current information on best country to get new tourist visa?

melinderry

Hi I have to go soon to get a new Indian tourist visa. I would like updated information on the best country to go to - last time I only got 3 months in Thailand and they didnt even check my passport first.

The thing is I have recently applied for a new british passport in Delhi so I have a clean passport, but are they likely to check the old one which has a lot of old Indian visas in it?? Will they notice that I got the passport in Dehli?

I am deciding between Sri Lanka, Nepal and Malaysia.
Sri Lanka is cheaper for me to get to and has the advantage that I can try in both Kandy and Colombo. But I have never been to Nepal so that would also be nice (I have got a visa before in Sri Lanka in the old passport).
And Malaysia isnt so interesting for me and is more expensive but I would go there as a last resort if they are more likely to give me the visa.
Any up to date tips really appreciated and any other suggestions of countries I havent thought of??

Thank YOu in advance!!!!

Aishah

My stay in Kathmandu for Visa 25.12.06 - 3.12.06
If you check out the last few pages of this thread there is information re Nepal. And this is some info. on Sri Lanka:
Tourist visa extentions in Sri Lanka...

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melinderry

thank you for that reply!! It seems like Kathmandu isnt a good option. Is there another embassy in Nepal? It also seems like Colombo isnt so easy now so what about Kandy?
Anyone know about Malaysia??

Thank you very much for any info

Aishah

Someone a while ago mentioned you could do it near the Border - however, I've checked this website and came up with only Kathmandu:
http://www.south-asia.com/Embassy-India/consular.htm
Maybe you could take a further look yourself, and might find where! My friend (talking about her friend) said it was a few years back and it took her 8 days. Hopefully, other Members may have confirmed information about this for you.

brettL

Hey, 2 weeks ago i recently got my tourist visa for india in a town called Songklha, which is 30mins from Hat Yai in South Thailand - Hat Yai is about 4hrs from the border of malaysia an Thailand...if you fly to Phuket it then takes a 8hr bus to get to Hat Yai only costing about $30u.s

The Songklha Indian Embassy details are;

170/17, Nakon Nok Road

Tambon Boyang, Amphur Muang,

Songkhla – 90000

Tel: (074) 307313

Email: coi_songkhla@yahoo.com


it took me 3days to get a Visa..Hat Yai is quite big an there are lots of things to do over 3 days ... Hope this helps.

Aishah

Good information, brettL - thanks for this. Is your visa for 3 months or 6 months?

brettL

I got my visa for 3 months , they can do all types there...

stevebenaulim

Melindery, sorry to go off the subject, but how easy, how long, to get a new passport in Delhi.
I read a thread very recently, on another forum, someone got a 6 monther in Thailand, no problem, so who knows.

melinderry

Hi - thanks for all the info, especially about that other embassy in Thailand.
I would still love to know about Kandy as its the easiest option if anyone knows. Otherwise I will definately post after whatever I decide with my experience.

As far as the new passport goes - well I thought I had the new passport as the post office called us to say it had arrived BUT there was a problem with my money draft from the bank - they had written High commissioner instead of High commission and I hadnt noticed so they sent it all back!!
So now I've sent it back correct and I'll let you know how many days it takes.
If you call them they are really helpful with info and answer the phone really fast. I think its easy if you have your old passport - they send you the form via email. just that you have to get someone to countersign your photo who has known you for two years and who should be a proffesional (doctor, lawyer etc.) - it can be an Indian or Brit. Call them if you dont have anyone to sign because it they'll probably have a good suggestion.
They say you can get within 10 days or so. Its really expensive though 10300 R.
I think you can get it in Mumbai if you are in Goa?? But I dont know for sure.
Hope that helps a little!!

melinderry

sorry steve but also what is the other forum you saw that info in? Do they have any other good info??

stevebenaulim

Just read a long thread on India Mike, about visas in Thailand,
well worth a read.From a British passport holder.

Aishah

Maybe it's this thread:
Applying for an Indian tourist visa in Bangkok

machadinha

If we're thinking of the same person, there was such a report here recently by an American on a 10-year visa. Apparently they only need to leave the country and get their visa stamped or something, it works differently for them. To my knowledge, all others do need to go through an embassy to get a new visa, so in this case, through Kathmandu.

Probably the forum for all things Thailand is Thaivisa.com. Not always a friendly place mind, be forewarned. It's good to do your homework and come in well-prepared with clear questions here.

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Aishah

No Mach - this was a friend of a friend and not an IM member. But your post rang a bell, and yes, I think she had to get her Visa stamped as exiting the country and then re-enter. so that might explain my confusion. I think it was one of those 5 year visas but you had to go out every 6 months if you didn't register it.

GracefulTravel

Am also considering Kandy; went to Colombo last Sept and it was fairly easy, just lots of people at the embassy. Kandy is supposed to have fewer people applying from there. Got my last 6 month visa at Kathmandu, and was not so easy, most people were getting three month visas. Definately had to use a bit of "Charm" and persistence.
Please keep us posted.