Indian tourist visa from birmingham

researcher

Hi everyone,
Has anyone been to Birmingham to get their tourist visa from the Indian consulate? What's the score? Do we both have to go, or could my OH take both of our application forms and passports etc? Do you need to get there really early or can you turn up around 10.30 and still be seen? Its years since we last went to India, and neither of us remembers how it worked.

Just in case anyone suggests telephoning and asking - I've tried, and all I get is vm messages, unanswered phones or the message telling you they're closed and their opening hours (within those hours!) Its quite frustrating but I thought someone here would know!

Thanks

bluemorph

Its been about 4 years since we last went to india, so things might have changed, there was 4 of us travelling and i took all 4 passports to birmingham ( along with the signed visa forms) paid the money and returned 24 hours later to collect them, i would suggest getting there for when it opens as it gets really busy and they dont seem to be very organized. If i remember correctly collection for the visas is in the afternoon only.

bluemorph

I am totally wrong about the afternoon collection bit, just had a look at their web site and it says the following,
Visas may be collected from the High Commission of India at London, CGI Birmingham and CGI Edinburgh. Visa section in the High Commission of India remains open only during 08.30 to 12.00 hours Monday to Friday on normal working days. There are also some Government of India holidays, which may not be local holidays, please, check the same before hand
Also says that visas can be issued on the same day.

researcher

Can you collect them same day - as we live so far away?

Sorry - bit to quick and didn't see your next post. I see we can. thanks again.

littlereddevil

We put ours in in the morning then they close at 12.30 and reopen at 4pm for collections.

cundall

Hi been there in Feb and then again teh year before in Nov and Feb (2005), get there first thing. I got there around 8:30am and i was number 155 of the first 200 (first 200 per day are given same day) though i have been there when i was flying the next day got there at 10:30 qued and showed my tickets and they allowed me to get mine the same day. If you fly soon take your tickets! I have never not seen a que. Also dont bothere coming back late like they normally say if you live far away just que up to get in at around 12:30 (Yes i know its alot of hanging about) and then you que up inside and get your visa straight away and then drive home....

researcher

Got the Visa's yesterday - and thanks to the advice here got there early and was able to pick them up at 12.30. Just got to wait a week for the holiday now :j

alanrowell

researcher wrote:

Can you collect them same day - as we live so far away?

You do realise you could have posted them to the London Embassy, why did you need to visit personally? If you'd done it on the day you first posted you would have had them back by now.

bluemorph

researcher wrote:

Got the Visa's yesterday - and thanks to the advice here got there early and was able to pick them up at 12.30. Just got to wait a week for the holiday now :j

Enjoy yourself, i bet its very hot out there at the moment, you lucky things.

researcher

alanrowell wrote:

You do realise you could have posted them to the London Embassy, why did you need to visit personally? If you'd done it on the day you first posted you would have had them back by now.

But I'd rather put myself out than risk posting our passports! I would have to be in the position that there was NO other alterantive.