[maharaj]

I am getting ready to apply for this years visa and I see that in Canada Indian Consulate, there is 6 month tourist, one year tourist, and five year tourist available.  It's all new news to me.

Has anyone tried the 5 year visa?  I wonder if it is just as easy as the 6 month or harder??????

Here is the page:   http://www.cgivancou...om/visareg.html

[WonderWomanUSA]

If it's like the 10-year visa Americans can get, it's just more expensive!

You realize, of course, that even with this visa, you still ust leave Inidia after 180 days -- then you can re-enter. What it saves you is having to get a new visa each time those 180 days elapse.

If you apply for this, please let us know if it was difficult to get ... the more info, the better!

[Haylo]

WonderWomanUSA, on Sep 7 2008, 02:57 AM, said:

If it's like the 10-year visa Americans can get, it's just more expensive!

If it's like the five year one offered on their UK website, it is only available for people of Indian origins - although they do not bother to mention this on either their application forms or on any of the notes for completing them.

I had not heard of any specific arrangement that Canada has with India, which there would need to be before "ordinary" tourists could get those long term visas which Americans are so privileged to have.

[cyberhippie]

The idea of 5 year tourist vise has been flying around the corridors of power for quite some time, perhaps this is the result.

Let us know how you get on Maharaj.

[-m2-]

I also noticed the new wording on the consulate site when checking for the list of holiday closures.  I e-mailed CGI Vancouver on September 2nd requesting a clarification on eligibility for the 5 year visa, but have received no response yet.  I'll post their reply here when (make that 'if') I receive one.  

Echoing CH, do let us know how you make out, Maharaj!

Edited by -m2-, 10 September 2008 - 11:56 PM.

[maharaj]

Hi  everyone,

Not sure if I will be in India each year for next four or five years....hopefully when I retire five years from now.

SO, $62  for one year, $200 5 years........I will probably opt for 6 month this time

Hope M2 gets the reply.

[-m2-]

I never did get a reply to my e-mail, and always got a busy signal in attempts to call the consulate (they have very limited phone availability), so was forced to wait until the last minute going to the office to find out with certainty about availability.  I am happy to report that, yes, Canadians are now eligible and there were no special hurdles to jump to get it.  

If you go in person, be sure to have your visa fee in the form of postal money order or bank draft on hand as they will not accept any other form of payment.

Edited by -m2-, 15 October 2008 - 01:32 AM.

[cyberhippie]

Good news for yer goodself M2.

WWUSA has got her 10 year visa, so she's all set   

I could be churlish and say hey where's mine but you guys have a dedication to India that far outweighs my stripling status.
So I can only say.............. these things couldn't have happened to better people, enjoy, the freedom of the 60's-70's once again guys!!

P.S. AlanD and Seventies Neil should be given special international dispensation

[WonderWomanUSA]

-m2-, on Oct 14 2008, 01:00 PM, said:

If you go in person, be sure to have your visa fee in the form of postal money order or bank draft on hand as they will not accept any other form of payment.

Congratulations on having an opportunity for a 5-year visa, though it's very expensive. My 10-year was $163. And they took my credit card number at the website when I filled in the online application, so I didn't have to deal with the money order/bank draft stuff.

Are you going to be in India this winter -m2-?

[WonderWomanUSA]

cyberhippie, on Oct 14 2008, 01:52 PM, said:

Good news for yer goodself M2.

WWUSA has got her 10 year visa, so she's all set

I am not only "all set," but I am almost outa here ... just 3 more sleeps!

So if I don't write again... know that I'll be thinking of you while I'm there!

[-m2-]

WonderWomanUSA, on Oct 14 2008, 02:38 PM, said:

Are you going to be in India this winter -m2-?

Yep, leaving tomorrow night, flying Cathay Pacific via HK.  I'll probably be spending most of the winter in Goa as the house and new puppy will probably keep me fairly busy this year.   Your timing is similar mine -- it would be an odd coincidence to see you in HK (5 hour layover) or 17th am arrival in Mumbai! -- anyway, have a great trip!


And thanks for the good wishes, CH.  Do drop me a note if you'll be in Goa this season;  I won't be getting up to Almora this year, but if you make it, be sure and say hello to Khim and the boys for me!

[dzibead]

That's good news on the availability of the 5 year visa for Canadians.

[WonderWomanUSA]

-m2-, on Oct 14 2008, 03:20 PM, said:

Yep, leaving tomorrow night, flying Cathay Pacific via HK.  I'll probably be spending most of the winter in Goa as the house and new puppy will probably keep me fairly busy this year.   Your timing is similar mine -- it would be an odd coincidence to see you in HK (5 hour layover) or 17th am arrival in Mumbai! -- anyway, have a great trip!

I'm going the other direction to get there: SFO - Seattle - Frankfurt - Kolkata  I don't think we'll be meeting at an airport!  

Have a great winter in Goa; the closest I'll get to you is Mumbai in early December.

Just two more sleeps, and then we're off ... I wish you safe travels

[maharaj]

WW and M2,
Have a great trip.  I have to wait till December 7....

I checked with Government of Canada Passport office.  They will not paste valid visa onto new passport.  I would not like to try asking India Consulate General to reissue and existing visa.....I can see the frustration in my mind now.  haha

This means only get the 5 year visa if you have five years left on your passport.

Winter holiday season is approaching fast....faster for some.


Everyone, Have A GREAT WINTER!!!!!!

[WonderWomanUSA]

Thanks, Maharaj; hope you also have a great winter.

[tstan]

Have a great trip WW and m2 - I'm in the process of filling in applications for Syrian visas - a week or so in the post and $A81 for multiple entry 6 month visas. The Indian visa was straightforward enough last time - bus into the CBD,short walk to the consulate, drop off box and collect three days later.

[WonderWomanUSA]

tstan, on Oct 15 2008, 10:31 PM, said:

Have a great trip WW and m2 - I'm in the process of filling in applications for Syrian visas - a week or so in the post and $A81 for multiple entry 6 month visas. The Indian visa was straightforward enough last time - bus into the CBD,short walk to the consulate, drop off box and collect three days later.

Syria! That ought to be interesting! I want to hear all about it.

Thanks for the good wishes ... hope you, too, have a great trip!