|
Visa problem in London today!
Just thought I would give anyone about to go up to London to get a visa a warning - today at 12.10 they closed all the doors and windows and told everyone to go away and come back tomorrow. My mum who is almost 70 was at the front of the queue was really peed off to say the least after standing in line from before 9. Having traveled down from Lewes by train then battling the underground, spending over 50 quid without even getting a token!! Mum says (thru dad on skype) that it is total chaos up there. The agents and couriers screaming blue murder...Be warned go early - VERY early! Will let you know how she gets on tomorrow. Helene
|
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Helene
(Post 5356800)
Just thought I would give anyone about to go up to London to get a visa a warning - today at 12.10 they closed all the doors and windows and told everyone to go away and come back tomorrow. My mum who is almost 70 was at the front of the queue was really peed off to say the least after standing in line from before 9. Having traveled down from Lewes by train then battling the underground, spending over 50 quid without even getting a token!! Mum says (thru dad on skype) that it is total chaos up there. The agents and couriers screaming blue murder...Be warned go early - VERY early! Will let you know how she gets on tomorrow. Helene
Thanks for that info - and they expect tourists to take this sort of behaviour just to go on holidays. There are plenty of other destinations. Can't believe my daughter was so lucky getting hers by post from Birmingham when others had failed. Hope mum is o.k. tomorrow. Does she know that the window closes at mid day for tokens? Noni |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by noni
(Post 5356867)
Hi Helene,
Thanks for that info - and they expect tourists to take this sort of behaviour just to go on holidays. There are plenty of other destinations. Can't believe my daughter was so lucky getting hers by post from Birmingham when others had failed. Hope mum is o.k. tomorrow. Does she know that the window closes at mid day for tokens? Noni |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Helene
(Post 5356800)
Just thought I would give anyone about to go up to London to get a visa a warning - today at 12.10 they closed all the doors and windows and told everyone to go away and come back tomorrow. My mum who is almost 70 was at the front of the queue was really peed off to say the least after standing in line from before 9. Having traveled down from Lewes by train then battling the underground, spending over 50 quid without even getting a token!! Mum says (thru dad on skype) that it is total chaos up there. The agents and couriers screaming blue murder...Be warned go early - VERY early! Will let you know how she gets on tomorrow. Helene
I would probably be in jail by now if that had happened to me as i would have throttled someone.:curse: Im big on grace but very small on patience.:ohmy: |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Helene
(Post 5356800)
Just thought I would give anyone about to go up to London to get a visa a warning - today at 12.10 they closed all the doors and windows and told everyone to go away and come back tomorrow. My mum who is almost 70 was at the front of the queue was really peed off to say the least after standing in line from before 9. Having traveled down from Lewes by train then battling the underground, spending over 50 quid without even getting a token!! Mum says (thru dad on skype) that it is total chaos up there. The agents and couriers screaming blue murder...Be warned go early - VERY early! Will let you know how she gets on tomorrow. Helene
I'm sorry about your Mum thats awful they turned her away at her age. I was also there yesterday to get my visa and turned up at 8.30am and in all the years i've been going to get my visa, i've NEVER seen such a long Q! I was also worried i wouldn't make it, but lucky for me i did after standing in the cold for a few hours! I asked for a 5 year X (knowing ofcourse i wouldn't get it) and handed them my paper work and they gave me a 1 year T visa (big relief, but no residency perks ofcourse)! I quite agree get there as early as possible if you need a visa! Kind Regards TDK |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Mum arrived back home safe and sound with her visa - think she was still in shock at the length of the Qs!!! Cant wait to see them both - they arrive next week.... will probably bring her to the Christmas bash as looks like 'partner' stuck in Indonesia sorting out the mess of the tsunami. Thanks everyone for your kind words and support.... Helene
|
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Helene
(Post 5362264)
Mum arrived back home safe and sound with her visa - think she was still in shock at the length of the Qs!!! Cant wait to see them both - they arrive next week.... will probably bring her to the Christmas bash as looks like 'partner' stuck in Indonesia sorting out the mess of the tsunami. Thanks everyone for your kind words and support.... Helene
Counting the weeks now, can't wait for the sun. It is getting cold here now. Noni |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Just sent our Visa forms of to an agent, hopefully a reputable one!!!!!
