India’s visa processing center in Canada suspended its services on Thursday as the gap between the countries widened after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said India may have been involved in the murder of a pro-Khalistan activist. and president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in British Columbia, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. .
So what does that mean for Canadians planning trips to India? Here’s what we know so far:
Who does this affect?
Canadian citizens who do not have a visa for India or are in the process of applying for one.
What type of Indian visa can I apply for?
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the decision to suspend all visa categories, including e-visas, for Canadian citizens. If you are a Canadian citizen and wondering if you can apply for an Indian visa from a third country such as the United States, you will be subject to the same suspension services.
I already have a plane ticket and I’m heading to the airport. Will my trip be affected?
If you have a valid visa or Indian passport, you can travel. There is no travel restriction. The announcement is about the suspension of visa services in Canada, which means that Canadian citizens cannot apply for visas or process them until the Government of India resumes visa services.
NOTE: A visa does not guarantee admission to a country. Allows you to appear at a port of entry to request admission.
Should I be worried about my Canadian relative in India right now? Can they return to Canada?
If a Canadian citizen in India needs a visa extension, they will not be able to receive it. But if they have a visa, they are allowed to stay in India or travel back and forth.
India has suspended visa processing services in Canada as the rift between the two countries widened after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said India may have been involved in the assassination of a Canadian Sikh leader.
Is traveling to India at this time a risk to my safety?
Canada has regional travel advisories for the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujrat and Rajasthan.
India has a travel advisory for Indian citizens and international students in Canada.
I’m planning to return in November or December for a wedding. What does this mean for that journey?
Many people travel to India during these months, whether for vacations or weddings. If you have an Indian visa or passport you can travel.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs says it will “review the situation periodically.” You can find updates on India’s visa processing platform, BLS International. CBC is also closely monitoring the situation. You can find updates on our website or in the Breaking: app.
Does this mean people in India won’t be able to book trips to Canada?
Indian citizens with a valid Canada visa can still travel to Canada. Canada is making personnel changes at its high commission and consulate in India, citing online threats to diplomats. It is too early to say what the situation will be like in the coming months, weeks or even days.
Will this affect Indians applying for Canadian visas? What about incoming international students?
So far, Canada has not suspended its visa services in India.
The Indian government says it has called for “parity” in staffing, noting that Canada has more of a diplomatic presence in India than India does in Canada. India has requested that Canada’s presence be reduced.
The Canadian High Commission has said it is temporarily adjusting the presence of its staff at its commissions and consulates in India, as “some diplomats have received threats on various social media platforms”.
In the coming days and weeks, this could mean delays in visa processing or suspension of visa services.
Can people who already have visas still enter the country?
Those in Canada holding valid visas for India, or those holding Indian citizenship abroad, are free to travel to India.
Canadians hoping to travel to India have been hit hard by India’s sudden decision to suspend visa services. The Indian government says it is due to security concerns at visa offices in Canada.
I am an Indian citizen. Can I travel to India?
Yes. If you are an Indian citizen (passport holder), you do not need any visa to enter India.
What if I applied for a visa before this announcement?
Your visa application will not be processed until further notice from the Indian government.
Do Canadians need a transit visa?
If you do not need to leave the airport, you do not need a transit visa in India. However, if your trip requires a stay in India, you will need a transit visa. Canadian citizens cannot obtain a transit visa until the suspension of visa services is lifted.
How long will this last?
That’s the million dollar question. This is an evolving situation. The Indian government has said it is reviewing the situation periodically.
What happens if I have reserved tickets and I don’t have a visa?
In a statement to Breaking:, Air Canada said: “We continue to operate our normal service to India of 19 flights per week. For customers who may be affected by new visa requirements, we have implemented a flexible rebooking policy so that can change their flights without a change fee if they need more time to prepare.
Do you have more questions about the suspension of Indian visa service? Write to us at: ask@cbc.ca
