India visas from Canada, by reason for travel
The India visa for each reason to travel: family, weddings, holidays, pilgrimage, treatment, business and more.
- Forms prepared by our office
- Documents checked
- Express submission
- Confidential handling
Why are you going to India?
Which visa you need
| Family, weddings, holidays, pilgrimage, meditation | e-Tourist visa: 1 year US$40 or 5 years US$200 |
|---|---|
| Business | e-Business visa: US$120 |
| Treatment | e-Medical visa, plus attendant visas: US$80 each |
| Indian origin | OCI card: lifelong, no visa needed |
Government fee set by India, paid in US$ plus a 3.6% bank charge. Documentation Fee confirmed by email before you pay.
Visiting family in India
India visas and OCI cards for visits to family and friends in India, including children.
| Canadian passport | e-Tourist visa: 1 year US$40 or 5 years US$200, multiple entry |
|---|---|
| Indian origin | OCI card: lifelong, no visa needed |
| Former Indian citizen | Surrender certificate, then OCI |
Which visa do I need to visit my parents in India?
The e-Tourist visa covers visits to family and friends. If you are of Indian origin, an OCI card may be better because it lasts for life.
Do my children born in Canada need a visa for India?
Yes, every traveller needs a visa or OCI card. Children of Indian-origin parents can often get an OCI card instead.
How long can I stay with family in India on an e-Tourist visa?
With the 1-year or 5-year e-Tourist visa you can stay up to 180 days in India per calendar year.
Visa for a wedding in India
India visas for wedding guests and family celebrations, prepared for the whole family before the date.
| Wedding guests | e-Tourist visa (1 year, multiple entry) or OCI card |
|---|---|
| Bride or groom | Tell us: you may need more than a guest visa |
| Busy season | November to February: apply as soon as the date is set |
Which visa do I need to attend a wedding in India?
Wedding guests usually travel on the e-Tourist visa, or an OCI card if they are of Indian origin.
How early should we apply for wedding visas?
The e-Visa can be applied for up to 120 days before arrival and at least 4 days before. For wedding season, start as soon as the date is set.
Can you do visas for our whole family?
Yes. We prepare every family member together, with matching details, and keep you updated until all visas are granted.
India tourist visa
India e-Tourist visas, 1 year or 5 years, for holidays and sightseeing.
| 1-year e-Tourist | US$40, multiple entry, up to 180 days per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 5-year e-Tourist | US$200, multiple entry, for regular travellers |
| Protected areas | Some Himalayan, border and island areas need a separate permit |
How much is an India tourist visa for Canadians?
The government fee for Canadian passport holders is US$40 for a 1-year e-Tourist visa or US$200 for 5 years, plus a 3.6% bank charge and our Documentation Fee.
How long can I stay in India on a tourist visa?
On the 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist visas you can stay up to 180 days in India per calendar year.
Can I visit Ladakh or the North-East on an e-Visa?
Some areas there are protected or restricted and need a separate permit. Send us your itinerary and we tell you what applies.
Visa for pilgrimage
India visas for pilgrimage and religious festivals: Golden Temple, Varanasi, Tirupati, Bodh Gaya, Kumbh Mela.
| Pilgrims and festivals | e-Tourist visa (1 year US$40 or 5 years US$200) or OCI card |
|---|---|
| Border or high-altitude routes | May need a separate permit: we check your route |
| Festivals | Diwali, Vaisakhi, Gurpurab, Kumbh: apply early |
Do I need a visa to visit the Golden Temple from Canada?
Yes. Canadian passport holders need an e-Tourist visa or an OCI card to travel to India, including to Amritsar.
Which visa covers a pilgrimage to India?
The e-Tourist visa covers pilgrimages and religious festivals. OCI cardholders do not need a visa.
Can I go to the Kumbh Mela on an e-Visa?
Yes, the Kumbh Mela is open to e-Tourist visa holders. Apply early because flights and visas get busy before it.
