Our experience at the Indian consulate in Istanbul resulted in a lot of scrambling, anxiety and running to copy centers to print off extra information. We had a hard time finding application requirements for a tourist visa off the consulate website, so thought we would share what we were required to have (Dec 2012). As an American, here’s what you need:
– Paperwork (they have the paperwork printed out at the consulate, but they don’t hand it to you. look for signs and pick up the forms)
– Pen (for filling out paperwork)
– Current passport and any old passports (they did not ask us for our old passports)
– Two passport photos (they had a glue stick there to attach to the application, I would recommend bringing something just in case)
– Copy of your passport
– A recent bank statement (with at least $1,000 in your account)
* Marriage license (we were asked to prove that we were married since we only printed out one bank statement that didn’t have both of our names on it)
– $72 (US Dollars in cash!). We had exact change, although I’m not sure if that’s necessary
– Travel itinerary for application. They asked for specific dates, places, purpose
* Bring any other documents you have with you. They may ask you for something (like a marriage license) and they’ll turn you away if you don’t have it with you!
The doors are open for visa applications from 9:30-11:15, Monday-Friday. You take a number when you get in and wait in line. They lock the doors at 11:15, but will finish taking the rest of the applications that are waiting to be turned in (I misunderstood and thought they just STOPPED at 11:15). The processing time takes four business days and you pick up your passport from 17:00-17:15 with your receipt.
Indian Consulate Istanbul
Cumhuriyet Cad. No 18 Dortler Apts
7th Floor Flat No. 11-12 34367
Elmadag, Istanbul Turkey
cpr@cgiistanbul.org
Fax: 00 90 212 2962130
Tel: 00 90 212 2962131 / 32
(North of Taksim square. It was a little tricky to find the small road that the consulate is on. We asked a security guard at a bank and he pointed us to where it was).
Very detailed Kallie! Thank you for the heads up and detailed information.
Hi Kallie – this is really helpful. Thanks so much. Do you know if they require confirmed airline tickets for single entry visas?