Indian eVisa for Canadian Citizens: Full 2026 Guide
Canadian citizens traveling to India in 2026 usually need a visa before departure, and for many trips the Indian eVisa is the simplest route. It is applied for online, issued electronically as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), and presented when you arrive at an eligible airport or seaport in India.
That said, the India eVisa is not a one-size-fits-all document. The right category depends on why you are traveling, how long you plan to stay, how you will enter India, and whether you have special circumstances such as dual citizenship, former Indian nationality, or Pakistani origin.
This guide explains the key rules Canadian passport holders should know before applying.
Quick answer: Can Canadian citizens apply for an Indian eVisa in 2026?
Yes. As of 2026, Canadian citizens are generally eligible to apply for an Indian eVisa online for tourism, business, medical treatment, conference travel, and certain related purposes. You must receive an approval marked “Granted” before you travel.
The eVisa is not a visa on arrival. You apply before departure, receive an ETA by email, then present it with your Canadian passport at Indian immigration.
Because visa rules can change without much notice, always confirm your eligibility and category on the official Indian eVisa portal before submitting an application or booking nonrefundable travel.
Indian eVisa types available to Canadian citizens
India offers several eVisa categories. The most common for Canadian travelers are e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Medical, e-Medical Attendant, and e-Conference. Some travelers may also see AYUSH-related medical categories depending on the official portal and purpose of travel.
| eVisa type | Typical purpose | Usual validity and entries | Key point for Canadian citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Tourist Visa, 30 days | Holidays, sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, short recreation | 30 days from first arrival, double entry | Best for short trips, but timing matters because the application window is shorter |
| e-Tourist Visa, 1 year | Multiple leisure trips to India | 365 days from ETA grant, multiple entry | Canadian citizens are commonly allowed up to 180 days per visit, subject to current rules |
| e-Tourist Visa, 5 years | Frequent tourism or family visits | 5 years from ETA grant, multiple entry | Useful for repeat travelers, but passport validity and stay limits still apply |
| e-Business Visa | Business meetings, trade discussions, sales or purchase activity, business events | 365 days from ETA grant, multiple entry | Not for employment in India or long-term paid work |
| e-Medical Visa | Short-term medical treatment in India | Usually 60 days from arrival, triple entry | Requires medical documentation from an Indian hospital or treatment provider |
| e-Medical Attendant Visa | Accompanying an e-Medical Visa holder | Usually linked to the patient’s medical eVisa | Typically limited to eligible attendants accompanying the patient |
| e-Conference Visa | Attending an eligible conference, seminar, or workshop | Usually short validity, single entry | Requires invitation and event-related documentation |
The exact validity shown on your ETA and entry stamp controls your stay. Do not rely only on general summaries, especially if your travel dates are close to the validity limit.
Who should use the Indian eVisa, and who should not?
The Indian eVisa is designed for straightforward short-term travel. It works well for Canadian tourists, business visitors attending meetings, medical travelers, and conference attendees who can enter India through an approved air or sea port.
You should consider a regular paper or sticker visa instead if you plan to work in India, study long term, conduct journalism or filming activities, do missionary work, enter through a land border, or visit restricted and protected areas that require special permits.
You may also need a regular visa if your nationality or background triggers additional review. For example, travelers of Pakistani origin or those who have held Pakistani nationality should check the official instructions carefully, as the eVisa route may not be available. Canadian citizens who also hold another nationality should apply using the passport they will use for the full journey. If you are unsure which passport to use, SimpleVisa has a separate guide on applying for an e-visa with dual citizenship.
Former Indian citizens and people with Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status should also review their situation before applying. If you have a valid OCI card and travel with the required passport documents, you may not need a visa for many types of travel, but OCI rules are separate from the eVisa system.
Documents Canadian citizens need for an India eVisa
Most Canadian applicants need a valid passport, a digital passport-style photo, a scan of the passport bio page, travel details, and a payment card. Depending on the category, you may also need business, medical, or conference documents.
At a minimum, prepare the following before you start:
- A Canadian passport valid for at least 6 months from your expected arrival date in India.
- At least two blank passport pages for immigration stamps.
- A clear scanned copy of the passport bio page.
- A recent color passport-style photo that meets India’s digital upload requirements.
