India Resume e-Visa Facility for Canadian Passport Holders

After a pause of nearly two months, India has resumed e-visa services for Canadian nationals, according to sources familiar with the matter.

This decision comes ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s participation in the virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit, where he is expected to engage with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is important to note that after a brief suspension due to safety and security concerns for its diplomats, India last month resumed the visa processing for Canadians but for the specific categories including;

1. Entry Visas
2. Business Visas
3. Medical Visas
4. Conference Visas

Significance of the Resumption

The resumption of e-visa services for Canadian nationals signifies a thaw in the frosty relationship between India and Canada. It also suggests a willingness from both sides to move forward despite the ongoing tensions.

NOTICE
Indian eVisa facility has been restored w.e.f. 22 November 2023, for all eligible Canadian citizens holding Regular/Ordinary Canadian passports. Holder of any other category of Canadian passport will need to apply for regular paper visa, in accordance with the existing…

— India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) November 22, 2023

All Categories of Visas Resume

The latest development sees the full resumption of visa services for all categories, just hours before Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s participation in the virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit.

This summit marks the first virtual interaction between Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the strained relations between the two nations.

How to Apply

Those Canadian passport holders who wish to visit India for tourism, business, medical or conference purposes, may apply for an eVisa at the official website and follow the instructions.

Canadian passport holders seeking to travel to India for any purpose, not qualifying for eVisa, may apply for a paper visa at https://www.blsindia-canada.com. The same process is applicable to Laissez-passer travel document holders.

Visa Suspension for Canada

In September 2023, the Indian Mission in Canada suspended visa services for Canadian nationals citing operational reasons.

This suspension came amidst strained relations between the two countries following allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of a potential Indian link to the killing of pro-Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Conclusion

The resumption of e-visa services for Canadian nationals is a positive step towards improving relations between India and Canada. However, the underlying tensions surrounding Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing remain unresolved.