We got a cheap flight from Mcr flying out 21st October for 15 nights via Airtours. However I cant believe that they are still advising people on their home page etc that you can still apply for your visa by post. In fact only two sites give details of the new arrangements one of which is jewel in the Crown. There are going to be some very unhappy people trying to fly shortly if they are under the impression that visas can be obtained by post. David |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Hi Thompsons sent us a letter through informing us that you can no longer post off your visa to the Indian Consulate, :mad:that the Consulate were accepting limited numbers through the doors on the day.They gave the web site of all the Consulates and recommended that we use one of the listed agents for our visa:thumbdown::thumbdown::thumbdown::thumbdown::t humbdown::curse::curse::curse:
Karen |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Karen and Cliff
(Post 5364099)
Hi Thompsons sent us a letter through informing us that you can no longer post off your visa to the Indian Consulate, :mad:that the Consulate were accepting limited numbers through the doors on the day.They gave the web site of all the Consulates and recommended that we use one of the listed agents for our visa:thumbdown::thumbdown::thumbdown::thumbdown::t humbdown::curse::curse::curse:
Karen Hi Karen, There are going to be a lot of angry people about, once they realise after booking their holidays, the performance they have to go through. I firmly believe that Goa will have their share of tourists this year, as it is too late for people who have booked to change their minds, but next year who knows. When do you hope to go? Noni |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Hi I will be in Goa for the 30th December 07 but I won't be at your Christmas bash I don't like north Goa a liitle like Ibiza but more basic Done all that got the video and the tee-shirt We sometimes travel north to visit friends who live passed Arambol very quiet and peaceful,bliss
The visa agents are your only option now to avoid the queues at London but you need to shop around I have been quoted anything from £15 to £60:curse::curse::curse::thumbdown: Karen |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Karen and Cliff
(Post 5365144)
Hi I will be in Goa for the 30th December 07 but I won't be at your Christmas bash I don't like north Goa a liitle like Ibiza but more basic Done all that got the video and the tee-shirt We sometimes travel north to visit friends who live passed Arambol very quiet and peaceful,bliss
The visa agents are your only option now to avoid the queues at London but you need to shop around I have been quoted anything from £15 to £60:curse::curse::curse::thumbdown: Karen Yes the Candolim, Calangute, Baga stretch is busy....nothing like ibiza though and you dont have to go too far away from the beach belt to find bliss. Its all a matter of opinion i guess. Palolem in the south was fabulous in the early 90s.......sunbeds where not allowed and there was only two bar/restaurants.......its a shame to see it turn into another Baga as it was a real Paradise Beach. It will all change both North and South and all in the name of progress. I suppose we cant really complain too much as its people like us (property purchasers/resident wannabes) that are forcing the 'change'. Its a pity you cant make the Bash, maybe some other time. Regards, Remy |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Helene
(Post 5362264)
Mum arrived back home safe and sound with her visa - think she was still in shock at the length of the Qs!!! Cant wait to see them both - they arrive next week.... will probably bring her to the Christmas bash as looks like 'partner' stuck in Indonesia sorting out the mess of the tsunami. Thanks everyone for your kind words and support.... Helene
OMG that must of been traumatic for your mum. Glad she got her visa and definately bring her along to the Bash.:thumbsup: Regards, Remy |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Remy-Ireland
(Post 5365380)
Hi Folks,
Yes the Candolim, Calangute, Baga stretch is busy....nothing like ibiza though and you dont have to go too far away from the beach belt to find bliss. Its all a matter of opinion i guess. Palolem in the south was fabulous in the early 90s.......sunbeds where not allowed and there was only two bar/restaurants.......its a shame to see it turn into another Baga as it was a real Paradise Beach. It will all change both North and South and all in the name of progress. I suppose we cant really complain too much as its people like us (property purchasers/resident wannabes) that are forcing the 'change'. Its a pity you cant make the Bash, maybe some other time. Regards, Remy take it easy Karen |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by noni
(Post 5364117)
Hi Karen,
There are going to be a lot of angry people about, once they realise after booking their holidays, the performance they have to go through. I firmly believe that Goa will have their share of tourists this year, as it is too late for people who have booked to change their minds, but next year who knows. When do you hope to go? Noni Yes it's a real pain I won't disagree with you there and the thing is they are really pushing tourism in India with adverts on the TV. People won't go if they have all the hassle of obtaining a visa and the cost. In Turkey and Eygpt you get your visa at customers before you enter the country It's beuracratic nonsense gone mad in my opinion Karen |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by TDK
(Post 5361023)
Hi Helene,
I'm sorry about your Mum thats awful they turned her away at her age. I was also there yesterday to get my visa and turned up at 8.30am and in all the years i've been going to get my visa, i've NEVER seen such a long Q! I was also worried i wouldn't make it, but lucky for me i did after standing in the cold for a few hours! I asked for a 5 year X (knowing ofcourse i wouldn't get it) and handed them my paper work and they gave me a 1 year T visa (big relief, but no residency perks ofcourse)! I quite agree get there as early as possible if you need a visa! Kind Regards TDK Well done on obtaining a 1 year T. Hope to see you soon. Regards |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Karen and Cliff
(Post 5366317)
Hi Nioni
Yes it's a real pain I won't disagree with you there and the thing is they are really pushing tourism in India with adverts on the TV. People won't go if they have all the hassle of obtaining a visa and the cost. In Turkey and Eygpt you get your visa at customers before you enter the country It's beuracratic nonsense gone mad in my opinion Karen |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Hi again, My friend in Goa has just emailed me with another probable rumour .
