Getting Your Travel Visa to India

Not sure how many of you have ever been to the Indian Consulate in New York City? I am the one waiting in the lower right corner for my travel visa to be issued. When are they going to call my number? Notice that there is a clearing around me. I forgot to wear deodorant that morning, just kidding, but you will always find someone that did forget.

Anyway, they now have a consulting firm that takes care of the whole tourist visa process. The India Visa Center - Travisa Outsourcing.

I was surprised to hear that this had happened as I got used to going to the Indian Consulate and pushing my way through lines to get my waiting number number like in your favorite deli and eventually the window where I would be greeted by a Consulate representative with no sign of warmth or a smile. I always though of this experience as a taste of what is to come in India. For those that have never been to India, this is what you would experience in "line". In, India, when you are in a line of some sort, it seems that people like to push even if the line is stagnant. I like to wear a large backpack and fall backwards to let the person behind me know that I don't really care to be pushed. Their silent reaction is priceless.

There are some serious restrictions listed on the Travisa website, for applying in person, that makes one wonder if this is the proper attire to adorn?

Regulations in all Travisa Outsourcing offices do not permit you to carry the following:

1.All battery operated or electronic gadgets such as cell phones, digital diaries, pagers, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, palmtops or portable music players.
2.Only a small ladies pouch in hand will be permitted.
3.All bags such as travel bags, back packs, briefcases, suitcases, leather, jute or cloth bags and zip folders. Only a plastic bag containing your application related papers would be permitted. Strollers are also not permitted.
4.Any food item.
5.Sealed envelopes or packages.
6.Any sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail filers.
7.Weapons or explosive material of any kind.

My reaction was, Wow! No cell phones or bags? Only a plastic bag for all the information that is required? This made TSA regulations seem like a trip to Disney World. After dropping my stuff off at my office and rushing to get in line for my scheduled appointment (they schedule your time slot), I realized that everyone was in line and had their cell phone, office bag and someone was drinking coffee. I think the Travisa folks realized that these rules were never going to fly, but why list them on the sight? They are dealing with NRI folk after all and the travel process brings back the chaotic and functional ways of the mother land.

 They also set up a text messaging process for when your Visa is ready. Of course I got it after the center had closed. So don't wait for it, just show up on time for pick up.

 Good Luck to you first timers.