Visa

tidycatscoop · Jan 15th, 2008, 04:47

Hi all - just had a trip to India fall into my lap - must have done something right in a previous life! Have never been somewhere that required a Visa - in looking up the info it says I have to mail in my original passport - is this right? The skeptic in me is a little wary - thanks!

ScarletLSG · Jan 15th, 2008, 04:52

Yup, you have to mail in the passport. Just send it Certified so that you receive and acknowledgement that it is received. It's quite safe.

Nick-H · Jan 15th, 2008, 13:19

The visa is fixed to your passport, so, yes, they require the original.

That, along with the entry and exit stamps, is what all those blank pages are for!

I don't like the idea of putting my passport in the post either, but, unless you are somewhere where you can apply in person, it has to be done, I'm afraid.

Oh...

Welcome to IndiaMike

tidycatscoop · Jan 16th, 2008, 05:46

Thank you both for the info - feeling a little overwhelmed with all the details of this trip - can't wait to actually get there!

Shaktipalooza · Jan 16th, 2008, 06:36

When are you leaving. Visiting for how long? You'll get some good information in these forums.

llj · Jan 18th, 2008, 02:53

Hi tidycatscoop - I used to live in Asheville myself! A little slice of heaven.
Anyway, I have recently returned from my first trip to India and can report that visa turn around is quite quick from the DC consulate/private contractor who handles Indian visas for U.S. passport holders. It took eight days from when I sent the packet off to when I got my passport back. Just get a tracking number from the company you send your application through to make sure it arrived safely.
But really, getting the Indian visa was a breeze compared to getting my passport renewed last summer.

tidycatscoop · Jan 20th, 2008, 07:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by llj

Hi tidycatscoop - I used to live in Asheville myself! A little slice of heaven.
Anyway, I have recently returned from my first trip to India and can report that visa turn around is quite quick from the DC consulate/private contractor who handles Indian visas for U.S. passport holders. It took eight days from when I sent the packet off to when I got my passport back. Just get a tracking number from the company you send your application through to make sure it arrived safely.
But really, getting the Indian visa was a breeze compared to getting my passport renewed last summer.

How was your trip? Where did you go?
ps - Asheville says hi!

Cardamom · Jan 20th, 2008, 07:52

Hi tidyscoop!

I agree with llj - getting a visa to India (at least in the US for a US citizen) is really easy. It appears that the consulate outsources the VISA services so it's pretty efficient. I sent my application on Jan 2 and got it back on Jan 9. Just be sure to send your passport by a trackable method (DHL, FEDEX, etc). I'm a little paranoid, so I waited at UPS and wouldn't leave until I saw the employee place my shipping label on my packet.

Have a great trip! Business or pleasure?

C

Nick-H · Jan 20th, 2008, 09:21

Quote:

It appears that the consulate outsources the VISA services so it's pretty efficient

Well, there's a stereotype!

The High Commission in UK does not --- and it is pretty efficient too

. (OK, there was a bad patch last year, but a British postal strike was implemented in that).

Just to balance the view, though, the UK visa stuff here in Chennai is outsourced, and yes, they do a good job.

llj · Jan 23rd, 2008, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by tidycatscoop

How was your trip? Where did you go?
ps - Asheville says hi!

I couldn't figure out how to private message you, so I'll keep this off-topic post quick. I went to Hyderabad for a wedding and then to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. It was fine; no security problems and only one member of our party became ill. India was very interesting, but I am glad to be home.
I hope you have fun on your trip!

Nick-H · Jan 23rd, 2008, 22:32

LLJ... The PM system is not available to new members, due to a long history of abuse.

You will find you have the possibility real soon

.

Jan 15th, 2008, 04:47	#1
tidycatscoop Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: asheville, nc Posts: 3	Visa Hi all - just had a trip to India fall into my lap - must have done something right in a previous life! Have never been somewhere that required a Visa - in looking up the info it says I have to mail in my original passport - is this right? The skeptic in me is a little wary - thanks!

Jan 15th, 2008, 13:19	#3
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,220	The visa is fixed to your passport, so, yes, they require the original. That, along with the entry and exit stamps, is what all those blank pages are for! I don't like the idea of putting my passport in the post either, but, unless you are somewhere where you can apply in person, it has to be done, I'm afraid. Oh... Welcome to IndiaMike __________________ . IndiaMike Mod Team (The Grumpy One) Last edited by Nick-H : Jan 16th, 2008 at 11:10. Reason: unless is not spelt 'in less' --- Dislexia rules, KO!

Jan 16th, 2008, 05:46	#4
tidycatscoop Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: asheville, nc Posts: 3	calmer Thank you both for the info - feeling a little overwhelmed with all the details of this trip - can't wait to actually get there!

Jan 16th, 2008, 06:36	#5
Shaktipalooza Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Portland Oregon USA Posts: 894	When are you leaving. Visiting for how long? You'll get some good information in these forums. __________________ IndiaGroove - Train finder now in beta! Pics from India 2006 Traditional Indian Dance

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Jan 15th, 2008, 04:52	#2
ScarletLSG Maharani Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kailua, Hawaii Posts: 177	Yup, you have to mail in the passport. Just send it Certified so that you receive and acknowledgement that it is received. It's quite safe.

Jan 18th, 2008, 02:53	#6
llj Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: USA Posts: 9	Hi tidycatscoop - I used to live in Asheville myself! A little slice of heaven. Anyway, I have recently returned from my first trip to India and can report that visa turn around is quite quick from the DC consulate/private contractor who handles Indian visas for U.S. passport holders. It took eight days from when I sent the packet off to when I got my passport back. Just get a tracking number from the company you send your application through to make sure it arrived safely. But really, getting the Indian visa was a breeze compared to getting my passport renewed last summer.

Jan 20th, 2008, 07:52	#8
Cardamom Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New York, NY Posts: 162	Hi tidyscoop! I agree with llj - getting a visa to India (at least in the US for a US citizen) is really easy. It appears that the consulate outsources the VISA services so it's pretty efficient. I sent my application on Jan 2 and got it back on Jan 9. Just be sure to send your passport by a trackable method (DHL, FEDEX, etc). I'm a little paranoid, so I waited at UPS and wouldn't leave until I saw the employee place my shipping label on my packet. Have a great trip! Business or pleasure? C

Jan 23rd, 2008, 22:32	#11
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 24,220	LLJ... The PM system is not available to new members, due to a long history of abuse. You will find you have the possibility real soon .

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