Help!"Easy country" to do a visa run?

Pinkmonster

Dear All,

I have been issued two (almost) consecutive tourist visas in the past 7 months. I am now in India and my visa is expiring in 10 days. Which would be the country where it would be easier to do a visa run? Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nepal? I am scared they won't issue another tourist visa for me a 3rd time ! My last visa was issued in Dubai and they were already very sticky there...
Thanks for your answers!

batistuta

Any answer provided would only be a good guess and No one can predict the out-come. Based on the threads I have read here, I would say Nepal is a NO-NO for this and that Thailand and Lanka would be better options.

If I were you, I would go to Bangkok.

Best of Luck.

atala

Sri Lanka should not be a problem. Best is to go to Colombo office on a Monday, because then chances are high that you get the visa on the same day, a friend told me. Otherwise, five days waiting.

Pinkmonster

Thanks for your help. Probably going there next week.

Thank you! Off to BKK, I think easier option. Any chance of them issuing an employment visa in Colombo too?

goangoangone

Bangkok will be best. It will take 5 working days. You won't get it same day unless you're resident in that country.

__________________
GoanGoan......here

Pinkmonster

Thank you! Going there at the end of the week

Will Marks

I arrived in Colombo this Monday. The Indian Embassy is very busy these days. They gave me a stamp and only let me file my application on Wednesday - the working days start from then. I'll get the visa on Tuesday. So effectively add 2 more days. (It was not like this 6 and 12 months ago - a simple 4-5 working days. I don't see how 1 day was ever possible, but good luck to them.)

Hey, looks like I'm taking this route too. I''ve had back to backs from Lanka, now let's see if we can switch to BKK and avoid the long flight to NZ.

Pinkmonster - can you post and let us know how Bangkok is about issuing visas after back to backs?

Cheers, WM

Pinkmonster

Hey WM... I'm back! Was issued another tourist visa by VFS. They are the ones in charge of issuing visas now, and not the Indian embassy anymore. The process was very easy and straight forward...
Only problem was that BKK has become SOOO expensive and people are not as friendly as they were a few years back. Hope this helps you.. Let me know how you get on! Cheers

Scandojazzbuff

In Bangkok, the new address for obtaining Indian Visas is Sukhumvit Soi 25, Glashaus Building, 15th floor. NOT Indian Embassy. Took motorcycle this morning to the Embassy only to find out they have changed their location for visas. It is very organized, very expensive. 5 working days. In Monday, out Friday afternoon. 2 passport photos with blue background!! If you can't provide this, they have a photo service right there ripping you off for the price of 2 photos (250 Baht). I had 12 made the day before with a white background for 120 Baht. They refused to take them. Visa fee for maximum 6 months (no longer 1 year) multiple entry, 3100 Baht plus 480 Baht processing fee. More than $100!! Forget downloading applications online. They give you the forms at the office to fill out and will not accept downloaded forms.

Will Marks

Hey Pinkmonster... I'm back! Was issued another business visa. No need to fly to NZ. Great.

I got your post shortly before I paid for my tickets, and Scandojazzbuff's just before I flew, so that was cool thanks.

So that’s five visas consecutive, pretty much to the day; Australia 6mTourist, Sri Lanka 6mTourist, Sri Lanka 6mBusiness, Sri Lanka (reluctantly 1m tourist), Bangkok, 6mBusiness.

So thank you Bangkok for overcoming the Sri Lanka hiccup.

Bangkok’s website alone helped me more than my lawyer or the Consulate in Sri Lanka (in fact both of the latter gave me incorrect information). I’ll be extending the business visa in Delhi next time without having to go outside. Hmm, would have been good to know that before.

With VFS the process was more than easy and straight forward. It’s as if I was determined to mess up, but VFS earnt their service fee. I was late to apply (by 10mins - 12.10) and late to deposit my passport (by 40mins) but they still cut me slack. BTW I paid 2,400 for the 6m business visa (not 3100) and 480 for service charge. They even accepted by internet downloaded application with one of their cover sheets. Was in and out in 15 mins max both times.

I don’t recommend anyone else try as they seemed strict in other areas, like minimum of pages on passports required, and the security guard told me others had been turned away that were less late than me so… from Khao San area budget for 1 – 1 1/2 hours for traffic & possible confusion over embassy vs. VFS office. One driver got it right, the other didn’t. Motorbike taxis are quicker if you can find one.

Overall, BKK is by far the better option purely for the visa process; 15 minutes visits & 5 days, vs a gruelling 3 hours plus in Colombo and 7 days.

Great to be back in rainy, cool Bangalore with a Thai tan!

Pinkmonster

You must be SO relieved! I know I was I was lucky enough to catch the last Nokair flight back to BLR so on the whole trip turned out cheaper than the average AI flight...
So welcome back and all the best for the future visas
Keep in touch!

Will Marks

Hey there… pinkmonster

Yes, it was a big relief. A scary surprise can help not to take anything for granted and celebrate the day!

Are you based in Bangalore too? Did you end up going for an employment visa? I’m in Koramangala if you feel like staying in touch

Happy Xmas!

WM

mama4us

We went over to Oman last September - fora change. The Embassy isopen Sunday am to Wednesday evening only. Stuck our apps in on Sunday and picked up Visas on Wednesday on the way back to the airport - very efficient, beautifully clean country (after so many dusty months here in India!) and what a dear little airport too! No problems at all getting quick visas there (6 month tourist, anyway) See Mr...wait for it...Kakar...no, really!