What documents and visas do you need to travel?
It depends on your route and passport, but the essentials are simple. Canadians visiting India need an e-Visa, applied for online before departure. Indian passport holders entering Canada need a visitor visa (or an eTA if they qualify). Travel to the USA needs an ESTA or a US visa. Always carry a passport valid for at least six months, your visa, and a return ticket. Getting the paperwork wrong is the one mistake that can end a trip before it starts — so it pays to check early.
This guide breaks down every document by destination and situation, from a two-week holiday to a permanent move, with a worked example of the India e-Visa process and links to detailed guides for the trickier cases.
| Travelling to | You usually need | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| India (Canadian passport) | e-Visa | Online, before travel |
| Canada (Indian passport) | Visitor visa (TRV); eTA if eligible | Via IRCC |
| USA (visa-exempt) | ESTA | Online, before travel |
| Transit (e.g. Japan) | Depends on nationality & airport | Check with airline |
Worked example: getting an India e-Visa as a Canadian
The process is straightforward if you start early. Apply on the official Indian government e-Visa portal three to four weeks before travel, upload a passport scan and a photo, choose the right category (e-Tourist, e-Business or e-Medical), pay the fee, and most approvals arrive within three to five business days. Two things catch people out: leaving it to the last minute, and applying through unofficial copy-cat sites that charge extra. Use the government portal, apply with a buffer, and print your approval to carry with you. The full walkthrough, including which validity to choose, is in our guide to the Indian visa for Canadian citizens.
Visitor and tourist documents
For most trips, start with our documents checklist for Canada and, in the other direction, the visa requirements for Canada to India travel. A complete pre-departure list is in the India to Canada travel checklist. Heading south of the border? See Canada to US travel documents and ESTA, and for connections, Japan transit visa rules.
Working, studying and moving to Canada
Immigration is more than tourist visas, and the rules change often — which is exactly why it is worth reading current guidance rather than old forum posts. If you are coming to Canada to work, our guides to temporary foreign work permit updates and LMIA-based work permits explain the landscape, and PR hopefuls should note the addition of PTE Core for Canadian PR. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official IRCC portal before you commit to travel, as fees and rules can shift with little notice.
Related guides
Plan the journey with the Canada to India flights guide, sort connections with the airports and layovers guide, and prepare your bags with the baggage and customs guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for India?
Yes — most need an India e-Visa, applied for online before departure.
How long does the India e-Visa take?
Usually three to five business days, but apply three to four weeks ahead to be safe.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Canada?
Yes — a visitor visa (TRV), or an eTA if they qualify under specific conditions.
What is an ESTA?
An electronic travel authorisation that visa-exempt travellers need to enter the USA; apply online before you fly.
How long should my passport be valid for travel?
Aim for at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates to avoid entry problems.