Latest guideline (Oct 25, 2023) on paper visa for India for Canadian nationals

Q: Do I need a visa to go to India?
Ans : Yes, all foreigners need a visa to enter India.

Q: Can I get a visa on arrival to enter India?
Ans : No, you must obtain a visa before taking a flight to India. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival in
India.

Q: I hold a 10 year Tourist Visa. Is this valid for travel to India at present?
Ans : No, you must obtain a visa before taking a flight to India. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival in
India.

Q: Can I study in India? If so, what type of visa should I apply for?
Ans : Yes. With a valid Student visa for a recognized university/educational institution.

Q: I travel to India frequently for business meetings/to explore opportunities for partnerships
with Indian companies. Which visa should I apply for?
Ans : You may apply for a business visa valid for multiple entries along with the requisite documents
as per the checklist. Kindly note that a Business Visa does not permit you to work in India. In case
you wish to work in India, you should apply for an Employment Visa.

Q: I have to participate in a Conference/Seminar/Workshop in India. Which visa should I apply
for?
Ans : You should apply for a Conference Visa to enable you to participate in the
Conference/Seminar/ Workshop along with invitation letter, details of the Conference etc. Clearance
from the competent authority in India is required.

Q: I will travel at a much later date. Can my visa be issued to coincide with the date of travel?
Ans : No. Post - dated visas are not issued. The validity of the visa begins from the date of issue.

Q: I have to go for internship/training in a university/institute/company in India for a short
period. Which visa should I apply for?
Ans : You should apply for Student visa along with a copy of the offer letter stating the terms of
internship. You may also be required to submit a copy of the inter-university student exchange
agreement if the proposed internship is a component of such an agreement. You would be required
to submit proof of financial standing to support your stay in India.

Q: I will be studying in India for one semester/trimester in an IIT/IIM/IISc/Indian university.

Which visa should I apply for?
Ans : You should apply for a student visa along with a copy of the letter from the institute/university
confirming your acceptance as a student. You would also be required to submit proof of financial
standing to support your stay in India.

Q: I have to travel to India on an emergency. Is there any extra charge for the same?
Ans : Emergency Visa is not a category of visa. It is an Entry Visa granted to Canadian or foreign
passport holders of Indian origin for travel to India on an emergency basis to attend genuine
emergencies such as recent death of a close relative of the applicant in India. This visa is subject to
verification of documents where applicant will be required to provide proof of emergency i.e. death
certificate of the deceased issued by the hospital of doctor, proof of relation to the deceased, a copy
of air-ticket to travel (within 48 hours).All the documents would be subject to verification and a limited
duration visa will be granted solely at the discretion of the High Commission at a cost of C$ 113 on
all working days and $168 on Saturdays and beyond normal hours. Applicants may be required to
appear for an interview.

Q: I had applied for a visa for India but I have changed my mind about visiting the country.

Can I claim a refund of the visa fee?
Ans : Visa fees are non-refundable. Once the visa application is accepted, visa fee cannot be
refunded even if the visa is refused/not granted.

Q: Do I need a visa for my pet who is accompanying me on my visit to India?
Visa is not required for taking a pet to India but certain customs and vaccination-related regulations
have to be complied with. Kindly consult your airline/travel agent for details of these regulations and
necessary documentation to facilitate the visit.

Q: How do I know when my passport is ready for collection from BLS?