India 6 mo Visa price increase + fee?!

fajitanumerouno · Sep 22nd, 2007, 06:06

My family of 4 will be travelling to India in December from the USA (near NYC) this year. I am about to apply for the Visas and I just noticed for applications after October 1 the Indian consulate in NYC has outsourced the project to a place about 10 blocks away. With that it appears that the price for the Visa is increasing from $60 for one person for 6 months basic tourist, to $73. Does that include the $13 processing fee or will that be extra. I guess it looks like its $73 and that means $60 plus the processing fee. But I have 4 to do and pay for plus photos so that means and extra $52. Yikes!
I guess we have to send this in this week to avoid the fee. Anyone else notice this? How long does it take to get these back by mail. We are travelling early December.
Val

wonderwomanusa · Sep 22nd, 2007, 11:26

How long do you plan to be in India?

You may not realize that the 180-day clock starts ticking from the date the visa is pasted into your passport, so you might want to get the visas as late as possible before leaving.

At busy times of the year, mail can take a while ... according to other folks here on the forum. You might try searching for "visa" and see what info you can glean.

ananda2193 · Sep 23rd, 2007, 01:49

I think the people to ask for the correct answer is the consulate, not here, don't you think?

Mickey S · Sep 23rd, 2007, 02:19

You'll find all the information you need at Travisa Outsourcing's website.

Quote:

A Processing Service Fee of $13.00 will be charged by Travisa Outsourcing per application, per passport. All fees are non refundable. All fees are payable by Money Order, Cash (Exact Change only) or Visa and MasterCard.

US Citizens

Visa Length Fee
6 Months Multiple Entry $73.00
1 Year Multiple Entry $98.00
5 Years Multiple Entry $163.00
10 Years Multiple Entry $163.00

Quote:

Processing Time: Applications sent in mail take about 5 working/business days to process from the date of receipt. This time schedule does not apply to services where prior approval is required from authorities in India or other Indian embassies.

edwardseco · Sep 23rd, 2007, 02:23

Yes, travel to India from the US and UK has increased sharply with backlogs..

edwardseco · Sep 23rd, 2007, 02:26

13 USD is the processing fee. You pay for their problems..

Mickey S · Sep 23rd, 2007, 02:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardseco

Yes, travel to India from the US and UK has increased sharply with backlogs..

I just got my new visa here in London - and was in and out of the Indian High Commission in a record 30 minutes.

edwardseco · Sep 23rd, 2007, 05:05

That is, I believe, the record. Congratulations, maybe that out sourcing to British companies is taking effect..

fajitanumerouno · Sep 24th, 2007, 00:48

Yes, I was at both websites but surprised by the sudden outsourcing and price increase. A bit like buying from Ticketron or something. Multiplying by 4 for it and for everything else makes the rpcie go up quick. Yikes! Plus we have to buy photos for them. When we went last time we lived in the UK (but were still US citizens) and it seems the Visa cost was lower and we did not need photos. Of course this was 10 years ago but anyhow, I was surprised. Don't know if it is better to mail or go in person but it seems that the new company promises quick turnaround. Thanks,
Valerie

pontesnm · Oct 19th, 2007, 19:23

An alternate is to get a PIO card (Cost $155 each) for the kids. I know this is more expensive up front but the hassle is much less in the future. I was born in India and just applied for OCI cards for me and my kids. My wife is from the US and so is not eligible for OCI.

This would presume that you would travel to India fairly often. If you go to India twice (including this trip) in the next 15 years then the 6-month visa is just as cost effective as PIO. For kids the PIO card and 10-year visa are essentially the same price.

Sep 22nd, 2007, 06:06	#1
fajitanumerouno Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: near Philly, PA Posts: 58	India 6 mo Visa price increase + fee?! My family of 4 will be travelling to India in December from the USA (near NYC) this year. I am about to apply for the Visas and I just noticed for applications after October 1 the Indian consulate in NYC has outsourced the project to a place about 10 blocks away. With that it appears that the price for the Visa is increasing from $60 for one person for 6 months basic tourist, to $73. Does that include the $13 processing fee or will that be extra. I guess it looks like its $73 and that means $60 plus the processing fee. But I have 4 to do and pay for plus photos so that means and extra $52. Yikes! I guess we have to send this in this week to avoid the fee. Anyone else notice this? How long does it take to get these back by mail. We are travelling early December. Val

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Sep 22nd, 2007, 11:26	#2
wonderwomanusa Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 3,518	How long do you plan to be in India? You may not realize that the 180-day clock starts ticking from the date the visa is pasted into your passport, so you might want to get the visas as late as possible before leaving. At busy times of the year, mail can take a while ... according to other folks here on the forum. You might try searching for "visa" and see what info you can glean.

Sep 23rd, 2007, 01:49	#3
ananda2193 Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: you essay Posts: 1,487	I think the people to ask for the correct answer is the consulate, not here, don't you think?

Sep 23rd, 2007, 02:23	#5
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 3,932	Yes, travel to India from the US and UK has increased sharply with backlogs..

Sep 23rd, 2007, 02:26	#6
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 3,932	13 USD is the processing fee. You pay for their problems..

Sep 23rd, 2007, 05:05	#8
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 3,932	That is, I believe, the record. Congratulations, maybe that out sourcing to British companies is taking effect..

Sep 24th, 2007, 00:48	#9
fajitanumerouno Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: near Philly, PA Posts: 58	Yes, I was at both websites but surprised by the sudden outsourcing and price increase. A bit like buying from Ticketron or something. Multiplying by 4 for it and for everything else makes the rpcie go up quick. Yikes! Plus we have to buy photos for them. When we went last time we lived in the UK (but were still US citizens) and it seems the Visa cost was lower and we did not need photos. Of course this was 10 years ago but anyhow, I was surprised. Don't know if it is better to mail or go in person but it seems that the new company promises quick turnaround. Thanks, Valerie

Oct 19th, 2007, 19:23	#10
pontesnm Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bardez/Mumbai/New Jersey (USA) Posts: 219	An alternate is to get a PIO card (Cost $155 each) for the kids. I know this is more expensive up front but the hassle is much less in the future. I was born in India and just applied for OCI cards for me and my kids. My wife is from the US and so is not eligible for OCI. This would presume that you would travel to India fairly often. If you go to India twice (including this trip) in the next 15 years then the 6-month visa is just as cost effective as PIO. For kids the PIO card and 10-year visa are essentially the same price.

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