India visa

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA, is leading a campaign for the Indian authorities to reconsider plans to even further complicate tourist visas from the UK to India. 

Over 50 countries are offered an ‘on sight’ visa at the Indian port of entry, but not the UK.  Under new regulations these can only be obtained via a face-to-face interview at a very limited number of locations after making an online application.

Indian visa applications are handled by a third party service provider.  This can be done currently entirely on-line and by post, or by a visit to a centre, by appointment or just turning up with all the necessary paperwork.  The web site is very cumbersome and needs patience to use.

With the appointment system the software has proved to be less than reliable.   Business Travel News  has in recent days experienced the London office who dealt with the application quickly and with courtesy.  With the paperwork to hand we arrived with no reservation somewhat before the official opening time (08:30) were given a number, let in and offered a seat.  On time the bookings started to be called and we were away by 09:30.  We chose for the passports to arrive in the post, which they did less than a week later. 

The on-line application was challenging.  Why was father's name required.  He died 50 years ago!   www.hcilondon.in

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