Flying to India for Christmas, New Year or the winter break? Get your visa done in October, not the week before you fly.
Quick answer: can Canadians get an Indian e-Visa right now?
Yes. As of 27 September 2026, Canada is on the list of countries eligible for India’s e-Visa on the official site, indianvisaonline.gov.in. Canadian passport holders can apply online for an e-Tourist, e-Business or e-Medical visa. Your passport needs at least six months’ validity when you apply. OCI cardholders don’t need a visa. For December trips, apply in October so there is time to fix any problems.
Is the e-Visa open to Canadians again?
Many families in Canada remember 2023, when visa services for Canadians were suspended during the diplomatic dispute between the two countries. It left a lot of people unsure, and some still ask us whether they can apply at all.
Here is the position today. When we checked the official Indian government site on 27 September 2026, Canada was listed as an eligible country for e-Visa. Canadian passport holders can apply fully online.
Rules can change quickly, though. Before you apply, check the latest on indianvisaonline.gov.in. It is the only official site. Many look-alike sites charge extra fees for the same form, so type the address yourself rather than clicking an ad.
Which e-Visa do you need?
Most Canadian families visiting relatives need the e-Tourist visa. Here are the main types. Fees, validity and conditions are set by the Government of India and can change, so check the official site for the current details.
e-Visa type | Who it is for | Good to know |
e-Tourist | Visiting family and friends, holidays, weddings, sightseeing | Offered in 30-day, 1-year and 5-year versions. Apply at least 4 days before you arrive. |
e-Business | Meetings, trade visits, business trips | Apply at least 4 days before you arrive. Check what supporting documents are needed. |
e-Medical | Planned medical treatment in India | Can be applied for up to 120 days ahead. A hospital letter is usually needed. |
e-Medical Attendant | A family member travelling with the patient | Linked to the patient’s e-Medical visa. |
The official site lists other e-Visa types too. If your trip is not a simple family visit, read the options on the portal before you choose.
When to apply for a December or winter-break trip
The official minimum for an e-Tourist visa is 4 days before arrival. We strongly suggest you don’t leave it that late. A rejected photo or a typo can cost you days, and December is the busiest month of the year for flights from Canada to India.
When | What to do |
Now (late September) | Check every passport in the family. Renew any that expire within the next year. |
October | Book flights, then apply for the e-Visa once your dates are firm. Check the portal for how far ahead you can apply. |
2 to 3 weeks before you fly | Make sure every traveller’s e-Visa has been granted. Print or save a copy. |
Within 72 hours of arrival | Fill in India’s free online e-Arrival Card, which replaced the paper landing form in 2026. |
6 common mistakes to avoid
1. Using an unofficial website
Only apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Other sites may charge a lot more, and some are scams.
2. A photo that doesn't meet the rules
This is the most common cause of delays. The photo must be square, in JPEG format, with your full face, eyes open, no glasses, on a plain light or white background. Take a fresh one rather than cropping an old picture.
3. Not enough passport validity
Your passport needs at least six months’ validity when you apply. Check the expiry date on every passport in the family, not just your own.
4. Details that don't match your passport
Your name, date of birth and passport number must match exactly. A missing middle name can cause trouble at the airport.
5. Applying for a Canadian-born child on a parent's form
Every child needs their own Canadian passport and their own e-Visa application, even babies. The official site asks that a child’s passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.
6. Leaving it until the last week
Four days is the minimum, not a plan. Give yourself weeks, not days, especially for the December rush.
Family and practical tips
OCI cardholders don’t need a visa. If you or your children hold an OCI card, travel with it and your current passport. You still need to complete the e-Arrival Card.
Mixed families: it is common for one parent to hold an OCI card and the children to need e-Visas. Check each person separately.
Grandparents who are Indian citizens don’t need an Indian visa to go home, but check their Canadian visa or status before they leave Canada if they plan to come back.
Check travel advice. The Government of Canada’s travel.gc.ca page for India has current advice and entry information.
Flying into Punjab? Explore Toronto to Amritsar flight , the one-stop options from the GTA.
Why book with Mann Travel
Mann Travel books flights. We don’t issue visas, and your e-Visa application is made by you on the official government site. What we do is get you and your family home: the right route, the right dates and seats together, with a team that speaks Hindi, Punjabi and English and is on call 24/7.
We fly families from Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton and Winnipeg to Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochi. As a guide, Vancouver to Delhi was showing from CAD 989 per person (checked 27 Sep 2026, prices change daily). Students and education staff can also save with MannPass: $25 off selected return flights to India. Questions? Contact our team.
Visa sorted? Let’s take you home.
Search live fares at manntravel.ca/flights or call our team on (604) 265-9000. Book your winter trip early for the best choice of dates.
frequently asked questions
Can Canadian citizens apply for an Indian e-Visa in 2026?
Yes. As of 27 September 2026, Canada is listed as eligible on indianvisaonline.gov.in. Always check the site for the latest position before you apply.
How early should I apply for an Indian e-Visa?
The minimum is 4 days before arrival for tourist and business e-Visas. For winter trips, we suggest applying several weeks ahead.
Do OCI cardholders need an Indian visa?
No. OCI cardholders travel on their OCI card and current passport. They still need to complete the online e-Arrival Card before arrival.
Does my child need a separate Indian e-Visa?
Yes. Every child, including babies, needs their own passport and their own e-Visa application.
Does Mann Travel arrange Indian visas?
No. Mann Travel books flights. You apply for your e-Visa yourself on the official site, indianvisaonline.gov.in.
Visa and entry rules are set by the Government of India and can change at short notice. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Always check indianvisaonline.gov.in before you apply and before you travel. Fares change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type.
