Applying for an Indian Visa in the UK: Your Questions and Experiences

clivington · Jun 30th, 2008, 19:26

Just for general info, in post #120 there was mention of a non-Indian chap managing to get a 1 year visa. I have found out that he had 12 x 180day visas in his passport [he can't have had too many blank double pages after that!] and so wrote a short letter explaining that he would be entering India 2 or 3 times in the year.

mandycc · Jun 30th, 2008, 23:36

I'm still waiting for mine through the post from Birmingham, it's been nearly two weeks now. Does anyone have the VFS people number please?? There isn't one for Birmingham on the website...

Haylo · Jul 1st, 2008, 06:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by kathrynfarrar

will I have to collect my visa is person as well once Ive taken it in in person and will this be a few days later?

I took mine into Birmingham. When I handed it in, they offered me the option of collecting it in two days, or paying for a secure postage return. After this many beers (hic!) I can't remember if it was special delivery or registered mail, I know it wasn't just recorded delivery. Anyway, the details are on the VFS website and it would have cost an extra £7 ish.

Hope that helps, Haylo

mandycc · Jul 1st, 2008, 17:59

Hi guys
I'm getting really desperate to speak to someone at VFS now, can anyone help with a number that works please?? No one answers on the number on the website, can't leave a message and e-mails are being returned

I've even sent a fax, and rang the Birmingham and Edinburgh consulates and no response.

caz_a · Jul 2nd, 2008, 00:10

mandy, they do say to allow up to 15 working days plus posting time - ie. 3 weeks + 2 days - so you may not have to panic yet ...assuming you're not going in the next few days!
the goswell st. office in london only took 5 days with mine, but i don't know about birmingham.

i couldn't get an answer when i tried phoning, but i think if you read the whole thread someone mentioned a number that worked, if you PM him he might give it to you.

good luck!

Mickey S · Jul 2nd, 2008, 00:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandycc

Hi guys
I'm getting really desperate to speak to someone at VFS now, can anyone help with a number that works please?? No one answers on the number on the website, can't leave a message and e-mails are being returned

I've even sent a fax, and rang the Birmingham and Edinburgh consulates and no response.

If you're not travelling until August (which is what you said in previous posts) I really don't think there's any reason to panic or even worry yet. Just relax, forget about it and let the visa turn up.

mandycc · Jul 2nd, 2008, 17:33

Thanks guys, it's not the time they've taken.
My boyfriend and I sent our visas in together, as it gave that option on the website.
Unfortunately I missed the part about having to send it to a particular jurisdiction and they've left an angry message on his answerphone saying they won't process his because it should have gone to London not Birmingham (we live in different cities). They've told him to send a special delivery envelope to them so they can send his stuff back, but we need to know what they are doing with my visa, and the payment for both our visas which were sent in together...

Am just frustrated that we can't speak to anyone- I've rung the VFS helpline constantly- no answer, or mailbox full, e-mails are now bouncing back, faxes ignored, the high commission and embassies can't help either.

We've got other visas to apply for also...

Haylo · Jul 2nd, 2008, 19:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandycc

They've told him to send a special delivery envelope to them so they can send his stuff back, but we need to know what they are doing with my visa, and the payment for both our visas which were sent in together...

They do seem to be totally unreachable, which is unacceptable.

In person however, they were extremely helpful, is there any possibility of you managing a visit to the VFS office in Birmingham?

mandycc · Jul 2nd, 2008, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haylo

They do seem to be totally unreachable, which is unacceptable.

In person however, they were extremely helpful, is there any possibility of you managing a visit to the VFS office in Birmingham?

I think we might have to do that if we don't get a response soon...I wish they'd answer the phone so I can tell them I'd rather they just send the whole lot back now so we can start again. I am not very impressed with their customer service at this point.

Ah well

Haylo · Jul 2nd, 2008, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandycc

I think we might have to do that if we don't get a response soon...I wish they'd answer the phone so I can tell them I'd rather they just send the whole lot back now so we can start again. I am not very impressed with their customer service at this point.

Just a thought, is it worth writing a letter and getting it in the post tonight, giving them your mobile number and asking them to phone you as a matter of urgency?

The staff at the office seem professional and helpful, and they obviously open their mail. It just seems that, bizarrely, there is not yet any system whatsoever in place for dealing with emails or telephone calls!

mandycc · Jul 2nd, 2008, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haylo

Just a thought, is it worth writing a letter and getting it in the post tonight, giving them your mobile number and asking them to phone you as a matter of urgency?

