How far in advance should I book my visa appointment?

Book 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. Appointments fill up faster during peak tourist season (October-March) and around major holidays.

Can I change my appointment date once booked?

Yes, you can reschedule online up to 24 hours before your appointment. There's no fee for rescheduling, but new slots may not be available for weeks.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

You'll need to book a new appointment and may have to pay the application fee again. Some consulates allow one reschedule for emergencies with documentation.

Do I need to appear in person for the appointment?

Yes, biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required for all applicants. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting but still need photos taken.

Can I track my application after the appointment?

Yes, use the reference number from your appointment to track status on the VFS Global website. You'll also receive SMS updates if you paid for that service.

How to Book an India Visa Appointment at the Consulate

Book your India visa appointment through the official VFS Global website for your country, create an account, fill out the online application, pay fees, and schedule your biometrics appointment. Most appointments are available 2-4 weeks out, so book early.

Check which consulate serves your area. Visit the official Indian embassy website for your country to find your designated consulate or visa application center. You must apply at the center that serves your residential area.
Create a VFS Global account. Go to the VFS Global website for your country (visa.vfsglobal.com/[country]). Create an account with your email and phone number. VFS Global handles visa processing for most countries.
Complete the online visa application. Fill out the complete application form. Have your passport, travel dates, hotel details, and employment information ready. Save frequently - the system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Upload required documents. Upload passport photo, passport copies, employment letter, bank statements, and travel itinerary. Documents must be in PDF or JPG format, under 1MB each.
Pay the visa fee. Pay the visa fee ($80-160 depending on visa type) plus VFS service fee ($25-35) online. Payment is non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
Schedule your appointment. Select an available appointment slot for biometrics and document submission. Peak season (October-March) fills up fastest. Book at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date.
Print confirmation and checklist. Print your appointment confirmation, application form, and document checklist. Bring all originals to your appointment plus the printed copies.

How far in advance should I book my visa appointment?: Book 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date. Appointments fill up faster during peak tourist season (October-March) and around major holidays.
Can I change my appointment date once booked?: Yes, you can reschedule online up to 24 hours before your appointment. There's no fee for rescheduling, but new slots may not be available for weeks.
What happens if I miss my appointment?: You'll need to book a new appointment and may have to pay the application fee again. Some consulates allow one reschedule for emergencies with documentation.
Do I need to appear in person for the appointment?: Yes, biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required for all applicants. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting but still need photos taken.
Can I track my application after the appointment?: Yes, use the reference number from your appointment to track status on the VFS Global website. You'll also receive SMS updates if you paid for that service.