India Visa for Canada Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning to visit India as a Canadian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Indian Tourist Visa application: required documents, current fees of C$157, processing time of 7 business days, and application tips through BLS International. With proper preparation, most Canadian applications are approved.

Visa Application process

All applications for Indian tourist visas from Canada must be submitted through BLS International, the authorized visa service provider.2 The process involves these steps:

Complete Online Application

Visit the Indian government visa portal and fill out the online application form. Provide accurate information about your travel plans, personal details, and background. Print the completed form and sign it.1

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents including your valid passport, photographs meeting Indian visa specifications, proof of address, and any additional documents based on your situation.2

Submit at BLS International

Visit a BLS International centre in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa) or submit by mail. Submit your completed application form, passport, photographs, and supporting documents along with the applicable fees.2

Wait for Processing

Standard processing takes approximately 7 business days.1 BLS International will notify you when your passport is ready for collection or will courier it back to you.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete Online Application
2. Gather Required Documents
3. Submit at BLS International
4. Wait for Processing

Visa Fees breakdown

Visa Type: Fee	Tourist Visa (1 year): C$157	Tourist Visa (5 year): C$157	BLS Service Fee: Additional	Courier Service: Additional	Fees are payable at the time of application submission. BLS International accepts various payment methods.2

What you need to prove

The Indian visa authorities require you to demonstrate:

Genuine tourism purpose: Clear travel plans showing you intend to visit India for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends
Valid travel documents: Canadian passport with sufficient validity and blank pages
Intention to return: Evidence of ties to Canada (employment, family, property)
Financial capability: Ability to fund your trip without working in India

Required documents

Valid Passport
Completed Visa Application Form
Passport Photographs
Proof of Canadian Address

Valid Passport

Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival in India • At least 2 blank pages for visa stamp; • Must not be damaged or altered; • If you previously held an Indian passport, provide proof of renunciation] (Tip: If your passport expires within 6 months of travel, renew before applyingKeep copies of your passport in a separate location during travel)

Completed Visa Application Form

Complete the online visa application form at the Indian government portal • Fill out all sections accurately; • Print and sign the completed form; • Application Reference Number will be generated] (Tip: Double-check all information matches your passport exactlySave a copy of your application confirmation)

Passport Photographs

Two recent passport-sized colour photographs meeting Indian visa specifications • Size: 51mm x 51mm (2 inches x 2 inches); • White background only; • Full face visible with neutral expression; • Taken within the last 6 months] (Tip: Many photo centres offer Indian visa photo specificationsAvoid glasses in your photo)

Proof of Canadian Address

Document showing your current residential address in Canada • Utility bill, bank statement, or government correspondence; • Must be dated within the last 3 months; • Must show your name and current address] (Tip: A driver's licence alone may not be sufficientInclude a recent bank statement or utility bill)

Optional documents

Travel Plans | Renunciation Certificate

Travel Plans

Details of your planned trip to India including flight and accommodation bookings • Flight itinerary showing arrival and departure dates; • Hotel reservations or host's address in India; • Planned cities and activities] (Tip: Flexible or refundable bookings recommended until visa is approvedIf staying with family or friends, include their address and contact details)

Renunciation Certificate

Proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship if you were previously an Indian citizen • Original or certified copy of surrender certificate; • Previous Indian passport (cancelled); • Canadian immigration status proof] (Tip: OCI cardholders may have different visa requirementsContact BLS International for specific guidance on your situation)

Comparison

Visa Type	Fee	Notes
Tourist Visa (1 year)	C$157	Includes C$153 visa fee + C$4 processing
Tourist Visa (5 year)	C$157	Subject to availability
BLS Service Fee	Additional	Charged separately by BLS International
Courier Service	Additional	Optional return delivery service

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Incomplete Documentation
25%	Passport Issues
20%	Unclear Travel Purpose
15%	Former Indian Citizenship Issues
5%	Insufficient Financial Evidence

35% - Incomplete Documentation

How to avoid: Use the BLS International checklist to verify all documents are included. Ensure photographs meet exact specifications before submitting.

25% - Passport Issues

How to avoid: Renew your passport if it has less than 6 months validity or fewer than 2 blank pages. Never submit a damaged passport.

20% - Unclear Travel Purpose

How to avoid: Provide a clear travel itinerary with specific dates and places. Include hotel bookings or invitation letters from hosts in India.

15% - Former Indian Citizenship Issues

How to avoid: If you were born in India or previously held Indian citizenship, ensure you have proper renunciation documentation. Consider the OCI card as an alternative.

5% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Include recent bank statements showing adequate funds. A general guideline is C$100-150 per day of stay plus flight costs.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in India on a tourist visa?

The duration of stay depends on the visa granted. Tourist visas are typically issued for 1 year with multiple entries, allowing stays of up to 90 days per visit. Longer-term visas (5 or 10 years) may be available for eligible applicants.

Can I apply for an Indian e-Visa as a Canadian citizen?

Yes, Canadian citizens are eligible for the India e-Visa for tourism. The e-Tourist Visa can be applied online and is valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years depending on the category chosen. It is often faster than the traditional visa application.

How long does Indian visa processing take from Canada?

Standard processing through BLS International takes approximately 7 business days, not including postal delivery time. During peak travel seasons, processing may take longer. Plan to apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date.

What is the Indian tourist visa fee for Canadians in 2026?

The Tourist Visa fee is C$153 plus a C$4 processing fee, totaling C$157. BLS International service fees are charged separately. Fees may vary for different visa durations or expedited processing.

Do I need to submit my passport for an Indian visa?

Yes, you must submit your original passport to BLS International for visa processing. Your passport will be returned with the visa sticker after processing. Consider using a courier service for secure delivery.

Can former Indian citizens apply for a tourist visa?

Yes, but you must provide proof of renunciation of Indian citizenship, including your surrender certificate and cancelled Indian passport. You may also consider applying for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, which provides lifelong visa-free travel to India.

Apply for India tourist visa online

Sources

High Commission of India, Ottawa

https://hciottawa.gov.in/pages?id=12&subid=83

BLS International - Toronto

https://www.blsindia-canada.com/toronto-jurisdiction/tourist-visa.php

Consulate General of India, Toronto

https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/tourist-visa/

At a glance