| The other day I had a client call me up, and boy was | | | | to India before and everything went smoothly, you can |
| he upset. Apparently, he filed for an India tourist visa, | | | | usually get same day service for an additional fee. |
| and they had requested references prior to approval. | | | | However, I recommend book ahead of time just in |
| So who does he call? His trusty travel agent. We | | | | case. |
| were able to submit the paperwork and get him | | | | US citizens must pay $73 for an India tourist travel |
| across the border in time to attend his sister's wedding. | | | | visa; other nationalities can pay as little as $53. It's |
| Here are several important things to consider when | | | | important to factor visa expenses into your budget; if |
| you apply for an India tourist visa: | | | | you are border hopping a lot on your trip, the costs can |
| Purchase ahead of time. Try to allot yourself at least | | | | get quite high in a short amount of time. Keep in mind |
| one week for any red tape. My client was not | | | | that you must pay the consular fee, and a service fee. |
| anticipating filing references, and this added six days to | | | | Think of Ticketmaster, but more bureaucratic. On |
| the waiting period. When you do apply, be prepared to | | | | second thought, don't... |
| fill out an application, proof of onward travel, and two | | | | Speaking of bureaucracy, there is no country in the |
| additional photos. As with any government institution, | | | | world more embedded in red tape than India. I cannot |
| the rules change quickly, so confirm the details with | | | | stress this point enough: to avoid a never ending |
| you embassy beforehand. | | | | onslaught of delays, file all your paperwork for an India |
| Same day service is possible, provided there aren't | | | | tourist travel visa prior to arriving in India. This alone will |
| any snags to slow the process any. If you have been | | | | save you countless headaches. |