How To Get A Tourist Visa For India From Canada?

You can get a tourist visa for India from Canada either by applying for an India e-visa from Canada or by applying through the BLS International Paper Visa. 

Planning a trip to India from Canada? Whether you’re drawn by the Taj Mahal, Kerala’s backwaters, or your roots, the first step is getting a tourist visa. If you’re wondering how to get an Indian tourist visa from Canada, this guide breaks it down in simple steps. However, grabbing Canada to India cheap flights can be made easy through TripBeam. Being one of the best flight booking platforms, TripBeam can get you sorted in this entire process. 

Do Canadians Need a Visa to Visit India?

Yes. Canadian citizens must obtain a visa before entering India, even for tourism. India does not offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Canadian passport holders. However, the good news is: You can apply online through the e-Visa system, or apply via BLS International, India’s authorized visa partner in Canada.

Option 1: Applying for an India e-Visa from Canada 

What is an e-Visa?

An India e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows Canadian citizens to visit India for tourism, business, or short medical stays, without visiting an embassy.

Ideal for:

1. Short tourism trips (up to 30 or 90 days).
2. Visiting family and friends.
3. Attending yoga retreats or sightseeing.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Indian e-Visa

These steps show how to apply for Indian visa in Canada easily:

1. Visit the official portal:
   https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
2. Choose ‘e-Tourist Visa’
3. Fill out the application form

   1.Personal details
   2.Passport info
   3.Travel plans
   4.Upload a passport scan and a photo

4.Pay the visa fee online

1.Starts from USD 10 (for 30 days)
2.Longer durations cost more

5. Wait for approval
   1. Usually takes 3–5 business days
   2. Confirmation arrives by email 

6. Print your e-Visa and carry it during travel.

Key Requirements for e-Visa:

1. Valid Canadian passport (min. 6 months).
2. Recent passport-sized photo (white background).
3. Scan of passport’s photo page.
4. Credit/Debit card for payment.
5. Confirmed travel details (entry/exit cities).

Option 2: Apply Through BLS International

If you’re planning to stay longer than 90 days or need a multiple-entry visa for several months or a year, apply through India’s official visa partner in Canada: https://www.blsindia-canada.com.

Paper Visa Process:

The Paper Visa process includes the following steps:

1. Download the visa application form from the Indian government website.
   2. Book an appointment with BLS International.
   3. Gather supporting documents (passport, photo, travel itinerary, etc.).
   4. Submit in person or by mail.
   5. Pay the fee (varies by duration).
   6. Track your application online.

India Tourist Visa Fees for Canadians 

Processing Time for India Visa from Canada

Documents Checklist for Canadian Tourists to India

1. Valid Canadian passport (min. 6 months from arrival).
2. Scanned passport bio page.
3. Recent passport-sized photograph (JPEG, white background).
4. Travel details (entry and exit points).
5. Proof of accommodation (optional but recommended).
6. Visa printout (for e-Visa holders).
7. Return flight ticket (helpful for immigration).

Bonus Tips for Canadian Travelers

1. Carry multiple photocopies of your passport and visa.
2. Avoid overstaying, as India has strict penalties.
3. Get travel insurance before your trip.
4. Register with the Government of Canada’s travel portal if you want updates while abroad.
5. Use only the official e-Visa website to apply. Many scam websites appear legit.

To Summarize

Obtaining an Indian tourist visa from Canada in 2025 has been streamlined by the e-Visa system, making it easier than ever for Canadian citizens to plan their trips, whether for exploring scenic landscapes, spiritual journeys, or family visits. With your passport in hand, securing your visa is now a more confident and accessible step towards your next Indian adventure.

FAQs

Q1. Can I get an Indian visa on arrival in 2025?

No, Canadian passport holders must apply in advance. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Canada.

Q2. Do I need to submit biometrics?

Not for e-Visas. Paper visa applicants may need to provide biometrics at BLS centers.

Q3. Is it safe to apply through third-party sites?

Stick to official government portals or BLS International only. Avoid unofficial visa sites—they often charge extra or are scams.

Q4. Can I extend my Indian visa while in India?

No, e-Visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. You’ll need to exit and reapply.