Transit Visa

Hi, I initially posted the email from Lufthansa. Here is what happened in last couple of days. On 18th Feb. I came to know about this new regulation over Internet. Being Friday I could not do much except calling the consulate at Chicago, they told that my parents traveling on 3rd march require transit Visa at airport.

Sunday (Monday morning in India): I called German consulate at Delhi there was a moron sitting there. He told me that transit visa is required for my Parents. Then I asked, when did it start? he said this requirement was always there. I told him, last month I traveled to India and at that time there wasn't any requirement for transit visa at Frankfurt Airport, and the reply was "You must have sneaked out some how". I asked him to tell his name and he said, "I am talking for German consulate".

Then I called German consulate at Mumbai: The lady there told that there is status-quo on that and decision will be made on 25th Feb, and asked me call back on 25th. I was little upset that day i could not get hold of any LH guy as most of there phone system will not put you on hold rather they will ask you to call back.

In the mean time i asked my parents to get ready and go to Delhi and get the transit visa.

Monday (Tuesday morning in India): As my dad was ready to leave, in the last ditch effort to make sure they really need transit visa I called both the consulate and LH. This time lady at Mumbai consulate told me that to be on safer side I should go for the transit visa. That day i could get hold of a LH guy in India he was a bit reluctant but told that LH is talking to German Authorities and they are expecting some thing by 25th Feb.
       In the anger I wrote some nasty note to German consulate and Lufthansa India and German office. Finally I got reply (after a day) from LH saying we don't need transit visa at airport.

Here is the info if any one needs to get transit visa:
1) Rs2000/- Cash
2) Two photographs
3) Transit visa form
4) Photo copy of passport
5) Passport
6) Confirmed tickets

After submission of papers they will give you a token and anyone with the token can collect the papers after two days. They don't send via mail etc.

The lady at Mumbai consulate told me that one family member could bring all document for whole family. But at Delhi by mom's paper were returned as she wasn't there in person.

Finally, I got mail (that i have already posted on this link) from LH saying I don’t need any transit visa as LH has got confirmation from Frankfurt airport. I feel pretty confident, as I have written proof. So I asked my parents not to run around and keep printout of mail with them.