India business visa
India e-Business and e-Conference visas for meetings, trade fairs, sourcing and conferences.
| Business travel | e-Business visa: US$120, 1 year, up to 180 days per visit |
|---|---|
| Conference in India | e-Conference visa with the organizer's invitation and clearances |
| Paid work in India | Regular Employment visa, not an e-Visa |
Can I go to a business meeting in India on a tourist visa?
Business travel should be on the e-Business visa. We check your purpose and choose the right category.
How much is an India business visa for Canadians?
The government fee is US$120, plus a 3.6% bank charge and our Documentation Fee.
Do I need an invitation letter for an India business visa?
A business card is required, and an invitation letter from the Indian company is strongly recommended. We tell you exactly what to provide.
Property & legal matters in India
India visas for property, banking and legal matters, or a power of attorney so you do not need to travel.
| Without travelling | Power of attorney prepared and attested here |
|---|---|
| Travelling | e-Tourist visa or OCI card |
| Often needed | PAN card for property and banking |
Can I sell my property in India without travelling?
Often yes, with a correctly prepared and attested power of attorney given to someone you trust. We prepare it in Scarborough.
Which visa do I need for property or court matters in India?
Canadian passport holders usually travel on the e-Tourist visa, or an OCI card if they are of Indian origin.
Do I need a PAN card to sell property in India?
A PAN card is usually needed for property sales and many bank matters. We help you apply from Canada.
Yoga & Ayurveda visa
India visas for yoga programmes, Ayurveda treatment and wellness retreats.
| Yoga programme, retreat, ashram | e-Tourist visa |
|---|---|
| Ayurveda or traditional treatment | e-Ayush or e-Medical visa, with a letter from the centre |
| Family member with the patient | Attendant visa |
Which visa do I need for a yoga course in India?
A short yoga programme is covered by the e-Tourist visa.
Which visa do I need for Ayurveda treatment in India?
Treatment needs the e-Ayush visa or the e-Medical visa, with a letter from the treatment centre. We choose the right one with you.
Can I do yoga teacher training on a tourist visa?
Short programmes are covered by the e-Tourist visa. Tell us the length and type of course and we check.
Courses, volunteering & conferences
India visas for short courses, volunteering and conferences.
| Course up to 6 months, no formal qualification | e-Tourist visa |
|---|---|
| Unpaid volunteering up to 1 month | e-Tourist visa |
| Conference in India | e-Conference visa |
| University study or paid work | Regular Student or Employment visa |
Can I take a short course in India on a tourist visa?
Yes, short courses of up to 6 months that do not lead to a formal qualification are covered by the e-Tourist visa.
Can I volunteer in India on a tourist visa?
Unpaid voluntary work of up to one month is covered by the e-Tourist visa. Longer or paid work needs a different visa.
Which visa do I need for a conference in India?
Conferences organized in India may need the e-Conference visa, with an invitation and clearances from the organizer.
Meditation & Dharamshala
India visas for meditation retreats, Vipassana courses, Dharamshala and Bodh Gaya.
| Retreats, teachings, Vipassana | e-Tourist visa (1 year US$40 or 5 years US$200) |
|---|---|
| Indian origin | OCI card: stay as long as you wish |
| Remote Himalayan border areas | May need a separate permit |
Which visa do I need for a meditation retreat in India?
A meditation retreat, Vipassana course or ashram stay is usually covered by the e-Tourist visa.
Can I visit Dharamshala on an e-Visa?
Yes. Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj are open to e-Tourist visa holders. Some remote Himalayan border areas need a separate permit.
How long can I stay for a long retreat?
The 1-year and 5-year e-Tourist visas allow up to 180 days in India per calendar year. OCI cardholders can stay as long as they wish.
Indocan Visa Services is a private agency, not affiliated with the Government of India, the Consulate General of India or its outsourced application service provider.
Questions about this service? Read the answers in our FAQ.