Sydney Australia - outsourced system for Indian visa

katcalls · May 25th, 2008, 09:46

Hi there,

I've search Indiamike and haven't found anything.

Has anyone here gotten their visa through the Sydney consulate lately with the new outsourcing system?

I was wondering how strict they are about the return ticket requirement. I'm getting a one way ticket in and someone else is booking my onwards. I'm not sure that will have the details by the time I apply for my visa.

If you've gone through the new system in Sydney I'd be interested in hearing your views.

kristinm · May 25th, 2008, 10:21

When did it come in - we got ours last year in about November?

katcalls · May 25th, 2008, 10:38

According to the Consulate website, the 21st of Feb

I hope it's not the nightmare everyone went through in London

kristinm · May 25th, 2008, 10:40

Sorry - no help from me then, I just spent two very boring afternoons in the Indian consulate! We did have return tickets booked though, and they did insist on the flight details which I had to fax them from home as I didn't take the etickets with me.

Nick-H · May 25th, 2008, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by katcalls

I hope it's not the nightmare everyone went through in London

I don't think London has been outsourced yet? (it is planned).

Their nightmare was caused by a postal strike, which, although they nominated a number of travel agents to deal with applications (which always had been an option anyway) resulted in a massive overload of personal applications.

machadinha · May 25th, 2008, 11:10

It's about Sydney, Nick, or am I missing something?

As far as I know a return ticket isn't required for India. If it's different departing from Australia I wouldn't swear on. But I don't think so.

Nick-H · May 25th, 2008, 11:23

You're missing something!

The added quote to my post will explain all

On the ticket thing, It is required according to Indian-consulate-site stuff that was pointed out to me some time back, when I argued vehemently that it wasn't. Kristinm's post suggests that they may even be enforcing it too?

katcalls · May 25th, 2008, 16:15

Yes, I have heard they are sticklers for it in Sydney. Am hoping that the new system will mean it's more lax. From the website:

Quote:

Tourist visas are non-extendable and non-convertible Applicants are required to indicate the place(s) of visit, duration of stay and flight details/itinerary

Shivani Skydancer · May 27th, 2008, 06:54

I sent them an email asking this same question last week! It seems they are very strict on a return ticket these days.... I did fly one-way in 2006, but they may not be allowing it any more!

I suggest you could send them an email and ask. This is their address:
"Consul Consular" <ccons@indianconsulatesydney.or g>

Good luck!

katcalls · May 28th, 2008, 11:32

Now that I have my ticket, this is how I'm going to go about this problem. I don't want to stay in India but I'm not the one booking my way out! Creates an issue with bureaucracy...which moves at no one's pace!

I asked my travel agent to book and confirm me on a flight to Delhi, immediately print out the itinerary and then cancel the return flight. So, the itinerary has "Confirmed" for all segments. I'm pretty sure the consulate will not investigate this further.

By the time I fly I will have a one way out of India, so if I'm approached by anyone on the way to Delhi I should be able to produce an official ticket. If this doesn't happen and I'm cornered, I guess I can buy a ticket out of Delhi to BKK if I need to.

I'll update here when I apply and let people know how it goes.

Shivani Skydancer · May 28th, 2008, 18:30

I thought of doing the same thing myself. The 'real' e-ticket looks much the same as a 'confirmed itinerary' print-out....

But I decided to obey the Consulate rules, because I love India too much to risk being refused entry in future!

You should be ok, Katcalls, I don't think anyone will ask for your return ticket once you have the tourist visa :-)

All the best and happy traveling!

zoltan · May 28th, 2008, 18:43

My travel agent has told me that since the outsourcing has been implemented, the system has gone down the tubes.

She didn't elaborate much on that, just that it was a nightmare.

I'd be interested in hearing from people who have used the new system and to get some feedback.

Cheers
Zoltan

katcalls · Jun 30th, 2008, 11:26

Just giving everyone an update on how the visa system is running in Sydney.

I went this morning to hand in my visa. Very modern room. Has a pay photocopier and photo booth if you need it. Take a number and sit down etc. Only two ladies were working the 5 desks but it was not busy at all.

The system for me worked very well except some rude lady tried to barge in front of me as she didn't know how to take a number...

When that was sorted out, the clerk went through my documents, took my money and made me fill out and sign a check list.

I arrived at 830 am and was out of there by 845 am. I am a non-resident of Australia and they say it will take about 8 days for the visa to be completed (it's one week if you're an Aussie resident/citizen).

In the end I crumpled and bought a one way ticket from Air India Express online from Kol-BKK so that I wouldn't be breaking consulate rules to get the visa. My new employer will probably buy me my 'real' ticket out of India in a couple of weeks, but I didn't want to wait. The Air India Express ticket is about 75% refundable - so I lose A$20. A price I'm willing to pay for the convinience and to play 'within the fence.'

PS - and oh yes, a sign up said that the fees were increasing again tomorrow (July 1) so check their website to see what they are....I paid A$108 for mine and quite frankly that's enough.

machadinha · Jun 30th, 2008, 11:36

Hi Katcalls, do you mean you need a ticket to get the visa or vice versa? That surprises me, I'm unaware of this condition. May differ per country though (or maybe it's like that where I live and I forgot).

katcalls · Jun 30th, 2008, 11:39

Hi Machadinha,

Yes, at least in Sydney they are insisting that you have a ticket out of the country when you apply for the visa. You have to provide copies of your confirmed flights. This seems to be stricter than at other consulates/embassies but with VFS taking over the visa duties in many countries, we may be seeing the start of a tightening of the rules.

Also, I meant to add to the above, that you are able to track the status of your visa online through the VFS site...haven't used it yet so can't comment if it works!

