India has officially resumed electronic visa services for eligible Canadian citizens, marking the end of a two-month hiatus. The restoration, effective November 22, 2023, was confirmed by the High Commission of India in Canada.
Addressing a press briefing following the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit, S. Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs, clarified that the temporary suspension was not related to the G20 meeting. Instead, it was necessitated by the challenging conditions faced by Indian diplomats in Canada. The situation had made it “difficult for our diplomats to go to the office and do the necessary work for processing visas,” Jaishankar explained.
Jaishankar Comment for Canadian Visas
Jaishankar highlighted the improving security situation, stating, “The physical visa has started in many categories.” This positive shift allowed for the progressive resumption of visa services, including the much-anticipated e-Visa.
The official notification from the Indian High Commission in Canada outlined the details of the reinstated e-Visa facility. “Indian eVisa facility has been restored w.e.f. November 22, 2023, for all eligible Canadian citizens holding regular or ordinary Canadian passports.” However, holders of other passport categories were advised to follow existing modalities for regular paper visa applications.
This move to reinstate e-visa services comes against the backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. The Indian Mission in Canada initially suspended visa services in September, citing operational reasons. However, a reconsideration in October led to the resumption of visa services in four categories: entry visa, business visa, medical visa, and conference visa.
The decision to restore services was based on a careful review of the security situation, taking into account recent measures implemented by Canada. This decision marked a step towards normalizing diplomatic ties.
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