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

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

I know it is crazy - they wont take applications by post... my dad just called to say that once the crowd had dispersed a bit they gave the die hards (mum) tokens to go back tomorrow. Thankfully I saw an old friend on skype and messaged her and asked her if she would put up mum for the night. So looks like my mum will be in Camden for the night ready to face the system bright and early.

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.

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

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

Good to hear mum got her visa. Glad we went to London in August and did not wait until now. Still can't believe my daughter got hers by post from Birmingham, when others had their papers returned.

Counting the weeks now, can't wait for the sun. It is getting cold here now.

Noni

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

Hi Thompsons sent us a letter through informing us that you can no longer post off your visa to the Indian Consulate, 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: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

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:
Karen

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

Hi Helene,

OMG that must of been traumatic for your mum.
Glad she got her visa and definately bring her along to the Bash.

Regards,
Remy

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 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