- Your arrival details, accommodation information, and intended itinerary.
- A valid email address where the ETA can be received.
- A debit or credit card accepted by the portal.
Business travelers may need an invitation letter, business card, or details of the Indian organization they are visiting. Medical travelers typically need documentation from the hospital or treatment facility in India. Conference travelers may need an invitation and event approval documents.
Photo and upload rules can be strict. Blurry passport scans, cropped photos, shadows, incorrect backgrounds, and mismatched names are common reasons for delays. For a deeper document checklist, see SimpleVisa’s guide to India eVisa requirements, then confirm the latest technical specifications on the official portal.
When should Canadians apply for an Indian eVisa?
India’s eVisa system has application windows that vary by category. For most eVisa categories, you should apply at least several days before travel, but it is safer to allow more time than the minimum.
| Travel situation | Practical application timing | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Short tourist trip using a 30-day e-Tourist Visa | Apply within the allowed 30-day window before arrival | Applying too early may not be possible, and applying too late increases risk |
| 1-year or 5-year tourist eVisa | Apply once your plans are firm, often several weeks ahead | These categories usually allow a longer pre-travel application window |
| Business trip | Apply at least 1 to 3 weeks before departure when possible | Extra review may be needed if documents are unclear |
| Medical travel | Apply as soon as the hospital documentation and travel plan are ready | Treatment dates can be time-sensitive |
| Peak travel season or holiday periods | Add extra buffer time | Portal traffic, document issues, and payment problems can slow approval |
Many applications are processed within a few days, but processing is not guaranteed. If your trip is high-value, urgent, or complex, avoid leaving the application until the last minute. You can also read SimpleVisa’s broader advice on when to apply for an e-visa to understand how timing varies by destination and season.
How to apply for an Indian eVisa from Canada
The application is online, but accuracy is essential. Your passport details, travel dates, and personal information must match your passport exactly.
- Choose the correct eVisa category: Select the category based on your real purpose of travel, not the category that seems easiest. Tourism, business, medical treatment, and conference attendance have different requirements.
- Start the application on the official portal or through a trusted visa support provider: Be careful with unofficial sites that mimic government pages or charge unclear service fees.
- Enter your personal and passport details exactly: Match spelling, date of birth, passport number, and place of birth to your Canadian passport.
- Provide travel and background information: You may be asked about your itinerary, accommodation, employment, previous travel to India, and other nationalities.
- Upload your photo and passport scan: Check that files are clear, correctly framed, and within the required format and size limits.
- Upload category-specific documents: Business, medical, and conference applications may require additional proof.
- Pay the visa fee online: Fees vary by nationality, category, duration, and season. The portal should display the final amount before payment.
- Wait for the ETA email: Travel only after the status is approved or “Granted.” Save a digital copy and carry a printed copy.
- Present your passport and ETA on arrival: Immigration officers may take biometrics and ask about your travel purpose, funds, onward travel, or accommodation.
Do not assume that submitting the form gives you permission to travel. The approval email matters, and the final decision to admit a traveler is made by Indian immigration at the port of entry.
Indian eVisa fees for Canadian citizens in 2026
India eVisa fees are not always identical for every nationality or visa category. They can vary based on the type of eVisa, length of validity, season, and payment method. Some categories may also include bank or card processing charges.
For that reason, the safest way to confirm the 2026 fee is to check the amount displayed on the official application portal before you pay. Be aware that government visa fees are typically nonrefundable, even if the application is refused, delayed, or submitted with mistakes.
If you use a visa service provider, separate service fees may apply in addition to the government fee. That is not automatically a problem, but the provider should clearly distinguish government fees from service charges.
Entry rules: airports, seaports, and land borders
An Indian eVisa can only be used to enter India through designated airports and seaports listed by the Indian government. Major international airports are commonly included, but you should confirm your exact arrival point before booking.
This matters for Canadian travelers planning multi-country trips in South Asia. If you plan to enter India by land from Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, or another neighboring country, an eVisa may not be valid for that entry. In that case, you may need a regular visa arranged before travel.
Exiting India is more flexible, since eVisa holders can usually depart through authorized immigration check posts. Still, cruise passengers, overland travelers, and travelers with multiple entries should verify that their visa type and route match.