The staff at the office seem professional and helpful, and they obviously open their mail. It just seems that, bizarrely, there is not yet any system whatsoever in place for dealing with emails or telephone calls!

Thank you, we did that last night- sent the special delivery envelope they requested with a letter explaining that we need to speak to them also...can only hope they will respond!

AbhijithS · Jul 4th, 2008, 17:33

I applied for an employment visa on the 25th and the VFS website then stated that it would take 5-7 working days. Now its 'magically' changed to 'minimum ten working days or more'.

We've booked our tickets on the 14/07... Just hoping there isn't any problem with my visa and get it on time.

I'm having the same problem no telephone is answered or emails replied to... any advice?

-Rebecca

mandycc · Jul 4th, 2008, 17:46

Still no news on my situation, they have had our passports since the 18th June now.

AbhijithS · Jul 4th, 2008, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by mandycc

Still no news on my situation, they have had our passports since the 18th June now.

What type of a visa ru travelling on? And when did u specify u were leaving for india on the application?

-Rebecca

mandycc · Jul 4th, 2008, 17:53

Tourist, leaving 27th August.

There's something wrong with my application though, so don't panic about yours.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Applying for an Indian tourist visa in Bangkok	Rogue Two	Indian Visa and Passport Questions	74	Nov 7th, 2009 00:52
Applying for an Indian visa while travelling	Thedidgeridude	Indian Visa and Passport Questions	5	Jul 24th, 2009 04:49
Indian tourist applying for a Visa to China	treadstone	Indian Visa and Passport Questions	9	Dec 1st, 2007 09:00

Jun 30th, 2008, 19:26	#181
clivington web wallah womble Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kovalam, Kerala, volunteering Posts: 198	Just for general info, in post #120 there was mention of a non-Indian chap managing to get a 1 year visa. I have found out that he had 12 x 180day visas in his passport [he can't have had too many blank double pages after that!] and so wrote a short letter explaining that he would be entering India 2 or 3 times in the year.

Jun 30th, 2008, 23:36	#182
mandycc Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 68	I'm still waiting for mine through the post from Birmingham, it's been nearly two weeks now. Does anyone have the VFS people number please?? There isn't one for Birmingham on the website...

Jul 1st, 2008, 17:59	#184
mandycc Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 68	Hi guys I'm getting really desperate to speak to someone at VFS now, can anyone help with a number that works please?? No one answers on the number on the website, can't leave a message and e-mails are being returned I've even sent a fax, and rang the Birmingham and Edinburgh consulates and no response.

Jul 2nd, 2008, 00:10	#185
caz_a Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: london Posts: 58	mandy, they do say to allow up to 15 working days plus posting time - ie. 3 weeks + 2 days - so you may not have to panic yet ...assuming you're not going in the next few days! the goswell st. office in london only took 5 days with mine, but i don't know about birmingham. i couldn't get an answer when i tried phoning, but i think if you read the whole thread someone mentioned a number that worked, if you PM him he might give it to you. good luck!

Jul 2nd, 2008, 17:33	#187
mandycc Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 68	Thanks guys, it's not the time they've taken. My boyfriend and I sent our visas in together, as it gave that option on the website. Unfortunately I missed the part about having to send it to a particular jurisdiction and they've left an angry message on his answerphone saying they won't process his because it should have gone to London not Birmingham (we live in different cities). They've told him to send a special delivery envelope to them so they can send his stuff back, but we need to know what they are doing with my visa, and the payment for both our visas which were sent in together... Am just frustrated that we can't speak to anyone- I've rung the VFS helpline constantly- no answer, or mailbox full, e-mails are now bouncing back, faxes ignored, the high commission and embassies can't help either. We've got other visas to apply for also...

Jul 4th, 2008, 17:33	#192
AbhijithS Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 18	I applied for an employment visa on the 25th and the VFS website then stated that it would take 5-7 working days. Now its 'magically' changed to 'minimum ten working days or more'. We've booked our tickets on the 14/07... Just hoping there isn't any problem with my visa and get it on time. I'm having the same problem no telephone is answered or emails replied to... any advice? -Rebecca

Jul 4th, 2008, 17:46	#193
mandycc Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 68	Still no news on my situation, they have had our passports since the 18th June now.

Jul 4th, 2008, 17:53	#195
mandycc Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: UK Posts: 68	Tourist, leaving 27th August. There's something wrong with my application though, so don't panic about yours.