There is a new low in Canada–India relations after India allegedly was involved in the killing of a Sikh Canadian on Canadian soil.
India halted visa issuance for Canadians on Thursday, but Canada continues to issue visas to Indians. Existing visas that India has issued are valid.
The suspension of visa issuance to Canadians applies to visas issued worldwide, including e-visas that you can apply on the government website without visiting an Indian embassy or consulate.
Air Canada has issued the following Travel Waiver:
Flexible change fee waiver due to suspension of India visa services
September 21, 2023
Because of the suspension of India’s visa services, we understand that you may want to make alternate travel arrangements. If you currently have a reservation, Air Canada has implemented a policy that makes it possible for you to make voluntary changes to your itinerary without penalty if:
You purchased an Air Canada ticket no later than September 21, 2023, for travel between now and October 15, 2023.
Your itinerary includes a flight from anywhere in Canada to India as a final destination.
If you are scheduled to travel during the affected period, you can retrieve your booking to change your flight one time, without penalty up to 2 hours before your departure. Please note that any difference in fare would still apply.
If you purchased your ticket with Air Canada Vacations, please reach out to them directly.
And if you require assistance, you can contact us at 1-888-247-2262 (or 1 800 361-5373 if yours is an Aeroplan flight reward).
Conclusion
It is quite unprecedented if the Indian government or its diplomats have been involved in the killing of a naturalized Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.
India has unilaterally stopped visa issuance to Canadians, which likely won’t help their cause. It is not like India is the most exciting tourist destination for those without any connections to the country.
I applied for the e-visa the other week, which was issued within 24 hours, as I am heading to New Delhi for a few days this coming week.
India’s government should hire one of the outsourcing consultancies in the country to redo the e-visa website, which reminds me of the 1990s.