India Emergency Visa

Note: Indian government’s contract with CKGS is ending on October 31, 2020. Therefore, CKGS will accept the applications till October 14, 2020. New provider VFS Global will start accepting applications from November 2, 2020 onwards. We will update the instructions when available.

Eligibility
Emergency Visa for India is available only to US passport holders of Indian origin.

It is available only for a genuine emergency like death or illness of a blood relative (such as parents, children, or siblings/) or to attend to legal matters. The decision of the Consular Officer will be final regarding what constitutes an emergency.

Weddings, family reunions, visits for a religious purpose, or visits for tourism/family visits do not fall in this category.

You should apply either for multiple entry 6 months Entry Visa or 10 years Tourist Visa. However, the Embassy/Consulate may grant only a 6 months visa.

Documents
In addition to the general documents, the following documents are required:

• Proof of Indian Origin.
  
  
• Proof of Emergency such as
  • Medical note from doctor or hospital in India on their letterhead OR
  • Copy of death certificate OR
  • Legal documents, as applicable.
    
    
• Flight tickets, if applicable
  
  
• Proof of Renunciation of Indian Citizenship
  
  
• Additionally, for minors:
  • Parental Authorization Form OR
    
    
  • Passport copies of both parents OR
    
    
  • Copy of birth certificate
    
    
  • Both parents’ signatures are required on the VISA form and it should be notarized.

Application Process
The exact process depends upon the consular jurisdiction:

• Washington DC:
  Visit CKGS Service Center in Washington DC in person between Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. After 2:00 PM, depending upon the nature of the emergency of the applicant, emergency applications may be accepted till 4:00 PM.
  
  
• Atlanta
  Visit Indian Consulate in Atlanta in person between 10:00 and 12:30 PM to prior approval.
  
  Submit the completed visa application CKGS Service Center in Atlanta in person between 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
  
  
• Chicago
  Visit CKGS Service Center in Chicago in person between Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. After 2:00 PM, depending upon the nature of the emergency of the applicant, emergency applications may be accepted till 4:00 PM.
  
  
• Houston
  Visit CKGS Service Center in Houston in person between Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. After 2:00 PM, depending upon the nature of the emergency of the applicant, emergency applications may be accepted till 4:00 PM.
  
  If an emergency visa is needed after the CKGS office hours, including weekends and holidays, contact the consulate directly at +1 (713) 626-2149 from 8:00 to 10:00 PM.
  
  1. Apply visa online for maximum 6 months tourist visa
  2. Visit Indian Consulate in Houston in person with the following:
     • Two photographs with the applicant
     • Copy of Proof of address
     • Satisfactory explanation and proof regarding the emergency situation
     • Proof of Indian Origin
     • Visa Fees, as described above and Emergency Services charges $100.00. Total $203.00 Make it payable to ‘Consulate General of India’ by a separate cashier’s check or money. There should be a separate payment for ICWF fee. Alternatively, you can pay cash at the counter of the consulate, but make sure to have exact change available.
       
       
• New York
  Step 1: Apply at CKGS website for Emergency Service.
  
  Step 2: Submit the completed visa application in person CKGS Service Center in New York from Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
  
  
• San Francisco
  Visit CKGS Service Center in San Francisco in person between Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. After 2:00 PM, depending upon the nature of the emergency of the applicant, emergency applications may be accepted till 4:00 PM.