Canadian citizens traveling to India in 2026 must complete the India e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before landing. This digital form became mandatory on April 1, 2026, replacing the paper disembarkation card. The e-Arrival Card is free, separate from the Indian visa, and takes under 10 minutes to complete online. Canada’s official travel advisory at travel.gc.ca explicitly confirms this requirement for all Canadian passport holders.
Do Canadian Citizens Need the India e-Arrival Card?
Yes – Canadian citizens are required to complete the India e-Arrival Card before every trip to India. The requirement applies regardless of how many times you have visited India before, what type of visa you hold, or how long you plan to stay.
The e-Arrival Card is mandatory for:
- Canadian citizens on tourist, business, employment, or student visas
- Canadians holding OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cards
- Canadian permanent residents traveling on a foreign passport
- Canadian-Indian dual citizens using their Canadian passport to enter India
Only Indian citizens entering on a valid Indian passport are exempt. If you travel on your Canadian passport – even if you also hold Indian citizenship – you need the e-Arrival Card.
For a full breakdown of exactly who needs it, see our who needs the e-Arrival Card page.
e-Arrival Card vs Indian Visa: What Canadians Need
Canadian travelers to India need two separate documents: a valid Indian visa and a completed e-Arrival Card. These are different requirements and one does not replace the other.
| Document | Purpose | Cost | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Visa / eVisa | Permission to enter India | Varies (eVisa from USD 25) | indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa |
| e-Arrival Card | Digital arrival declaration | Free | indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival |
Canadian citizens are eligible for the Indian e-Visa (electronic tourist, business, or medical visa), which can be applied for online before travel. The e-Visa grants a 90-day stay per visit and is valid for 1 year with multiple entries for tourist purposes. Once you have your visa, you also need to complete the separate e-Arrival Card within 72 hours of landing. For more detail on how these differ, see e-Arrival Card vs Indian eVisa explained.
The 72-Hour Rule for Canadian Travelers
Canadian travelers must submit the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before their scheduled arrival in India. This means:
- Earliest you can submit: 72 hours before your India landing time
- Latest you can submit: Shortly before landing (though airport kiosks exist as a last resort)
- Recommended timing: 24-48 hours before departure when all flight details are confirmed
If your flight is delayed and your original QR code becomes invalid, you may need to resubmit with updated flight details. The 72-hour rule guide covers all timing scenarios including delays and connections.
OCI Cardholders from Canada: Do You Need the e-Arrival Card?
Yes – Canadian residents and citizens holding an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card must also complete the e-Arrival Card. The Bureau of Immigration made this clear when implementing the mandatory requirement from April 1, 2026. OCI cardholders are treated the same as foreign nationals for the purposes of this digital arrival declaration.
What OCI holders from Canada need when arriving in India:
- Valid Canadian (or other foreign) passport
- Valid OCI card (present alongside the passport)
- Completed e-Arrival Card with QR code
OCI cardholders do not need a separate Indian visa – the OCI card serves as a lifetime multiple-entry visa. But the e-Arrival Card must still be completed separately. Our dedicated OCI e-Arrival Card guide covers all the specifics.
What Canada’s Government Says About the e-Arrival Card
Canada’s official travel advisory website (travel.gc.ca) confirms that Canadian citizens must complete the India e-Arrival Card online up to 72 hours before entering India. The Canadian government recommends using only the official Indian government portals to submit the form and warns travelers against third-party paid services.
Key points from travel.gc.ca for India travel:
- Complete the e-Arrival Card before boarding your flight to India
- If holding an OCI card, present it upon entry at Indian immigration
- The form is free – do not pay third-party fees
- Check that your Canadian passport is valid for the duration of your stay
Frequently Asked Questions – e-Arrival Card for Canadian Citizens
Do Canadians need an e-Arrival Card for India?
Yes. All Canadian citizens traveling to India must complete the India e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before landing. The requirement is mandatory from April 1, 2026 for all foreign passport holders, including Canadians. The form is free and submitted online at indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival.
Can Canadians get an Indian eVisa?
Yes – Canadian citizens are eligible for the Indian e-Visa (electronic tourist, business, or medical visa). The tourist e-Visa costs approximately USD 25, allows 90 days per visit, and is valid for 1 year with multiple entries. The e-Visa is separate from the e-Arrival Card – Canadians need both.
Do Canadian OCI cardholders need the e-Arrival Card?
Yes. OCI cardholders, including those from Canada, must complete the e-Arrival Card before arriving in India. This became mandatory on April 1, 2026. OCI holders still travel without a separate Indian visa, but the digital e-Arrival Card declaration is required regardless of OCI status.
Is the India e-Arrival Card free for Canadians?
Yes, the e-Arrival Card is completely free for all nationalities including Canadians. Submit it at the official government portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival or via the Su-Swagatam app. Any website charging a fee for this service is not an official government channel.
What is the new entry requirement for Canadians going to India?
From April 1, 2026, Canadians need to complete an e-Arrival Card (digital arrival declaration) within 72 hours before landing in India. This replaces the old paper disembarkation card. You also continue to need a valid Indian visa (or OCI card). The e-Arrival Card itself is not a visa.
How long before my flight should a Canadian submit the e-Arrival Card?
Submit the e-Arrival Card between 72 hours and a few hours before your scheduled landing in India. Most travelers complete it 24-48 hours before departure when flight details are confirmed. The 72-hour limit is strict – earlier submissions are rejected by the system.
What documents does a Canadian need at Indian airport immigration?
Canadian travelers need three items at Indian immigration: (1) a valid Canadian passport, (2) a valid Indian visa or OCI card, and (3) the e-Arrival Card QR code (on phone or printed). All three must be presented to the immigration officer at your arrival airport in India.
