Applying for another Indian tourist visa in Colombo, Sri Lanka

I got a 6 month multiple entry in 2007.

Did have a potentil problem though. Thy almost said no immediatly. I still had 3 months left on previous visa so they didn't se why I needed one. I tried to assure them it was because I would be there for a a further 2 months after the visa and they were really reluctant.

the guy I spoke to actually said no and handed the forms back to me and that looked like the end. but I insisted some more and eventually thety took it.... end result being a visa.

took about week. Queues as they always are in indian embassys, good fun.

I applied a 3-month single visa a week ago in Colombo. Got the passport today and was shoked: 2 months! Sh**! No one ever got 2 months, 3 was always minimum, wasn't it?! This is my second visa (the first one was issued in Moscow, 6 months, double, exp 16/5/09).
Contacted the the main man in visa counter and was told to go and apply in my native country if I'm not satisfied. And that now they eved issue 1 (ONE!) month visas for some non-srilankees nationals. It is clear, that the only reason for doing such a vile thing is to discourage other foreigners from visiting High Commision in Colombo. F**kers, I must have applied for 6m/double to get those 3 months...

No, it is because they are clamping down on people getting back to back tourist visas. If your Indian visa had expired a few months ago, you'd probably have been given three or even six months.

I know someone who, last year, applied for 6 months multiple and got 1 month single. Apparently about 20 others got the same. Don't complain.

Oh, couldn't get worse, could it? I'll go there (Colombo) next month and will see. One month visa instead of six month? Sounds encouraging. Do they want to get rid of the money earned through tourism?

Does anyone know, where momentary is the best place to apply for a six-month visa?

Sorry to say it, but your home country is the best bet......you did ask.

The only place I've heard that gave 6 month, other than one's home country, is Malaysia, (KL). No guarantee anywhere now.

Hardly.

You can easily get at least a six month tourist visa in your own country. I for instance have a one year visa, Americans can even get ten year tourist visas, and I believe that Canadians can get five year tourist visas.

That does not sound to me as if they want to discourage genuine tourism, especially as they do not put any conditions (medical insurance, proof of return travel, detailed itinerary &c.) on their tourist visas.

Even without knowing what nationality you are, I can confidently say that it is FAR easier for you to get a tourist visa to visit India, than it would be for Indian tourists to visit your country.

When applying for a tourist visa to India, you don't have to supply proof of a return ticket or sufficient funds for your maintenance during your stay -- but Indians usually have to do this when they apply for visas abroad.

Limiting the duration of Indian visas at consulates in countries that border India (Sri Lanka, Nepal), and asking you to return to your home country for the six-month visa, ensures that you don't get stuck in the country short of funds. You have to be able to afford to fly home and back if you want to stay in India longer.

But the shorter-than-six-month visa policy in Colombo and Kathmandu is discretionary, apparently to discourage endless backpacker tourism -- and these folks don't tend to spend very much money anyway.

Also, those two consulates have a lot more to do than stamp tourist visas for westerners. They have significant refugee and asylum issues to deal with, plus the usual security concerns of the two countries.

Don't forget that visas (including your visa to India) is an immigration issue. India (or any other country) is under no obligation to facilitate your visit, and India's tourist arrivals and money derived from them are paltry.

All told, among countries that require you to apply for a visa, India's policies and practices are very easy and generous -- for visitors from North America, Europe, Australia, etc. Almost no one is denied a tourist visa, and the fees are negligible as far as these things go.

I agree with most of what you say merchant.... but... the money raised through visa fees must surely be quite substancial. Enough to employ a few members of staff if they feel that other immigration issues are being negleted.

True, but the United States charges $131 as its visa fee; India charges Americans only $73 for a six-month tourist visa.

wow - thats a lot of cash. I like the Brazilian idea, the recipricol approach. If it costs 131 bucks and a retinal scan for an indian to get in to the US - should be the same for a US citizen wanting to go to India.

How long does it take to get your new Indian visa in Colombo?

as the process has now been entirely outsourced to the VFS Agency, allow upto seven (working) days for them to process the visa application (during which they send off for a no-objection to your home country as well). the website is www.vfs-in-lk.com/

all the best!

sooooooo how did the visa go...?

ive been given an offer to start a cafe with a friend ive met here. he's doing the investment and im going to manage the place and run it. i read somwhere that 6 month visas are now "back on the menu" in colombo. is this true? flying home would be such a hassle! and so much money!

alternately would I be able to get a working visa if i do go back home for this kind of venture? if some contracts are drawn up?

my visa doesnt run out til november but i need to start sorting things.

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