The Indian Embassy in France

beesakopie

I have always had a good experience with the Indian Embassy in Paris - they are very small and overwhelmed with requests but manage to come up with what it takes. Patience, however is the key! Just some pointers :

A. Get there early. The embassy opens at 0930 Hrs and there is a HUGE queue by then. People usually start queing up by about 0800 Hrs.

B. They only distribute visa forms until 1030 Hrs. If you cannot manage to get a visa form (and it can be difficult because of the HUGE queue), you will have to come back another day. So it makes double sense to be there early.

C. Visa's by post is a viable method. Make sure that you send a SASE (self addressed Stamped Envelope)...Visa's by post take atleast 2 weeks...so do plan accordingly.

D. ActionVisas can take care of getting your visa done for you. However, I really wonder whats the "logique" behind getting your visa through a paid service because its still going to take you as long (if not longer) to do it. Besides this is not like a visa to Uzbekhistan or Papua New Guinea where you'd have to wait ages anyways...

E. You can only pay either in cash or personal cheque for your visa. If you are paying by cheque, please make sure that the Bank has authorised the particular cheque (they need to stamp it)...its easier if you simply pay cash. I think the going rate at the moment is 50 - 60 Euros for a 6 month multiple entry tourist visa. Sorry, no credit cards.

F. If you are a foreigner resident in France, they would like to see your "Carte de Sejour" also.

G. The "quartier Indien" in Paris is next to Gare du Nord. Yes, you can get Dosa's / Idli's there. DVD's, Spices, Restaurants...the place has it all.

H. In case you are an Indian citizen you will not need to get into the queue. You can thus arrive at about 0900 Hrs...and generally, will be served fairly quickly - because there are different windows for Indian citizens and French / other passport holders...


Websites:
1. The Indian Embassy Website : http://www.amb-inde.fr
2. The Indian Community in France : http://www.indeaparis.com
3. Action Visa's : http://action-visas.com