Passport in 30 mts - experience in Australia. Review on Getting a New Pasport

(Its one my old experiences) I always used to have problem in USA. Indian embassy in Washington DC either to add pages in my passport or getting India visa for my wife who is a Citizen of Srilanka.During my last visit to Australia to attend a business seminar, I combined with a pleasure trip to Bangkok, Malaysia, Singapore and Hongkong.I had open IATA ticket.

After attending the Seminar at Sydney, I flew to Melbourne to visit my sister's family. had funny idea of visiting Bali island and Jakarta in Indonesia during my return trip to India.When I approached Indonesian embassy to get my visa for Indonesia as tourist, the visa officer said, we are unable to stamp visa as only half page is available (already 3 books finished!) as our Visa stamp would cover a full page! They were kind enough to reroute my ticket (if I fly by their National airlines - Garuda Airways) via Canberra (to get my passport pages extended and stamp Indonesian visa and take me to Bali and Jakarta) and fly out from Sydney to India.

They also confirmed that no extra charge for this additional route. I flew to Canberra, booked a hotel (thinking that I may have to stay for minimum 2 days), took a cab and reached Indian Embassy in Canberra. I was given a warm welcome. The visa officer went through all my passports and took my application. I was asked to wait in the reception. Meantime I was offered a special Indian coffee. Mean time I finished the lady came out and said that my Passport was ready...just 30 mts!As I had booked my hotel I spent one day sight seeing (Canberra night tour is a great one!..night life!!) Next day I flew to Sydney and took my flight to Bali Island (Denpasar - Indonesia) enjoyed 3 days in the beach resort then left to Jakarta stayed 3 days, enroute to Singapore - Colombo - Chennai.Contact :-

*High Commission of India (Canberra)

3-5 Moonah Place, Yarralumla

Canberra, Australia

Phone: +61-26-2733999, 62733774

Fax: +61-26-2731308

E-mail:

E-mail: hicanb@ozemail.com.au

Time :-

Consulate working hours 9 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday .Submission/lodging of applications 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. Collection of Documents (on the date indicated)(eg.visa / passports etc)2.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Enquiries on status of applications:

(eg. visa, passport and other consular services )3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Trade and Commercial enquiries 9.30 am to 5.00 pm. Reading room 9.30 am to 5.00 pm. Emergency (visas only) contact after office hours02-91505992*

I have phtocopy of my Passport issued in Australia...but no means of uploading in the review.

Photos taken in these countries will load in my album later.