A Guide to Securing an Indian Visa for Canadian Travelers

India eVisa for Canadian Citizens

Streamlined Electronic Travel Authorization Process

Canadian travelers can efficiently obtain their India eVisa through a comprehensive digital application process. The electronic system simplifies entry requirements while maintaining robust security protocols for international visitors seeking tourism, business, medical, or conference purposes in India.

Multiple Entry Options

Tourist eVisas available for 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years with multiple entry privileges

Digital Processing

Complete online application with electronic document submission and email delivery

Specialized Categories

Business, medical, conference, and Ayush traditional medicine visas available

Expedited Service

Rush processing available through NATVISATRAVEL.COM for urgent travel requirements

Passport Validity Required: Minimum 6 months from arrival date
Application Window: 4-120 days before travel
Document Format: Digital uploads in PDF, JPG, PNG formats

Complete eVisa Application Guide

Step-by-step navigation through India's electronic visa process for Canadian travelers

Application Process Navigation

  1. 1
    Document Preparation

    Gather valid Canadian passport with minimum 6-month validity, recent digital photograph with white background, and supporting documentation based on visa category selected.

  2. 2
    Online Application Submission

    Complete the electronic form with personal details, travel information, and upload required documents in specified formats (PDF, JPG, PNG with maximum 3MB file size).

  3. 3
    Payment Processing

    Submit government fees ($80 USD for Canadians) plus 2.5% bank transaction charges through secure payment gateway at least 4 days before intended travel date.

  4. 4
    Authorization Delivery

    Receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email within 72 hours, print copy for airport presentation, and verify entry through designated ports.

Essential Requirements Matrix

Universal Documentation

  • Current passport bio-page scan in PDF format
  • Square-format digital photograph (350x350 to 1000x1000 pixels)
  • Valid credit card for payment processing
  • Confirmed travel itinerary with arrival/departure details

Category-Specific Documents

  • Business: Company invitation letter or business card
  • Medical: Hospital referral letter on official letterhead
  • Conference: Event invitation with political clearance documentation
  • Tourist: Accommodation booking confirmations recommended

Understanding India's eVisa System

Comprehensive information about electronic travel authorization requirements, processing procedures, and entry protocols for Canadian citizens traveling to India.

Electronic Visa Categories and Specifications

India's electronic visa system provides Canadian citizens with five distinct categories designed to accommodate various travel purposes. The Tourist eVisa offers multiple validity options including 30-day double entry, 1-year multiple entry, and 5-year multiple entry authorizations, with maximum stays ranging from 30 to 180 days per visit depending on nationality and specific visa type.

Critical Processing Timeline

Applications must be submitted between 4-120 days before intended arrival. The standard processing time is 72 hours, though delays may occur during peak travel seasons or due to incomplete documentation. Canadian applicants should allow additional time for potential verification procedures.

Business eVisas enable commercial activities including meetings, conferences, and trade negotiations with 1-year validity and 180-day maximum stays. Medical eVisas facilitate specialized healthcare treatments with 60-day validity from first entry, while Conference eVisas provide 30-day single entry authorization for academic or professional events.

The recently introduced Ayush eVisa category specifically targets visitors seeking traditional Indian medicine treatments including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy practices, reflecting India's growing wellness tourism sector.

eVisa Processing Statistics

170+

Eligible Countries

34

Total Entry Points

2.5%

Bank Charges

5MB

Max File Size

Technical Requirements and Compliance Standards

Digital photograph submissions must adhere to strict biometric standards with square dimensions ranging from 350x350 to 1000x1000 pixels, file sizes between 10KB and 300KB in JPEG format, and white or light-colored backgrounds without shadows or borders. Passport scans require PDF format with clear visibility of personal data pages.

  • Photograph specifications must show full face from hairline to chin with eyes open and neutral expression
  • Passport validity requirement of minimum 6 months from intended arrival date in India
  • Two blank pages mandatory in passport for immigration stamps and endorsements
  • Payment processing requires valid credit or debit card with international transaction capability
  • Application fees are non-refundable regardless of approval or rejection status

Pakistani Heritage Considerations

Canadian citizens with Pakistani nationality, ancestry, or heritage face additional scrutiny and extended processing procedures. These applicants must follow specialized protocols and may experience longer processing times beyond the standard 72-hour window.

Practical Application Strategies

Essential guidance and professional recommendations for successful India eVisa applications by Canadian citizens

Strategic Application Approach

Optimal Timing Considerations

Submit applications 2-3 weeks before intended departure to accommodate potential processing delays and allow time for resubmission if necessary. Canadian citizens should avoid applying during Indian holiday periods when processing may experience extended delays beyond the standard 72-hour timeframe.

Document Quality Standards

Ensure passport scans show clear, unobstructed view of personal data page without shadows, glare, or partial coverage. Digital photographs must demonstrate professional quality with proper lighting, white background, and exact dimensional specifications to prevent automatic rejection by the system.

Professional Application Tips

  • Use high-resolution scanner (minimum 600 DPI) for passport documentation
  • Take photographs in natural daylight for optimal color accuracy
  • Verify all personal details match passport exactly before submission
  • Keep multiple backup copies of all submitted documents
  • Apply using reliable internet connection to prevent data loss

Common Application Pitfalls

Avoid uploading selfies or informal photographs instead of proper passport-style images. Ensure file sizes remain within specified limits while maintaining image clarity. Double-check spelling of names, dates, and passport numbers as corrections require complete reapplication with additional fees.

Payment Processing Guidelines

Use credit cards with international transaction capability and sufficient available credit to cover government fees plus 2.5% processing charges. Ensure billing address matches cardholder information exactly to prevent payment rejection and application delays.

Success Optimization Strategies

  • Complete application in single session to maintain data consistency
  • Review all entries multiple times before final submission
  • Save application reference number immediately after submission
  • Monitor email regularly for status updates and requests
  • Print approved eVisa immediately upon receipt

Critical Success Factors

Professional application assistance significantly increases approval probability by eliminating technical errors, ensuring document compliance, and providing expert review before submission. Canadian travelers benefit from specialized knowledge of common rejection factors and proactive resolution strategies.

Professional Recommendation: Utilize NATVISATRAVEL.COM services for optimal processing efficiency, comprehensive document review, and expert guidance throughout the application process to maximize success probability and minimize potential delays.

Pre-Application Verification Checklist

Document Preparation

  • Passport validity exceeds 6 months from arrival
  • Passport contains minimum two blank pages
  • Recent photograph meets biometric standards
  • Supporting documents translated to English
  • All files within size and format requirements
  • Travel itinerary confirmed and documented

Application Accuracy

  • Personal details match passport exactly
  • Contact information current and accessible
  • Travel dates within visa validity period
  • Purpose of visit clearly specified
  • Payment method verified and functional
  • Emergency contact information provided