Canada entry requirements for India passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders require a visa for tourism, business, or transit to Canada. Apply for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) before traveling — no visa-on-arrival or eTA option exists for Indian citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | You need a visitor visa before boarding any flight to Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing takes 2–4 weeks for most Indian applicants. Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre in India.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Canadian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa holders | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at Canadian airports. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers at Toronto and Vancouver often ask for this during secondary screening. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show at least CAD 2,500–3,000 for a two-week trip, plus CAD 500 for each additional week. A recent bank statement or a credit card with sufficient limit works — officers rarely ask but check when they do. | Recommended |
No visa-free entry — apply well ahead
Indian passport holders cannot enter Canada without a pre-approved visa. No visa waiver, eTA, or on-arrival program. Start your application at least 2 months before your trip. Last-minute applications are often delayed.
Use VFS Global for biometrics and passport submission
All Canadian visa applications from India are processed through VFS Global visa application centres. They handle biometric enrolment and passport submission. Find the nearest centre and book an appointment online — walk-ins are not accepted.
Multiple-entry visa is standard
Canada typically issues multiple-entry visitor visas valid up to 10 years (or until passport expiry, whichever comes first). This allows multiple entries and exits without reapplying — very convenient for frequent travelers.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, digital photo, financial documents, travel itinerary, and supporting letters. Have scans ready for the online application.
2
Complete the online application
Go to Canada.ca/immigration, create an account (GCKey or Sign-In Partner), fill out the visitor visa form (IMM 5257), upload documents, pay CAD 100 application fee plus CAD 85 biometric fee.
3
Give biometrics at a VAC
Within a few days you receive a Biometric Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at a VAC (e.g., VFS Global) in India. Bring your passport, letter, and appointment confirmation. They take fingerprints and photo.
4
Wait for processing
Processing varies. Check status online. Rarely, you may be called for an interview. If approved, IRCC will ask you to submit your passport for visa sticker — typically via courier through VAC.
5
Travel to Canada
At the departure airport in India, the airline validates your visa and passport. Upon arrival in Canada (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal), a border services officer asks about purpose, where you'll stay, and when you'll leave. Have all documents ready.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Requires Canadian child/grandchild to meet income threshold and provide invitation.
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityUp to program length
CostCAD 150 (~USD 113)
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution.
Work permit
Max stayUp to 2 years (renewable)
ValidityUp to 2 years
CostCAD 155 (~USD 117)
Requires a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer pays; employee may need work permit fee CAD 155 (~USD 116)
For skilled workers with a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Requires employer sponsorship.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For enrollment at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus and off-campus after 6 months.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment and language proficiency.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada's Digital Nomad Strategy (no specific visa)
Up to 6 months as visitor
No additional fee beyond visitor visa
Canada allows remote workers to stay as visitors for up to 6 months. No dedicated digital nomad visa yet; must comply with visitor visa conditions.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; multiple entries allowed up to visa validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension (visitor record)Application fee to extend stay beyond initial authorized period. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying; no official cap but may lead to removal. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete or expired documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, unless they have a valid US visa or meet other exemptions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours if arriving from and departing to a third country.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in winter; dress warmly and limit exposure.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Toronto Pearson
6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
Mon–Sun 24 hours
Primary port of entry; for visa issues, contact IRCC office.
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Vancouver International
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
Mon–Sun 24 hours
Main entry point for western Canada; for extensions, apply online via IRCC.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.37 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Indian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival anywhere in Canada. You must apply for and receive a Temporary Resident Visa before traveling. No eTA option for Indian citizens.
Typically 2 to 4 weeks, but peak seasons (summer, December holidays) can stretch to 6–8 weeks. Check current processing times on the IRCC website. Apply at least 2 months in advance.
No. At the application stage, a flight itinerary or reservation showing your intended departure from Canada is sufficient. After approval, you must have a confirmed return ticket before boarding — airlines and border officers will check.
Total fee is CAD 185 (CAD 100 application fee + CAD 85 biometrics fee). Pay online through the IRCC portal using a credit card. No additional fees at the airport.
No. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Canada. Renew it first, then apply. If you already have a visa in an expiring passport, carry both old and new passports.
Yes. Apply for a visitor record extension before your current status expires. Use the IRCC online portal, fee CAD 100. Extensions are not guaranteed and typically granted for up to 6 months. Show continued financial support and intent to leave.
Yes, Indian citizens transiting through a Canadian airport (e.g., connecting flight in Toronto or Vancouver) need a Transit Visa unless they qualify for an exemption (not applicable to Indians). Apply for a visitor visa and select 'transit' as purpose.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.