Another expat trying to trade in Goa has just heard from another source that tourist visa for 2008 are going to be for a maximum of 3 months only. I have informed my friend that he shold check the Indian Hi Com site etc etc so he can ensure validity of information. Hopefully it is just a rumour. Has anyone else heard of this? :unsure: |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by dj53
(Post 5367307)
Hi again, My friend in Goa has just emailed me with another probable rumour .
Another expat trying to trade in Goa has just heard from another source that tourist visa for 2008 are going to be for a maximum of 3 months only. I have informed my friend that he shold check the Indian Hi Com site etc etc so he can ensure validity of information. Hopefully it is just a rumour. Has anyone else heard of this? :unsure: |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Karen and Cliff
(Post 5366292)
Oh no there are far more better places in the south than Palolem Agonda has one of the best beaches I have ever seen and so clean but has you say it's personal choice.After a hectic year at work I look for the peace and quiet.The south has a long way yet to catch the north up with regards to change I assure you
take it easy Karen Hi Karen I agree, but it dosesnt change the fact that it is very sad what has happened to Palolem. Its a beautiful bay and was one of my favourite spots in Goa. Its a pity they couldnt have put some sort of Protection Order on it. Hopefully its not too late to save it. I agree with you that if its solitude, peace and quiet you want then the south is the place to go. Regards, Remy |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Helene
(Post 5366747)
Karen your post made me smile! I lived in South for six years and was most definitely allergic to the North - I used to hate even going to Panjim!!! & if anyone mentioned the word North I used to have an expression of serious alarm and asked if you needed a visa to get there!!! That was seven years ago - since then due to my father in laws expiry (very Goan) we moved (under duress) to the dreaded 'North". My life changed - much for the better. A lot had to do with a huge leap in improvement in education for my kids. I don’t live on the 'strip' but in a village. It is not perfect (I can’t see the sea) but I certainly have my own private Idaho and a lot more friends. It definitely is a matter of opinion but take it from a die hard Southey - the north does have its plus points. On the other point, it may be the pressure of tourism that is to answer for the changes but it is the govt. responsibilty how that pressure is answered. Maldives is a fantastic destination as an example the planes that bring the tourists in have to take the garbage that they create with them! The govt is so corrupt anyone can build anything in any style without even a care for the exisisting infrastructure (or lack of it) the charter companies pay the lowest possible contract rates to the hotels with the promise of full rooms for the season, hoteliers take it gladly and put up more and more little boxes.... ok enough Helene!
Just on the subject..........is it easy to travel to the Maldives from Goa? It is the OH's dream to visit the Maldives. She read somewhere that because of the Rising sea tides they where going to dissapear someday, so apparently i have to take her there before they do. I will probably get her there when there is only two square feet of sand left. Regards, Remy |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Karen and Cliff
(Post 5366317)
Hi Nioni
Yes it's a real pain I won't disagree with you there and the thing is they are really pushing tourism in India with adverts on the TV. People won't go if they have all the hassle of obtaining a visa and the cost. In Turkey and Eygpt you get your visa at customers before you enter the country It's beuracratic nonsense gone mad in my opinion Karen I hope you dont mind my asking and forgive me for being off topic but did Sanjay ever manage to get your property registered and did you manage to obtain title deeds? Regards, Remy |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Remy-Ireland
(Post 5367529)
Hi Helene,
Just on the subject..........is it easy to travel to the Maldives from Goa? It is the OH's dream to visit the Maldives. She read somewhere that because of the Rising sea tides they where going to dissapear someday, so apparently i have to take her there before they do. I will probably get her there when there is only two square feet of sand left. Regards, Remy My OH works there quite a bit.... true about the tides but not sure how long it will take so u may just make it. The flight is less than an hour to Male from Kerela. How you get to Kerela is a choice between the overnight train, which my kids have done a couple of times when visiting, or fly down and there are a couple of different routes. It is breathtaking. You have to get on really really well to survive! When I visited the resort we were at took exactly 8 minutes to walk around!!! Diving is out of this world and the snorkling just as good. Some rooms have glass floors and u can watch the fish going about their business.... amazing resorts at amazing prices... Helene |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Helene
(Post 5367712)
Hi Remy
My OH works there quite a bit.... true about the tides but not sure how long it will take so u may just make it. The flight is less than an hour to Male from Kerela. How you get to Kerela is a choice between the overnight train, which my kids have done a couple of times when visiting, or fly down and there are a couple of different routes. It is breathtaking. You have to get on really really well to survive! When I visited the resort we were at took exactly 8 minutes to walk around!!! Diving is out of this world and the snorkling just as good. Some rooms have glass floors and u can watch the fish going about their business.... amazing resorts at amazing prices... Helene |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Kinrara
(Post 5366721)
Hi TDK
Well done on obtaining a 1 year T. Hope to see you soon. Regards I hope all is going well for you in Goa and thanks very much for taking the time to write and i'll get in contact soon in Goa. Regards TDK:) |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by dj53
(Post 5367307)
Hi again, My friend in Goa has just emailed me with another probable rumour .
