Hi, I just heard that Indian entry regulations now require that you have an itinerary confirming reservations before entry will be granted. Sounds like the days of turning up with your trusty Lonely Planet and picking a hotel are over. Anyone else heard the same?

We got our India visa in NY last June 2. There was no such requirement. The application form does ask for names of reference in your home country and in India. I did not know anyone in India, so I put the name of the hotel. Not sure what would have happened if I left it blank or said I do not know anyone there. I'm in India now and went thru immigration with no problem.

ban---considering doing my visas in NYC on a day trip there...was it easy and how long did it take?? thanks rhk

I was in India 3 times in the last year and a half..and did not fill out the where are you staying part or a reference in India.I was advised not to fill that part out..

And you don't need an itinerary confirming reservations..

Did not have any trouble entering India.

rhk - my experience at the Indian consulate in NYC last year for my visa was a full-day event. I'd suggest arriving early before the office opens for best luck (I was 30 minutes early and the line was already down the block) Once I got my number when the office opened, I finally made it to the window at 12:30 - you then come back in the afternoon to pick up your visa. Granted, this was in peak season (november) so I'm sure it's not always like that.

just as i thought...i will be mailing it...thanks

Bob - mail works just fine for the visa.

i have always used mail but i have to be in nyc next week so i thought oh well maybe....

worth a shot if you're going to be in upper east side area in the morning - again, my experience may have been unusual (november before the tsunami)

one other tip - the photo machine there for visa photos rarely works (friends were there last month and it was still broken) so make sure you come prepared with photos already.