Stay limits and validity: what Canadians should watch
One of the most common mistakes is confusing visa validity with permitted stay. Validity is the period during which the visa can be used, while permitted stay is how long you may remain in India during a visit.
For example, a 1-year tourist eVisa may be valid for multiple entries over 365 days, but each stay is still limited. Canadian citizens using longer-term tourist eVisas are commonly allowed to stay up to 180 days per visit, subject to the latest official conditions and the stamp issued on arrival.
Business eVisas also have stay limits. If your business activity requires a longer stay, or if you will be paid by an Indian entity, the eBusiness category may not be appropriate.
Overstaying can create serious problems, including fines, exit delays, future visa refusals, or administrative penalties. If your plans change while in India, contact the appropriate Indian immigration authority before your authorized stay expires.
Common mistakes that delay or derail applications
Many India eVisa problems are avoidable. Canadian applicants should pay special attention to small details, because the online process leaves limited room for correction after submission.
Common mistakes include applying with a passport that expires too soon, uploading a low-quality passport scan, using a photo that does not meet the requirements, entering a middle name incorrectly, selecting the wrong visa category, assuming the eVisa works at land borders, or applying for a 30-day tourist eVisa outside the allowed window.
Another common issue is using an unofficial website without realizing it. Some third-party sites provide legitimate assistance, while others simply resell access at high fees or create confusion. If you want direct government processing, use the official portal. If you want guided support, choose a provider that is transparent about fees, responsibilities, and what is included.
Practical checklist before flying from Canada to India
Before you leave for the airport, make sure every detail is consistent across your passport, ETA, airline booking, and itinerary.
- Your ETA status says approved or “Granted.”
- Your Canadian passport number on the ETA matches the passport you will carry.
- Your passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
- You have a printed and digital copy of the ETA.
- Your first point of entry is an approved eVisa airport or seaport.
- Your visa category matches your actual travel purpose.
- Your return or onward travel plans are available if requested.
- You have accommodation details and proof of sufficient funds if asked.
If you obtained a new passport after your eVisa was issued, check the official guidance before traveling. In many cases, the visa is linked to the passport used in the application, and traveling with a different passport can cause problems.
FAQ: Indian eVisa for Canadian citizens
Do Canadian citizens need a visa to visit India in 2026? Yes, Canadian citizens generally need a visa to visit India unless they hold a valid status such as OCI that removes the need for a visa for their trip type. Many Canadian travelers can use the Indian eVisa system.
Is the Indian eVisa for Canadian citizens a visa on arrival? No. You must apply online and receive approval before you travel. The ETA is checked when you board and again when you arrive in India.
How long can Canadians stay in India with an e-Tourist Visa? It depends on the tourist eVisa type. A 30-day eTourist Visa is for short trips, while 1-year and 5-year eTourist Visas allow multiple entries. Canadian citizens are commonly allowed up to 180 days per visit on longer tourist eVisas, but always follow the validity and entry stamp issued to you.
Can Canadian citizens enter India by land with an eVisa? Usually no. The Indian eVisa is for entry through designated airports and seaports. If you plan to enter India by land, check whether you need a regular visa.
How long does India eVisa processing take for Canadians? Many applications are processed within a few days, but delays can happen because of document issues, payment problems, holidays, or additional checks. Applying earlier than the minimum is strongly recommended.
Can I work in India with an eBusiness Visa? No. The eBusiness Visa is for permitted business visitor activities such as meetings and trade discussions. It is not an employment visa and does not authorize long-term paid work in India.
Can an Indian eVisa be extended? India eVisas are generally non-extendable and non-convertible, with limited exceptions in specific circumstances such as certain medical situations. If you need a longer stay, plan the correct visa before traveling.
Make India visa guidance easier for Canadian travelers
For individual travelers, the key is simple: choose the right eVisa category, apply early, and make sure your documents match your Canadian passport exactly.
For travel agencies, tour operators, OTAs, airlines, and other travel businesses, India visa questions often appear at the most important point in the booking journey. Clear visa guidance can reduce customer friction and create a better pre-trip experience.
SimpleVisa helps travel businesses streamline visa application support through automation, API integration, white-label app options, and custom data services, making border requirements easier to manage inside the customer journey.