Another expat trying to trade in Goa has just heard from another source that tourist visa for 2008 are going to be for a maximum of 3 months only. I have informed my friend that he shold check the Indian Hi Com site etc etc so he can ensure validity of information. Hopefully it is just a rumour. Has anyone else heard of this? :unsure: They are also looking to outsource visa and consular services to an agent to handle very soon. This will mean it is all done by post via the selected agent. This will mean longer waiting times I would imagine as it would appear this will be the only method. |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by berkshire87
(Post 5368373)
Oh dear! Just as well I was able to obtain a one year T visa on monday then!
They are also looking to outsource visa and consular services to an agent to handle very soon. This will mean it is all done by post via the selected agent. This will mean longer waiting times I would imagine as it would appear this will be the only method. Hi There Berkshire87, A very warm welcome to the British Expats Goa Forum, good to have you on board.:thumbsup: Regards, Remy |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by berkshire87
(Post 5368373)
Oh dear! Just as well I was able to obtain a one year T visa on monday then!
They are also looking to outsource visa and consular services to an agent to handle very soon. This will mean it is all done by post via the selected agent. This will mean longer waiting times I would imagine as it would appear this will be the only method. Welcome to the mad house - they are already outsourcing, which means we have to pay between £10 and £60 per visa more!!!! b:curse::curse::curse::curse::curse::curse:s For a family of four it is another flight - will people still go, I ask myself!! This year it is hobson's choice next year people will know before they have booked their holiday. Have you "bought" renting, or just holidaying? Noni |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Remy-Ireland
(Post 5368430)
Hi There Berkshire87,
A very warm welcome to the British Expats Goa Forum, good to have you on board.:thumbsup: Regards, Remy Yeah I'm off to Goa for 8 months in November 2007. I was able to get a one year T visa. I have no property or intention to buy I just requested this visa for long term travel in India! Hi Noni, Just holiday oh and voluntary work. |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by berkshire87
(Post 5368448)
Hi,
Yeah I'm off to Goa for 8 months in November 2007. I was able to get a one year T visa. I have no property or intention to buy I just requested this visa for long term travel in India! Hi Noni, Just holiday oh and voluntary work. Regards, Remy |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
:rofl::rofl:
Originally Posted by Remy-Ireland
(Post 5368554)
Your welcome to join us at the Christmas Bash in Dec.........date TBC (around middle of dec) and venue under vote in the Christmas Bash thread.
Regards, Remy :rofl::rofl: :eek: :eek: :thumbup: :thumbsup: and we will have a good time. any time any place any where. Now the bag lady.## If I can't laugh I may as well be the bag lady . It is getting toooooooooooooooooooooooo much for me |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by noni
(Post 5368596)
:rofl::rofl: :eek: :eek: :thumbup: :thumbsup: and we will have a good time. any time any place any where. Now the bag lady.## If I can't laugh I may as well be the bag lady . It is getting toooooooooooooooooooooooo much for me |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Remy-Ireland
(Post 5368624)
Noffi numbs the pain.:blink::ohmy::eek:;)
Thanks sole mate :rofl::rofl: |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by Remy-Ireland
(Post 5368554)
Your welcome to join us at the Christmas Bash in Dec.........date TBC (around middle of dec) and venue under vote in the Christmas Bash thread.
Regards, Remy |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by berkshire87
(Post 5368704)
Many thanks and I will keep that offer in mind!
