India has suspended visa service for Canadians. Here are your top questions answered
CBC
India's visa processing centre in Canada suspended services Thursday as a rift widened between the countries after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said India may have been involved in the killing 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:
Canadian citizens who do not have a visa for India or were in the process of applying for one.
India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the decision to stop all categories of visas, including e-visas, for Canadian Citizens. If you're a Canadian national wondering whether you can apply for an Indian visa from a third country, like the U.S., you will be subjected to the same suspension services.
If you have a valid visa or an Indian passport, you can travel. There is no travel restriction. The announcement is about suspension of visa services in Canada, which means Canadian nationals can't apply for visas or get them processed until the Government of India resumes visa services.
NOTE: A visa does not guarantee you admission to a country. It permits one to present themselves at a port of entry to seek admission.
If a Canadian national in India needs an extension of visa, they won't be able to receive one. But if they have a visa, they are allowed to stay in India or travel back and forth.
Canada has regional travel advisories for Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujrat, and Rajasthan.
India has a travel advisory for Indian nationals and international students in Canada.
A lot of people travel to India during those months, be it for holidays or for weddings. If you have a visa or an Indian passport you can travel.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India says it will "review the situation on a regular basis." 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 CBC News app.
Indian nationals with a valid visa to Canada are still allowed to travel to Canada. Canada is making staffing changes to its high commission and consulate in India, citing online threats to diplomats. It is too early to say what the situation will look like in the coming months, weeks or even days.
So far, Canada has not suspended its visa services in India.
The Indian government says it's asked for "parity" in staffing, pointing out that Canada has more diplomatic presence in India than India does in Canada. India has requested Canada's presence be reduced.
This First Person column is the experience of Shannon Flaman, who lives in Red Deer, Alta. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ.
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