For all those travelers who just can’t get enough of India. As the parenthesis between India and China, Nepal is the perfect place if you decide to extend your travels in the magical Indian Sub-continent. With just a few tips, your next visit to the Indian Embassy can be a smooth ride.
Location: Kapurdhara Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Directly in Lazimpat, near the British Council and CIWEC Travel Hospital
Arrive Early:
While the Indian Embassy opens doors at 8:30am Monday through Friday, it is very important to arrive earlier. Foolishly thinking I would be early if I arrived at the gates at 8:20am, I was the last in a long line snaking down the block. I learned my lesson, as people start arriving at 7:30am. It is a first come first serve basis, and the number you choose upon arrival determines how long you will actually have to wait.
Patience:
Although you have already arrived what seems like hours before the gates open, have chugged your mug of coffee, and the shady area behind the building is insufficiently keeping you warm; it will still take at least an hour longer than you expected. Since there is not much direction upon arrival, it is best to post up with a good book and an Ipod. It seems as though someone would arrive to tell you exactly what to do, but this is not the case. It takes an hour before they even begin calling numbers up, and once this procession starts, it is slowed by the intermixing of people waiting for tourist visas, and Nepali nationals. All documents you need to fill out will be provided upon arrival, so all you must bring is your passport and at least one passport sized photo. You must pay for the telex clearance by the Indian Embassy as well, which is 300 nprs, and it is best to bring exact change.
The Waiting Game:
After the first visit to the Embassy, you must wait another five business days for the second visit and to pick up your actual visa. The second visit is actually split into two separate visits, so plan on spending an entire day at the Embassy. For this visit, you must provide the application form they provided you on the first visit, as well as a photocopy of your passport. If you forget to bring the photocopy, there is a restaurant located just outside the compound which has a photo copy service for around ten rupees. You arrive early in the morning again to wait.
General Visa Info:
Tourists traveling or residing in Nepal are able to purchase a multiple entry visa for India of up to six months. The visa is operative from the date of submission, so don’t plan too far in advance. The six month visas are only issued to tourists with no plans of occupation or residence in India, and whose sole purpose is for traveling and tourism. Additionally, transit visas are not extendable.
Visa Fees (in Nepali Rupees)
Type Fee
Transit Visa of up to 15 days 800
Tourist Visa 3050
Transferring new visa to old passport 450
