Visa through Agency

freefred

I just got all my passports (mine and the kids') and tickets (!) sorted today and I now need a Visa to go at Christmas. The High Commission here in London told me it takes 5 weeks so it's presumably no good. I found on the net the Gold Arrow Consular Services who do it in 24 hours for an extravagant £20 on top of £30 for each Visa (or something like this). Has anyone dealt with these people, are they ok? I am sending them my passports (not to mention the dosh) so I want to make sure....
Any other suggestions otherwise?

freefred

Hi trvl_in,
and thanks for your suggestions. I did download the application form from the High Commission, but then never filled it in as I was put off by waiting time (a lady told me 5 weeks when I rang, I wonder whether she meant by post maybe...). OK, so this week I am off with my forms (presumably one for each passport) and if it works you will have saved me quite a bit of money, thanks!
All you need is passports, forms and a cheque, isn't it?
Well, let's see how it goes and thanks again, I was getting a bit desperate...

edwardseco

There's always a rush service for more fees..

seventies'hippy

Thats right what trvl_in said, it shouldn't take 5 weeks, infact if you go personally to the indian high commishion you ought to get it the same day,
when you hand it in they should give you a time ticket to come back........
Upto 3 weeks ago you still could as reported on a thread here around that time. I sent mine by post a month or so back & it took 7 working days.Gold Arrow Consular will only give your stuff to a messenger who'll wait just like you can,
If you want another agent Tailfinders also have this service Tel 01719383848

Good Luck

seventies'hippy

Just seen your second post, Yes they do say to allow 5 weeks by mail just to cover themselves & you. but it doesn't take that long if you're not a "special" case
You'll be ok

freefred

Hi again seventies' hippy
and thanks for advice.
I am not a special case (I hope, although I may become one by the time I finished organising everything...) as I am British and so are my children, so I guess it is straightforward.
I'll fill in the forms and go there this week then, thank you again

Nick-H

you HAVE to be there by 12.00. The earlier you go the quicker you will be dealt with. You need a couple of passport-type photos as well as the form, your passport and CASH, they only accept cash.

Agencies take the trouble of your hands: if you're rich/busy/etc, use an agency. It's just a luxury. I guess the people who can pay for their holiday in a morning's work aren't going to sit around there themselves (lucky --------s )!

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Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

freefred

Hi Nick,
thanks for the advice. I will go a.m. I am lucky because I work by myself....
And will take cash as well....

Nick-H

I'll take that advice myself one day

I never get there early! But people here who do say it is very quick. Usualytakes me 2 hours plus. Take a book!

But applications CLOSE at 12.00.

freefred

I have now just filled in my application for the Visa and have a couple of doubts.
It says I need the name and phone no of two referees in India but being the first time I am going there (obviously) I don't know anyone. Is this important?
Also do I need to fill in one application each for my 2 children, since they have their own passports, and do they need to sign it (one is 8, the other 16)?
I was hoping to go to the High Commission tomorrow and get it done with as suggested my many of you and I would hat to waste a morning if I get it wrong (my god all this bureaucracy is driving me insane... although I'm sure it will be worth it in the end)

seventies'hippy

Hi freefred,
You need a signed form for everyone, they'll all then get their visa put into their own passports.
You can leave the reference blank, they accept that, or I suggest put either the name/address of your travel agent, a hotel which you are staying at, or pretending to stay at and/or c/o the British High Commission, Mumbai

freefred

Hi 70s Hippie,
I like your Avatar today...!
Thanks for advice. Do you mean I have to get my two daughters (one of them being 8 years old) to sign the forms?

seventies'hippy

I haven't looked at a form from a minors angle, but have a check through, I imagine that if she's got her own passport with her signature in it then that's what is required, unless of course theres an ad: which says "parent/guardian signature is required"

Nick-H

Addresses in India: no you don't need to fill this in.

Visas for children... I seem to remember the site saying even infants need a visa, so a form for each child would seem to be in order.

I don't know, but my guess is the kids should sign. You could always countersigns as parent if they want you too. I suppose.

freefred

well the 8 year old does not need to sign her passport, so I guess what I'll do is sign the form for her and if they want me to I'll countersign and just to make sure bring with me an extra form in case I cock up completely....