Indian Citizenship proof for former Indian passport holders.
• Checklist: Before applying go through the Checklist here.

Additional Documents for Minors & Spouses

• Minor Consent Form signed by both parents. (link)
• Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate of parents.
• Passport copies of both parents.
• For single-parent children, include the divorce court order, death certificate, or adoption documents.
• Custody Documents for single-parent cases.

General Information for Indian Visa

• Application Submission: Visa applications must be submitted to BLS Visa Application Centers.
• Acceptance of Application: Acceptance does not guarantee visa issuance. The Indian government reserves the right to grant or refuse a visa.
• Visa Fees: Visa fees are non-refundable.
• Passport Validity: Your passport must have at least two blank pages and a validity of more than 190 days.
• Visa Validity: The visa validity starts from the date of issue, not the date of entry.
• Travel Tickets: Do not purchase travel tickets until your visa is obtained.
• Long-term Stay: Long-term visa holders staying more than 180 days must register at the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or District Superintendents of Police.
• Interview Requirement: The Consulate may require an in-person interview.
• Prohibited Items: Carrying satellite telephones is prohibited in India.