Birmingham visa fiasco continiues

ColinT · Oct 16th, 2007, 23:03

After having read about the consulate cutting down the number of visas it gives out in person, I've decided to use an agent listed on the consulate's site as I live a long way from Birmingham. I've sent my application to the agent and have just received a phone call telling me that the next date that the consulate will receive applications from them is 29 Oct and it will take 10 days for them to process the visa. I was told that people who are flying in December may even face difficulties in getting the visa in time. The embassy are only accepting 30 applications a day I was informed. I knew they were accepting about 50 in person, but it seems only 30 by post.

I'm in serious danger of losing £300 on my flight (no refund given for cancellation). Is anyone else experiencing difficulties. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks.

Nick-H · Oct 16th, 2007, 23:16

I can only give sympathy and commiserations, I'm afraid.

Any difference in the situation in London?

It seems that India does not want tourists any longer

Mickey S · Oct 16th, 2007, 23:19

Thirty visas a day is an appalling level of service, and grossly inadequate for a consulate such as Birmingham.

Once the press starts reporting people missing holidays because of the delay in processing their visa applications then it is going to start hitting India's tourist industry and seriously affect the country's desirability as a destination. For many people, countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Laos would be perfectly acceptable alternatives, and getting visas for those countries is painless and quick. Even a visa for Myanmar is easier to obtain at the moment than a visa for India.

I have already decided that when my current visa expires I probably won't apply for another one until India sorts out the application procedure.

ColinT · Oct 16th, 2007, 23:32

As Nick says elsewhere, it's an absolute disgrace. And India is trying to boost tourism. What's that slogan they use... "Incredible India!"... but these days you should say it in a sarcastic tone with a shake of the head and a sigh of complete and utter disbelief.

Oct 16th, 2007, 23:03	#1
ColinT Future Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: UK Posts: 335	Birmingham visa fiasco continiues After having read about the consulate cutting down the number of visas it gives out in person, I've decided to use an agent listed on the consulate's site as I live a long way from Birmingham. I've sent my application to the agent and have just received a phone call telling me that the next date that the consulate will receive applications from them is 29 Oct and it will take 10 days for them to process the visa. I was told that people who are flying in December may even face difficulties in getting the visa in time. The embassy are only accepting 30 applications a day I was informed. I knew they were accepting about 50 in person, but it seems only 30 by post. I'm in serious danger of losing £300 on my flight (no refund given for cancellation). Is anyone else experiencing difficulties. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks.

Oct 16th, 2007, 23:16	#2
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,923	I can only give sympathy and commiserations, I'm afraid. Any difference in the situation in London? It seems that India does not want tourists any longer __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

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Oct 16th, 2007, 23:19	#3
Mickey S Maha Guru Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cymru Posts: 1,176	Thirty visas a day is an appalling level of service, and grossly inadequate for a consulate such as Birmingham. Once the press starts reporting people missing holidays because of the delay in processing their visa applications then it is going to start hitting India's tourist industry and seriously affect the country's desirability as a destination. For many people, countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Laos would be perfectly acceptable alternatives, and getting visas for those countries is painless and quick. Even a visa for Myanmar is easier to obtain at the moment than a visa for India. I have already decided that when my current visa expires I probably won't apply for another one until India sorts out the application procedure.

Oct 16th, 2007, 23:32	#4
ColinT Future Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: UK Posts: 335	As Nick says elsewhere, it's an absolute disgrace. And India is trying to boost tourism. What's that slogan they use... "Incredible India!"... but these days you should say it in a sarcastic tone with a shake of the head and a sigh of complete and utter disbelief.

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