Hi Berkshire Should be a good night - looking forward to meeting these Guy's. I wonder how many we have met in the past!!!!. Will have to buy a new paper bag, with glitter on for the night All the best Noni |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by noni
(Post 5368443)
Hi Bershire87
Welcome to the mad house - they are already outsourcing, which means we have to pay between £10 and £60 per visa more!!!! b:curse::curse::curse::curse::curse::curse:s Noni They will outsource the service to one specific agent to handle all visa and consular services. This is true of many Indian Embassies/High Commissions worldwide. |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by berkshire87
(Post 5369351)
This isn't true. They have stopped accepting application by post and have only listed travel agents you will be able to get the visa - agents that already provided this service - They haven't as yet outsourced it.
They will outsource the service to one specific agent to handle all visa and consular services. This is true of many Indian Embassies/High Commissions worldwide. Thanks had not heard that one. :o Just hope they train them in efficiency, and keep the cost down. |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by noni
(Post 5369563)
Thanks had not heard that one. :o Just hope they train them in efficiency, and keep the cost down.
Likewise, the Central Indian Government want to do this in all countires as people visiting India are reaching record highs. The Government have an outsourcing contract with Travisa outsourcing Inc their website is http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/ who deal with the visa processing on behalf of the US Indian Embassy in New York and the 4other Indian Consulates in the USA. Indeed today is the first day of outsourcing in the USA http://www.indianembassy.org/newsite...20Services.pdf Anyway so the agent will be in charge of issuing application forms, checking them for correct fees etc, delivering the applications to the embassies and then delivering them back to te customer. This is currently in the early stages in the UK as they need to find a reliable firm to take control of this major task. The HCI London has a statement about outsourcing the visa and consular services for London, Birmingham and Edinburgh. So the future is for it ALL to be done by post through an agent who will charge a fee (the agent is not a charity.) I can see the reason behind what they are doing. I'm sure some people will not like this though. The HCI London has a statement about outsourcing the visa and consular services for London, Birmingham and Edinburgh. P.S If the links are not allowed please delete but do not delete the post as it is informative! Regards |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
Originally Posted by berkshire87
(Post 5375009)
Yes it will all be outsourced to one agent. Basically, the Central Indian Govenrment want to do this worldwide with all Indian Missions. The same as the US and UK Missions in India do due to high demand for travel to the US and UK from India.
Likewise, the Central Indian Government want to do this in all countires as people visiting India are reaching record highs. The Government have an outsourcing contract with Travisa outsourcing Inc their website is http://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/ who deal with the visa processing on behalf of the US Indian Embassy in New York and the 4other Indian Consulates in the USA. Indeed today is the first day of outsourcing in the USA http://www.indianembassy.org/newsite...20Services.pdf Anyway so the agent will be in charge of issuing application forms, checking them for correct fees etc, delivering the applications to the embassies and then delivering them back to te customer. This is currently in the early stages in the UK as they need to find a reliable firm to take control of this major task. The HCI London has a statement about outsourcing the visa and consular services for London, Birmingham and Edinburgh. So the future is for it ALL to be done by post through an agent who will charge a fee (the agent is not a charity.) I can see the reason behind what they are doing. I'm sure some people will not like this though. The HCI London has a statement about outsourcing the visa and consular services for London, Birmingham and Edinburgh. P.S If the links are not allowed please delete but do not delete the post as it is informative! Regards There is no way that potential tourists are going to stand for that sort of treatment. There are plenty of other destinations in the world. The Goans are also very annoyed about this process as it is going to affect their livlihoods. The UK tour operators have threatened to withdraw all Indian destinations from their brochures unless the IHC reverses their procedures. The ball is back in their court so to speak. :curse: |
Re: Visa problem in London today!
London: 2 Britons arrested for racist taunts while seeking Indian visa
9 Dec 2007: Hindustan Times (India) Excerpts: An officer at the High Commission in London was assaulted on Friday by some Britons. The reason? There was an inordinate delay in issuing visas … The offenders had to be taken away by the diplomatic protection group. A spokesperson however, denied the matter, saying there was only an incident of a lady assaulting a security guard with her umbrella. London Mayor Ken Livingstone had raised the visa delay matter during his recent visit to India. Another senior High Commission official traveled to India last month to seek his transfer out of London as soon as possible. Failure by the senior officials to put adequate systems in place to cope with the additional winter rush for visas to India has led to large queues in front of the High Commission choking traffic all the way beyond the London School of Economics and BBC offices which are located next to the High Commission. Some senior officials in the High Commission, are being transferred out following the spate of complaints ====================== Full text of the article is 376 words. The url is long but you can access it by going to HTML Code:
http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/After 18 Dec 2007 the link will be found at HTML Code:
http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2007/Dec/issue2/MapsaMapsa |
| All times are GMT -12. The time now is 4:41 pm. |
Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.