In this section, we will periodically provide our clients with visa updates to some important countries that are frequently visited by Indian travelers. Since visa changes and updates can take place overnight and this page will be updated monthly, we request you to also cross check the information with our office at the time of applying for the visa.

C)China – visa application to be processed from Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) from 1 st August '08:

To provide a better service for visa applicants, the Chinese Embassy has decided to outsource part of the administrative work of its visa processing to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) from 1 st August '08. CVASC will be responsible for accepting visa applications of ordinary passport holders for traveling to Mainland China , collecting visa fees on behalf of the Embassy and returning processed applications.

China visa fee structure:
Single Entry - Normal (4th day): Rs. 2000+ Rs 502 VFS charge
Single Entry - Urgent (next day): Rs. 2900 + Rs651 VFS charge
Double Entry - Normal (4th day): Rs. 2000 + Rs 502VFS charge
Double Entry - Urgent (next day): Rs. 2900+ Rs 651VFS charge

6 months Multiple Entry - Normal (4th day): Rs. 3000+ Rs 502 VFS charge
6 months Multiple Entry – Urgent (next day): Rs. 3900 + Rs 651VFS charge
1 year Multiple Entry - Normal (4th day): Rs. 6000+ Rs 502 VFS charge
1 year Multiple Entry – Urgent (next day): Rs. 6900 + Rs 651VFS charge

The official website for CVASC is www.visaforchina.in which contains all the necessary information for applying for a Chinese visa.

Also please note that China has become very strict with their visa application – they are now very particular about the hotel confirmation which has to come directly from China . The confirmation should be on the hotel letterhead with the hotel's address, telephone and fax numbers clearly visible. Visa will not be issued if the above directives are not followed.

D) France visa – compulsory finger printing:  
 
With effect from 13th November 2006 every applicant (6 years and above) is required to complete the process of finger-printing at the office of the Consulate General of France. This means that every person, irrespective of past travel history, has to visit the French Consulate personally for the French visa. For more details, please visit www.vfs-france.co.in
With effect from 1st June 2010, the tourist, business and transit visa fees has changed to Rs 4060 +Rs 610 VFS fees (cash)

E) Spain opens visa application centre in Mumbai from 1 st July 2008:

The Spanish Embassy, which has outsourced visa applications to IVS has opened a Visa Application Center in Mumbai on 1st July 2008.  All residents of Maharashtra must apply to the Consulate General of Spain in Mumbai.

With effect from 1st June ‘10, the visa fee for Embassy of Spain is Rs. 3762/- . Applicants in Mumbai will have to make the drafts in favor of ‘Consulate General of Spain' payable in Mumbai. The IVS processing fee is Rs. 710/- (cash)

A complete photocopy of the Passport Booklet is required with support documents to apply for Spain Visa.

F) Australia - visa updates:

The Australia tourist visa fees has changed to Rs. 4700/- effective 1st June '10 + VFS service charge is Rs 455. Visa fee is payable by demand draft favoring “The Australian High Commission” It should be made payable at New Delhi .

G) Germany :

The German visa form has to be filled up online only at www.germanconsulatemumbai.org

With effect from 1st June '10, the Germany visa fees is Rs. 3500/- payable by demand draft favouring “Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mumbai” to be payable in Mumbai

H) Thailand - Visa on arrival will only be provided at Bangkok Airport only:

Please note that the first port of arrival principle has been implemented for Thailand and henceforth all passengers who have not obtained their visa prior to arrival into Thailand must obtain the same at the first port of entry into Thailand which is at Bangkok since all our flights ex - India arrive at Bangkok, even though the passengers may have immediate connections to other domestic points within Thailand. Hence please advise all concerned that the visa on arrival facility stands withdrawn for points such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Chiang Rai & Koh SaMui

Thailand has exempted visa fees for tourist visas from 11th May 2010 to 31stMarch 2011. Visa has to be procured in advance, either at the Consulate- General or at Visa-on-Arrival counters in Thailand.