May 25th, 2008, 09:46	#1
katcalls ....moving right along. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A citizen of the world at the moment. Posts: 100	Sydney Australia - outsourced system for Indian visa Hi there, I've search Indiamike and haven't found anything. Has anyone here gotten their visa through the Sydney consulate lately with the new outsourcing system? I was wondering how strict they are about the return ticket requirement. I'm getting a one way ticket in and someone else is booking my onwards. I'm not sure that will have the details by the time I apply for my visa. If you've gone through the new system in Sydney I'd be interested in hearing your views. __________________ Bueller? Bueller?

May 25th, 2008, 11:10	#6
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,521	It's about Sydney, Nick, or am I missing something? As far as I know a return ticket isn't required for India. If it's different departing from Australia I wouldn't swear on. But I don't think so. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

May 28th, 2008, 18:43	#12
zoltan Maha Guru Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 637	My travel agent has told me that since the outsourcing has been implemented, the system has gone down the tubes. She didn't elaborate much on that, just that it was a nightmare. I'd be interested in hearing from people who have used the new system and to get some feedback. Cheers Zoltan __________________ India (and other) photos click here

Jun 30th, 2008, 11:26	#13
katcalls ....moving right along. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A citizen of the world at the moment. Posts: 100	Just giving everyone an update on how the visa system is running in Sydney. I went this morning to hand in my visa. Very modern room. Has a pay photocopier and photo booth if you need it. Take a number and sit down etc. Only two ladies were working the 5 desks but it was not busy at all. The system for me worked very well except some rude lady tried to barge in front of me as she didn't know how to take a number... When that was sorted out, the clerk went through my documents, took my money and made me fill out and sign a check list. I arrived at 830 am and was out of there by 845 am. I am a non-resident of Australia and they say it will take about 8 days for the visa to be completed (it's one week if you're an Aussie resident/citizen). In the end I crumpled and bought a one way ticket from Air India Express online from Kol-BKK so that I wouldn't be breaking consulate rules to get the visa. My new employer will probably buy me my 'real' ticket out of India in a couple of weeks, but I didn't want to wait. The Air India Express ticket is about 75% refundable - so I lose A$20. A price I'm willing to pay for the convinience and to play 'within the fence.' PS - and oh yes, a sign up said that the fees were increasing again tomorrow (July 1) so check their website to see what they are....I paid A$108 for mine and quite frankly that's enough. Last edited by katcalls : Jun 30th, 2008 at 11:27. Reason: added the PS

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May 25th, 2008, 10:21	#2
kristinm Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Beautiful Bondi (not Bundi!) Posts: 1,469	When did it come in - we got ours last year in about November?

May 25th, 2008, 10:38	#3
katcalls ....moving right along. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A citizen of the world at the moment. Posts: 100	According to the Consulate website, the 21st of Feb I hope it's not the nightmare everyone went through in London

May 25th, 2008, 10:40	#4
kristinm Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Beautiful Bondi (not Bundi!) Posts: 1,469	Sorry - no help from me then, I just spent two very boring afternoons in the Indian consulate! We did have return tickets booked though, and they did insist on the flight details which I had to fax them from home as I didn't take the etickets with me.

May 25th, 2008, 11:23	#7
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,774	You're missing something! The added quote to my post will explain all On the ticket thing, It is required according to Indian-consulate-site stuff that was pointed out to me some time back, when I argued vehemently that it wasn't. Kristinm's post suggests that they may even be enforcing it too?

May 27th, 2008, 06:54	#9
Shivani Skydancer Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 17	I sent them an email asking this same question last week! It seems they are very strict on a return ticket these days.... I did fly one-way in 2006, but they may not be allowing it any more! I suggest you could send them an email and ask. This is their address: "Consul Consular" <ccons@indianconsulatesydney.or g> Good luck!

May 28th, 2008, 11:32	#10
katcalls ....moving right along. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A citizen of the world at the moment. Posts: 100	Now that I have my ticket, this is how I'm going to go about this problem. I don't want to stay in India but I'm not the one booking my way out! Creates an issue with bureaucracy...which moves at no one's pace! I asked my travel agent to book and confirm me on a flight to Delhi, immediately print out the itinerary and then cancel the return flight. So, the itinerary has "Confirmed" for all segments. I'm pretty sure the consulate will not investigate this further. By the time I fly I will have a one way out of India, so if I'm approached by anyone on the way to Delhi I should be able to produce an official ticket. If this doesn't happen and I'm cornered, I guess I can buy a ticket out of Delhi to BKK if I need to. I'll update here when I apply and let people know how it goes.

May 28th, 2008, 18:30	#11
Shivani Skydancer Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 17	I thought of doing the same thing myself. The 'real' e-ticket looks much the same as a 'confirmed itinerary' print-out.... But I decided to obey the Consulate rules, because I love India too much to risk being refused entry in future! You should be ok, Katcalls, I don't think anyone will ask for your return ticket once you have the tourist visa :-) All the best and happy traveling!

Jun 30th, 2008, 11:36	#14
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,521	Hi Katcalls, do you mean you need a ticket to get the visa or vice versa? That surprises me, I'm unaware of this condition. May differ per country though (or maybe it's like that where I live and I forgot).

Jun 30th, 2008, 11:39	#15
katcalls ....moving right along. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A citizen of the world at the moment. Posts: 100	Hi Machadinha, Yes, at least in Sydney they are insisting that you have a ticket out of the country when you apply for the visa. You have to provide copies of your confirmed flights. This seems to be stricter than at other consulates/embassies but with VFS taking over the visa duties in many countries, we may be seeing the start of a tightening of the rules. Also, I meant to add to the above, that you are able to track the status of your visa online through the VFS site...haven't used it yet so can't comment if it works!

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