It's every international traveler's worst nightmare: after dealing with unavoidable airline delays, long and arduous security lines, esoteric and seemingly fickle baggage regulations and extra fees, long uncomfortable layovers and cramped flights, one finally arrives at their destination to find that some problem with their transit paperwork means they'll be delayed even further...or worse yet, forced to return. Keeping up with current rules and regulations for flights and other forms of passage will help with the setbacks of modern transit, as will arriving on time and bringing comfortable, light gear. An optimistic attitude, of course, will also go a long way. But to avoid the nasty paperwork issues that can sometimes arise for international travelers, you'll need to make sure you're well informed and prepared with the necessary documents before you take off. Los Angeles' bustling Desi population means there's lots of citizens and visitors traveling between the metropolis and India every day, and the Consulate has been designed to get them through the gates efficiently. FunduSearch is here to introduce the Los Angeles Desi community to the agency and provide valuable travel links, articles, and discounts for your area. This quick guide will help get you started.


The Consulate General of India in San Francisco is the consular branch nearest to Los Angeles, and has jurisdiction over most western states including the whole of California. It serves as the area's connection to information on travel between the United States and India, and can also act as a natural extension of the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., connecting interested parties with the appropriate agencies and officials to suit their particular situation. The consulate is primarily used as a gateway to the obtaining of Indian passports and transit visas for citizens of both the United States and India.


You can easily apply for an Indian passport online through the consulate's website. Whether you're applying for a passport for the first time or you simply need a renewal for a pre-existing, expired passport, the application page contains the necessary forms you'll need to file. Make sure you take note of the instructions and supplementary document requirements before completing the forms. Processing can take several weeks even for those applications which are complete and do not contain errors, so allow the office ample time and send in your paperwork as soon as possible after you know you'll be traveling.


Americans making a journey to India are required to first obtain an Indian visa, which will grant them entry to the country upon arrival, as well as granting any special privileges associated with the visa type. All visas other than those reserved for people on official or diplomatic business are obtained and processed through an agency called Travisa. Travisa's website offers application services online, so you can fill out the application and send it electronically. If you'd rather, of course, you can print out the application and send it in via post, or visit the San Francisco office. Use the site's FAQ and informational section to get to know which visa type is right for you, and what it will allow you to do once in India.


Let FunduSearch help you plan your journey, and connect you with Desi businesses nearby. Check out the main listings page for Los Angeles, where you'll find links to the area's best Indian travel agents, accountants, banks, and home services.