India’s visa processing centre in Canada suspended providers Thursday as a rift widened between the nations after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated India might have been concerned within the killing of a pro-Khalistan activist and president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in British Columbia, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
So what does that imply for Canadians planning journeys to India? Right here’s what we all know up to now:
Who does this have an effect on?
Canadian residents who would not have a visa for India or had been within the strategy of making use of for one.
What kind of Indian visa can I apply for?
India’s Ministry of Exterior Affairs confirmed the choice to cease all classes of visas, together with e-visas, for Canadian Residents. Should you’re a Canadian nationwide questioning whether or not you’ll be able to apply for an Indian visa from a 3rd nation, just like the U.S., you can be subjected to the identical suspension providers.
I’ve already obtained a airplane ticket and I’m heading to the airport. Will my journey be affected?
When you have a legitimate visa or an Indian passport, you’ll be able to journey. There is no such thing as a journey restriction. The announcement is about suspension of visa providers in Canada, which suggests Canadian nationals can’t apply for visas or get them processed till the Authorities of India resumes visa providers.
NOTE: A visa doesn’t assure you admission to a rustic. It permits one to current themselves at a port of entry to hunt admission.
Ought to I be apprehensive for my Canadian member of the family in India proper now? Can they return to Canada?
If a Canadian nationwide in India wants an extension of visa, they received’t be capable of obtain one. But when they’ve a visa, they’re allowed to remain in India or journey backwards and forwards.
India has suspended visa-processing providers in Canada as a rift widened between the 2 nations after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated India might have been concerned within the killing of a Canadian Sikh chief.
Is touring to India proper now a security danger for me?
Canada has regional journey advisories for Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujrat, and Rajasthan.
India has a journey advisory for Indian nationals and worldwide college students in Canada.
I’m planning to return in November or December for a marriage. What does this imply for that journey?
Lots of people journey to India throughout these months, be it for holidays or for weddings. When you have a visa or an Indian passport you’ll be able to journey.
The Ministry of Exterior Affairs in India says it would “overview the scenario regularly.” Yow will discover updates on India’s visa processing platform, BLS Worldwide. CBC can be carefully monitoring the scenario. Yow will discover updates on our web site or CBC Information app.
Does this imply folks in India received’t be capable of guide journeys to Canada?
Indian nationals with a legitimate visa to Canada are nonetheless allowed to journey to Canada. Canada is making staffing modifications to its excessive fee and consulate in India, citing on-line threats to diplomats. It’s too early to say what the scenario will seem like within the coming months, weeks and even days.
Will this have an effect on Indians making use of for Canadian visas? What about incoming worldwide college students?
Thus far, Canada has not suspended its visa providers in India.
The Indian authorities says it’s requested for “parity” in staffing, stating that Canada has extra diplomatic presence in India than India does in Canada. India has requested Canada’s presence be diminished.
The Excessive Fee of Canada has stated it’s quickly adjusting its employees presence at its fee and consulate places in India, attributable to “some diplomats having acquired threats on varied social media platforms.”
Within the coming days and weeks, this might imply delays in visa processing, or suspension of visa providers.
Can individuals who already possess visas nonetheless enter the nation?
These in Canada who possess legitimate visas to India, or those that have abroad citizenship of India are free to journey to India.
Canadians hoping to journey to India have been hit onerous by India’s sudden choice to droop visa providers. The Indian authorities says it’s attributable to safety issues at visa workplaces in Canada.
I’m an Indian citizen. Can I journey to India?
Sure. In case you are an Indian nationwide (passport holder), you don’t require any visa to enter India.
What if I utilized for a visa earlier than this announcement?
Your visa software won’t be processed till additional discover from the Indian authorities.
Do Canadians want a transit visa?
Should you don’t want to depart the airport, you do not want a transit visa in India. Nonetheless, in case your journey requires a keep in India, you require a transit visa. Canadian nationals are unable to acquire a transit visa till the suspension of visa providers is lifted.
How lengthy will this final?
That’s the million-dollar query. That is an evolving scenario. The Indian authorities has stated they’re reviewing the scenario regularly.
What if I’ve tickets booked and don’t have a visa?
In an announcement to CBC Information, Air Canada stated, “We proceed to function our regular service to India of 19 flights every week. For patrons who could also be affected by new visa necessities now we have put in place a versatile rebooking coverage to allow them to change their flights with no change payment in the event that they want extra time to organize.”
Have extra questions on India’s visa service suspension? Write to us at: [email protected]