India is not a difficult country to travel through, but it is very different from Canada. A little preparation before departure saves time, money, and unnecessary stress after you land. Whether you’re visiting family or planning your first holiday, here are the essentials worth knowing before you fly.
Before sorting out anything else, book flights to India from Canada on Flyopedia.ca. Fares vary significantly by season and departure city, and sorting that out first makes everything else easier to plan around.
1. Sort Your Passport and Visa Before Booking
Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival date in India and have two blank pages available. Check this before you do anything else. A passport that expires within six months of your arrival date will get you turned away at check-in.
The eVisa fee for Canadian citizens is US$80, plus a 2.5% bank transaction charge. Apply at least four days before your departure date. Standard processing takes three to five business days, so apply at least two weeks ahead to avoid last minute stress. The eVisa is valid for one year from the date of grant and allows multiple entries with a maximum stay of 180 days per calendar year.
OCI cardholders don’t need a visa but your OCI card and current Canadian passport must both be carried together at all times.
2. Book Flights Early for Peak Season
Summer, Diwali, and December are the most expensive times to fly from Canada to India. Air tickets on these dates climb fast and available seats go quickly.
If you’re traveling during peak season, secure Toronto to Delhi flight tickets through Flyopedia Canada several months out rather than waiting. You can also check flight prices from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal as fares vary by city.
3. Know What You Can Bring from Canada to India
Indian customs rules have been updated recently and are worth reviewing before you pack. The duty-free allowance increased to ₹75,000 in February 2026. Gold jewellery for women is duty-free up to 40 grams, for men up to 20 grams. Mobile phones are treated as personal effects — one phone is duty-free, though the value counts toward your allowance.
Declare items through the ATITHI app before arrival to avoid delays at customs.
Also Read: How Many Phones Can You Carry to India from Canada
4. Carry Multiple Payment Options
UPI is widely used across India for everyday transactions — markets, restaurants, auto-rickshaws. International cards are good for major cities and airports. ATMs are widely available but occasionally run out of cash in smaller towns.
Try to carry some Indian rupees in cash for the first day, particularly for transportation from the airport. You can exchange at the airport or use an ATM on arrival rather than exchanging in Canada where rates are less favourable.
5. Buy a Local SIM After Landing
International roaming from Canadian carriers is expensive on a long trip. Airtel and Jio both offer affordable prepaid SIM plans with strong data coverage across major cities. Most international terminals at Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports have SIM counters open on arrival — bring your passport as ID is required.
6. Prepare for the Health Differences
The Government of Canada recommends typhoid vaccine for all travellers to India aged two and older. Hepatitis A is also a risk, so the vaccine is recommended for most travellers. Malaria risk exists in certain regions — speak to a travel health clinic at least six weeks before departure for antimalarial advice specific to your itinerary.
Don’t drink tap water anywhere in India. Stick to sealed bottled water, including for brushing teeth in budget accommodation.
7. India Runs on One Time Zone
Indian Standard Time is 9.5 hours ahead of Toronto and 12.5 hours ahead of Vancouver. There’s no daylight saving adjustment in India, so the difference shifts slightly when Canada changes clocks.
Build in a recovery day after landing before any important commitments — the jet lag on this route is significant.
8. English Works, But Not Everywhere
English is widely spoken in major cities, tourist areas, and most airports in India. South India — Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi — has stronger English than rural North India. Outside urban centres, basic Hindi phrases go a long way. Locals respond warmly to any effort made.
9. Use Domestic Flights to Save Your Time
India is huge. Traveling from Delhi to Goa overland takes over 24 hours. A domestic flight takes two. IndiGo, Air India Express, and Vistara connect most major cities for $30 to $80 USD on advance bookings.
If your itinerary covers more than one region — Rajasthan and Kerala, for example — factor domestic flights into your budget from the start.
10. Download Required Apps Before You Land
These essential apps save time and money from the moment you arrive:
Google Maps – works offline if you download your destination maps before flying.
Uber and Ola – both work in most Indian cities and are significantly cheaper than unmetered taxis.
IRCTC – for booking train tickets if you plan on rail travel.
WhatsApp – used universally in India for communication and business.
BHIM or Google Pay – for UPI payments once you have a local SIM linked.
Planning Your Trip from Canada
Most Canadian travellers enter India through Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Hyderabad. If you want comfort, you can book business class flights to India. On a 14 to 16 hour flight the comfort difference is significant and fares vary more than most travellers expect. Flexible travel dates also unlock cheaper airfares on this route.
FAQs
Q1) Do Canadians need a visa for India?
Yes. Canadian travelers to India can apply for an eVisa online before departure. The fee is US$80 plus a 2.5% transaction charge. Apply at least two weeks before travel. OCI cardholders are exempt.
Q2) How long can Canadians stay in India on a tourist eVisa?
A Canadian can stay in India up to 180 days per calendar year on a one-year multiple-entry eVisa.
Q3) Is India safe for Canadian tourists?
Yes, Travelers from Canada will feel safe throughout India. The Government of Canada advises checking travel.gc.ca for current advisories before departure. Some border regions have specific restrictions.
Q4) Can Canadians use debit and credit cards in India?
Yes. Canadians can use credit/debit cards in cities and tourist areas. But carry some cash for smaller towns, local markets, and transportation where card payments aren’t accepted.
Q5) What is the best time to visit India from Canada?
October through February covers most of India well — comfortable temperatures across Rajasthan, Delhi, Goa, and Kerala. Summer and monsoon months are better suited to specific regions like hill stations.
