Planning a trip to India from Canada? Whether you’re dreaming of exploring India’s rich heritage, visiting family, attending business meetings, or traveling for medical treatment, one essential step comes first - securing your Indian visa.
The good news is that Canadian citizens are eligible for India’s e-Visa program, allowing you to apply completely online without visiting the Indian embassy for most short-term travel purposes.
The challenging part? Government portals, strict photo and document specifications, and technical errors that can delay or even reject applications.
That’s where IVC Visas steps in, to remove confusion, reduce stress, and ensure your Indian e-Visa application is accurate, compliant, and smoothly processed from start to finish.
This guide explains everything Canadian travelers need to know about the Indian e-Visa and how IVC Visas makes the process effortless.
What Is an Indian e-Visa?
An Indian e-Visa is an electronic visa issued online by the Government of India. Once approved, you receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email. You simply print it (or keep a digital copy) and present it on arrival in India. No embassy visits, no passport submission in advance!
Types of Indian e-Visas Available for Canadians
India e-Tourist Visa- Suitable for sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or short-term yoga programs.
- 30-day visa: Double entry
- 1-year visa: Multiple entries with 180 days duration of stay per visit
- 5-year visa: Multiple entries with 180 days duration of stay per visit
Maximum aggregate stay on an e-Tourist Visa should not exceed 180 days in a calendar year.
India e-Business Visa- For attending meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions, or business site visits.
- Usually valid for 1 year with multiple entries.
- 180-day duration
India e-Medical Visa- For receiving treatment at recognized Indian hospitals or medical facilities.
- Typically valid for 60 days with triple entry.
Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizens
Canadian passport holders are eligible for Indian e-Visas as long as the following conditions are met:
✅ Passport validity:
Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in India, not from your departure date. This is strictly checked by airlines and Indian immigration.
✅ Blank passport pages:
Your passport must contain a minimum of two blank pages to allow immigration authorities to place entry and exit stamps.
✅ Valid email address:
A working email address is required to receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and important application updates.
✅ Authorized ports of entry:
You must enter India through one of the designated international airports, seaports, or approved land ports permitted for e-Visa holders.
✅ Permitted stay duration:
Your stay in India must fall within the validity and stay limits of the e-Visa category you apply for. Overstaying can result in fines, penalties, or future travel restrictions.
Important note: If your travel purpose involves employment, studies, internships, research, journalism, or long-term residence, an e-Visa is not applicable. In such cases, you must apply for a regular (sticker) visa through the Indian Embassy or Consulate in Canada, as e-Visas are strictly limited to short-term travel purposes.
What Canadian Applicants Need to Prepare for an Indian e-Visa
1. Valid Canadian Passport
- Regular passport only
- At least 6 months validity
- Minimum 2 blank pages
2. Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
- Color photo with white background
- Front-facing, neutral expression
- No glare or shadows
- Must meet Indian government technical specifications
3. Passport Bio-Data Page Scan
- Clear and readable scan of the page with photo and personal details
4. Travel Details
- Intended arrival and departure dates
- Port of entry
- Accommodation details
- Return or onward travel information
5. Additional Documents (If Applicable)
e-Business Visa:
- Invitation letter from Indian company
- Company details or business card
e-Medical Visa:
- Hospital letter confirming appointment
- Relevant medical records
6. Payment Method
- Visa fees vary by nationality, category and duration of stay in India
- Fees are non-refundable
Whether you are travelling from USA to India, Canada to India, UK to India or any other country, learn about the e-visa fee structure at IVC visas before securing your payment.
How to Apply Through IVC Visas: Step-by-Step
IVC Visas simplifies the entire process for Canadian travelers.
Step 1: Start Your Application
Visit IVC visas and complete a short form with:
- Nationality (Canada)
- Purpose of travel (Visiting friends and family, sightseeing, medical treatments, business trips, etc.)
- Travel dates
- Entry and exit ports
Based on your details, we recommend the correct visa category and outline the exact documents required.
Step 2: Upload Documents Securely
Upload your passport copy, photo, and supporting documents via our secure portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Why this matters:
Most e-Visa rejections happen due to incorrect photo size, poor scans, or formatting errors. Our team reviews and corrects all documents before submission to avoid technical rejections.
Step 3: Application Form Completion Options
Option A: Full-Service Application
- Share your details using our simplified form
- Our experts complete the official government application
- Documents are resized and formatted correctly
- You review and approve before submission
Option B: Guided Self-Completion
- We provide the official form with clear instructions
- You fill it out at your own pace
- We review and correct it before submission
Every application is manually checked for accuracy and consistency.
Step 4: Secure Payment Processing
We handle payments through encrypted channels and provide:
- Transparent fee breakdown (government fee + service fee)
- Official receipt
- Payment confirmation
Step 5: Submission & Tracking
We submit your application to the official Indian immigration portal. You will receive:
- Application ID
- Real-time tracking access
- Email updates on status
Processing usually takes up to 72 hours, but applying 4–7 days in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Step 6: Receive Your ETA
Once approved, you’ll receive:
- ETA via email
- Downloadable PDF copy
- Pre-departure checklist and travel tips
Our recommendation: Print two copies and keep a digital backup on your phone as immigration officers will certainly ask for it.
Entry and Exit Rules for Canadian Travelers
You must enter India through authorized airports, seaports, or land ports, including major international airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kochi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Varanasi, and Port Blair.
You may exit India from any Immigration Check Post in the country.
How we help: We always verify that your planned entry point is authorized for e-Visa holders. If you're planning to arrive at an airport that doesn't accept e-Visas, we'll let you know and help you adjust your plans or apply for a different visa type or you can verify for entry and exit ports.
Important Regulations to Remember
- No false information: Can result in visa cancellation or future travel bans
- No overstaying: Overstay penalties may include fines or blacklisting
- Restricted areas: Some regions require special permits
- Registration requirement: Long stays may require FRRO/FRO registration
- Non-extendable & non-convertible: Most e-Visas cannot be converted into another visa once issued nor it is extended except in medical cases.
- Regular visa requirement: This visa is required when you plan to:
- Work, study, intern, or conduct research
- Stay beyond e-Visa limits
- Travel on diplomatic or official passports
- Visit India for purposes not covered under e-Visa categories
Paying attention to these common regulations would help you avoid rejections and delays.
IVC Visas reviews your plans and flags any compliance concerns about your Indian e-Visa as early as possible.
Why IVC visas should be Canadian travelers' preference?
- Expert human review of every application
- Document compliance checks to avoid technical errors
- 24/7 support via chat, email, and WhatsApp
- Expedited processing options for urgent travel
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Post-approval support until you arrive in India
An expert review is necessary if you are applying for an Indian eVisa because sometimes document errors can cost your application.
Pro Tips for Canadian Applicants
- Apply 4–7 days before travel (earlier during holidays)
- Ensure passport validity is counted from entry date, not departure
- Keep all details consistent across documents
- Save digital and printed copies of ETA and travel documents
- Check current travel or health advisories before departure
Ready to Apply for Your Indian e-Visa?
Let IVC Visas handle the paperwork while you focus on planning your Indian journey. From application review to post-approval support, we make the process simple, accurate, and stress-free.
Start your Indian e-Visa application at IVC visas today!
Disclaimer: IVC Visas is an independent visa service provider. We assist with application preparation and submission but do not guarantee visa approval, as final decisions rest with Indian immigration authorities. All information is based on current regulations, which may change. Always verify the latest requirements before travel.