FlyToIndia.caIndia Visa & OCI Guide for Canadians and Americans
Who needs a visa, how to get an e-Visa, and the OCI new-passport rule many people miss.
Rules change. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm with the official government websites before you travel.
- Indian e-Visa (Government of India)
- OCI Services (Government of India)
- Travel advice for India (Government of Canada)
- India travel information (U.S. Department of State)
FlyToIndia.ca is not connected to the Government of India, and we earn nothing from these links.
Do I need a visa for India?
It depends on which passport you travel on.
| If you travel on… | What you need |
|---|---|
| Canadian or US passport, no OCI card | A visa. Many people use the Indian e-Visa, applied for online. |
| Canadian or US passport and an OCI card | No visa. Bring your OCI card and your current passport. |
| Indian passport (living in Canada or the USA) | No visa. You are still an Indian citizen, so bring your valid Indian passport. |
| Born Indian, now a Canadian or US citizen | A visa or an OCI card. You may first need a Surrender Certificate for your old Indian passport. |
India does not allow dual citizenship, so once you become a Canadian or US citizen your Indian passport can no longer be used.
Getting an Indian e-Visa
- Apply online on the official site. Check there whether e-Visas are currently available for your passport.
- Your passport usually needs to be valid for at least 6 months from arrival, with blank pages. Check the current rules.
- Apply well before you fly, especially around Diwali and December. Check the minimum lead time on the official site.
- You will need a recent photo and a scan of your passport photo page. Fees are paid online and are generally not refundable.
- Print the approval email and carry it with you.
Apply on the official e-Visa site
Watch out for lookalike websites. Many sites look official but charge extra fees. The official e-Visa site is indianvisaonline.gov.in.
e-Arrival Card
India has introduced an online arrival card for some travellers. Check the official site to see whether you need one and when to fill it in, and save any QR code on your phone.
OCI card: what to know
The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is a lifelong visa for people of Indian origin and their foreign spouses. It is not Indian citizenship, and you cannot vote. It is the easiest option for families who go home often.
Got a new passport? Update your OCI
- When you get a new Canadian or US passport, you generally need to upload it to the OCI website. Check the official site for the current deadline, as a late fee can apply.
- If you got your OCI as a child, you may need a new OCI card when you get your first new passport after turning 20. This is a full application, not an online upload.
- If you are married to an Indian citizen or OCI holder, extra documents may be required with each new passport.
Update your passport on the official OCI site
Born Indian? You may need a Surrender Certificate
If you gave up Indian citizenship by becoming a Canadian or US citizen, you may need a Surrender Certificate for your old Indian passport before you can get a visa or OCI card. Your nearest Indian High Commission or Consulate website explains how to apply.
Before you fly: checklist
- Passport valid for the required period, with blank pages
- e-Visa approval printed, OR OCI card and the passport linked to it
- New passport? OCI updated online
- Arrival card done if required, with any QR code saved
- Former Indian citizen? Surrender Certificate in hand