Indian Tourist Visa

An Indian Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals to visit India for tourism, recreational activities, sightseeing, or casual visits to friends or family. If you’re applying for an Indian tourist visa from Canada, here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

1. Types of Indian Tourist Visas

India offers different types of tourist visas based on the duration of stay:

1. 30-day e-Tourist Visa: Allows you to stay in India for 30 days. It is available twice a year and must be used within 120 days of issue.
2. 1-year Tourist Visa: This is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for 1 year, allowing stays of up to 90 days per entry.
3. 5-year Tourist Visa: This is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for 5 years, with stays of up to 90 days per entry.

For most Canadian travelers, the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) or the Regular Tourist Visa is the most convenient option.

2. Eligibility for Indian Tourist Visa

• Tourism purposes: The visa is issued to travelers visiting India for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting family/friends.
• Non-business activities: The tourist visa does not allow you to engage in any business, employment, or study activities in India.

3. e-Tourist Visa (eTV) Application Process

The e-Tourist Visa (eTV) is the most convenient option, as it allows travelers to apply for their visa online without visiting an Indian consulate.

Step 1: Visit the Official Indian Government Visa Portal

1. Go to the Indian Government e-Visa portal.
2. Choose the e-Visa application option and select “e-Tourist Visa.”

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application

1. Complete the online visa application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel itinerary.
2. Upload a scanned copy of your passport (which should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India).
3. Upload a recent passport-size photo in JPEG format (2” x 2” with a white background).

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

• The e-Tourist Visa fee varies by nationality and visa type. For Canadian citizens, the fee for a 30-day visa is approximately USD 25, while the 1-year visa costs around USD 40. The 5-year visa costs USD 80.
• You can make the payment online using a credit or debit card.

Step 4: Receive the e-Visa

• After submitting the application and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your Application ID.
• The e-Visa approval typically takes 72 hours. Once approved, the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be sent to your email.
• You need to print out the ETA and carry it with you when you travel to India. The visa will be stamped in your passport upon arrival.

Step 5: Entry Requirements

Upon arrival in India, present the e-Visa printout along with your passport at the immigration counter. Your passport will be stamped, granting you entry for the duration specified on the visa.

4. Regular Indian Tourist Visa (Sticker Visa)

If you prefer or need a longer-term visa (1-year or 5-year), or if you’re ineligible for the e-Tourist Visa, you will need to apply for a Regular Tourist Visa through BLS International Canada.

Step 1: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

1. Visit the Indian Visa Online Portal.
2. Select “Regular Visa Application” and fill out the form with your personal, travel, and passport details.
3. Print out the completed form and sign it.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

For the regular tourist visa, you will need the following documents:

1. Completed Visa Application Form.
2. Original Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from India.
3. Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (2” x 2”) with a white background.
4. Proof of Address in Canada: Driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement.
5. Copy of Your Flight Itinerary: Include details of your arrival and departure flights to/from India.
6. Visa Fees: The fee for a 1-year multiple-entry visa is around CAD 158, while a 5-year visa costs around CAD 304.

Step 3: Submit Your Application to BLS International

You can submit your regular tourist visa application through BLS International (the official visa processing center for Indian visas in Canada). You can apply:

• In person at your nearest BLS center.
• By mail if you cannot visit the BLS office in person.

5. BLS Centers in Canada

BLS International handles Indian visa applications on behalf of the Indian consulate. Their offices are located in:

• Toronto: 20 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 1200, Toronto, ON M4P 1A9.
• Vancouver: 2010-777 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1S4.
• Ottawa: 100 Queen Street, Suite 1060, Ottawa, ON K1P 1J9.
• Calgary: 736 6th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3T7.

When submitting your application, ensure you include a prepaid return envelope for the return of your passport.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing time for regular tourist visas typically takes around 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the consulate’s workload.

6. Important Information

• Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in India.
• Re-entry: For e-Tourist visas, there is typically a cooling-off period of 60 days between visits. For 1-year and 5-year tourist visas, there are no such restrictions.
• Health Advisory: Depending on your travel history, you may be asked for proof of vaccination (e.g., yellow fever if coming from an endemic region).

7. Tracking Your Application

You can track the status of your application on the BLS International website by entering your application reference number.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does the e-Tourist Visa take to process?

It typically takes 72 hours (3 days) to process the e-Tourist Visa. However, it’s advisable to apply at least a week before your travel date.

Q2: Can I extend my tourist visa while in India?

No, tourist visas are non-extendable and non-convertible. You must leave India before the visa expires.

Q3: Can I apply for an Indian Tourist Visa from Canada if I hold a Canadian passport but was born in India?

Yes, Canadian citizens born in India can apply for an Indian tourist visa. Ensure you provide details of your previous Indian citizenship and include your OCI card details if applicable.

Q4: Can I visit other countries from India on a tourist visa and return?

Yes, if you have a multiple-entry visa (1-year or 5-year), you can leave and re-enter India within the visa’s validity period.

Q5: Can I apply for an e-Tourist Visa upon arrival in India?

No, India does not offer a visa-on-arrival for Canadian citizens. You must apply for the e-Tourist Visa or a regular visa before arriving.