i. What are Consular Services?

The Consulate General of India offers consular services to Indians. These include attestation of documents (e.g., Power of Attorney, affidavits); issuance of Marriage Certificate, Birth certificate (based on Indian Passport), Death certificate, and Life Certificate for Pensioners; OCI Miscellaneous Services; endorsement of new passport details on an existing PIO card; renunciation/surrender of Indian Passport; transfer of valid visas from old to new passports. For more information, please visit the relevant section following the links on the Home Page.

ii. Where do I submit my applications for Consular Services?

All applications for Consular Services (excluding Emergency Certificate, Life Certificate, Death Certificate/Repatriation for transport of mortal remains/ashes to India, and NRI certificate) are outsourced to M/s India Passport and Visa Services Centre (IP&VSC) – VFS Global. Visit: http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia.

iii. To Whom should I address my trade enquiries related to India?

You can send your queries to: com[dot]brisbane[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in.

iv. Can the Consulate help me with the contact details of prospective exporters/importers from India?

The consulate has a functional trade & commerce section. You can send your query to this section of the Consulate, which will attend to the enquiry and respond.

v. Visa Services

Australian passport holders need a valid visa to visit India. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit. Visit the Indian Passport and Visa Services Centre (VFS Global) website – http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia for the online application form and details.

vi. Where to submit the completed application forms?

First fill the application online as outlined at http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia, then residents of QLD need to submit the completed visa application forms and related documents at the Indian Passport and Visa Services Centre (VFS Global), at the following address:

Jubilee Place, Suite-401, Level 1/470 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

vii. I have a problem with filling out the application form.

Please contact the Indian Passport and Visa Services Centre (VFS Global) website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia.

Email: [email protected]

OCI and PIO Enquiry: ociinfo[dot]inau[at]vfshelpline[dot]com

Contact Centre Number: 03 9956 3830 (09:00 to 15:30 AEST)

viii. I experienced a problem while submitting my online application and lost internet connectivity. How do I know if my application was saved?

Note down the temporary number of the application. In case of disconnection, retrieve the application with the temporary number. If the application is saved but you do not have the Web Reference Number, email your Full Name and Passport Number to visainfo[dot]inau[at]vfshelpline[dot]com or call 03 9956 3830 (09:00 to 15:30 AEST).

ix. How can I enquire about the status of my application?

Visit: http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia and trace your application using your web reference number and Date of Birth, or call 03 9956 3830.

x. Where do I need to go for passport collection?

Collect the passport from the place where the application was made (VFS Global Services). If you cannot collect it personally, authorize someone to do so with a signed authorization letter and photo-ID. VFS can also return the passport via courier or post for an additional fee.

xi. Can I expedite the passport process?

The Tatkal or temporary passport service is not available. The general processing time for re-issuance of a passport is 6 to 8 weeks. For re-issue of a passport issued by another Passport Issuing Authority (PIA), it may take longer.

xii. How do I pay for the Visa Fees and service charges?

Fees can be paid by Bank Cheque, Demand Draft, Money Order, Postal Order, or by Cash/Credit Card/Debit Card at the Application Center. If posting the application, payments are accepted through Bankers Cheque/Demand Draft/Money Order/Postal Order. Personal Cheques are not accepted.

xiii. Can I claim a refund if I cancel my visa application?

No visa fee is refunded unless you cancel the application before submitting it to VFS. Refunds may take up to 10 working days after cancellation.

xiv. How do I know when my application is ready for collection?

Check the status of your application online at http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia or call 03 9956 3830 (09:00 to 15:30 AEST) or email visainfo[dot]inau[at]vfshelpline[dot]com.