Do I need a visa to go to India?

Yes, all foreigners need a visa to enter India.

Can I get a visa on arrival to enter India?

No, you must obtain a visa before taking a flight to India. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival in India.

I want to visit India for tourism/to attend a friend's marriage/ to meet my friends. Which visa should I apply for?

Can I study in India?
Yes. With a valid student visa for a recognized university/educational institution.

Can I work in India?
Yes. With a valid employment visa.

I am a person of Indian origin but a foreign passport holder now. Can I apply for a 1 year or more tourist visa?
Canadian nationals can apply for tourist visa up to 6 months only. They can also apply for a visitor’s visa with a longer validity.

I am a Canadian national and I go for one or two months every year for tourism. Which visa should I apply for?
You can apply for a Tourist visa. This visa is not extendable in India.

I will travel at a much later date. Can my visa be issued to coincide with the date of travel?
No. Post - dated visas are not issued. The validity of the visa begins from the date of issue.

I will be studying in India for one semester/trimester in an IIT/IIM/IISc/Indian university. Which visa should I apply for?
You should apply for a student visa along with a copy of the letter from the institute/university confirming your acceptance as a student. You would also be required to submit proof of financial standing to support your stay in India.

I have to travel to India on an emergency. Is there any extra charge for the same?
Emergency Visa is granted ONLY for genuine medical and humanitarian emergencies which is subject to verification and at the discretion of the Consulate.  Emergency visa is a single entry visa normally valid for 1 month. This Limited validity visa is issued at a cost of
$178.00 + $2 Consular surcharge. Applicants may be requested to appear for an interview.

I had applied for a visa for India but I have changed my mind about visiting the country. Can I claim a refund of the visa fee?
Visa fees are non-refundable. Once the visa application is accepted and cannot be refunded even if the visa is refused/not granted.

Do I need a visa for my pet who is accompanying me on my visit to India?
Visa is not required for taking a pet to India but certain customs and vaccination-related regulations have to be complied with. Kindly consult your airline/travel agent for details of these regulations and necessary documentation to facilitate the visit.

My application and passport have been submitted and it has been a while, how can I enquire about the status of my application?
You can track your application on line by visiting VFS website http://in.vfsglobal.ca or by calling theirHelpline at  1-877-599-8071 (between 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Monday - Saturday except closed Holidays.

How do I know when my passport is ready for collection from the Indian Consular Services in Canada?
Please track your passport by logging on http://in.vfsglobal.ca. You can also call the VFS helpline number 1-877-599-8071 to check the status of your passport.

Can I collect my passport from the Consulate General in Toronto?
No. You have to collect your passport from the Indian Visa & Consular Services Centres in Canada where you made the application.

Do I have to submit my passport and visa application with the India Consular Services only?
Yes, However, Diplomats and officials of foreign diplomatic Mission, UN and other international organization personnel, Canadian government official holding diplomatic / official passport must submit their visa application directly to the Consulate General of India.

How do I pay for the visa and service charges?
Please visit the following link:
www.cgitoronto.ca or http://in.vfsglobal.ca

Will I be allowed to carry liquor to India?
Yes. But if you are traveling to Gujarat, you will have to apply for a liquor permit on arrival in Gujarat. Please check with your airline for other restrictions on alcohol.

Do all the applicants need to be present at the time of submitting an application?
No. An application can be sent either by mail or in person by an immediate family member. Applications are NOT received through agents or representatives.

Will the visa and service fee courier service fees be refunded?
No refunds. Fees once received would not be refunded, even if the application is withdrawn or service denied.

I wish to visit certain areas in India like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland etc. Can I obtain a visa to visit these areas?
A tourist visa is not sufficient to visit these areas because all of these regions in India are restricted/protected areas for which it is necessary to obtain a Restricted/Protected Area Permit (RAP/PAP). This permit can be obtained in India either from the Ministry of Home Affairs or FRRO concerned after entering India with a tourist visa. You can visit certain open areas in Sikkim for a maximum period of 15 days in case you request a 'special endorsement for Sikkim' at the time of applying for your tourist visa.