India approves Canadian tourists for e-visas

Canada has joined the growing list of countries eligible for electronic tourist visas to India, simplifying the application process for travellers.

Canadians can apply online by uploading their photo and relevant passport pages and pay by credit card. A copy of the visa will then be sent by email, which travellers can then print out and bring on their trip. The visa is valid for 30 days.

Anil Oraw, director of India Tourism Toronto, told PAX that the news has come at an excellent time, with Air Canada’s new Toronto-Delhi flight set to commence in November. He added that he expects the online visa to entice prospective Canadian travellers living far from the tourism office, by providing an online alternative to applying in person.

“This will be a boon for tourism to India,” Oraw said. “It’s definitely a good time for us in Canada to get the electronic visa.”

Eligible travellers include those visiting India for purposes such as tourism, business, family or short-term medical treatment, with a passport valid at least six months from their date of arrival in the country.

The application form, along with a full list of eligibility conditions, is available here.