Visa confusion leads to airport drama

London: I am New Zea land passport holder. I had booked on Virgin Atlantic flight VA300 from Heathrow to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on January 31, 2010.
I did not obtain a visitor visa in advance, since I had read a news item that all New Zea land passport holders will be given visitor visas on arrival in India on payment of $US60 with effect from January 1, 2010.
But I was told at Heathrow that I cannot board the flight since I did not have a visa.
I told an official at the immigration counter about the new Indian Government directive.
He said he had no information and that he would not be able to verify from the Indian High Commission in London since it was a Sunday.
“You can rebook you flight for tomorrow (February 1),” he said.
I was aghast at this suggestion because, apart from having to pay an additional charge of £120 plus excess fare, I stood to lose on all my flight and rail reservations and other bookings already made in India.
I booked a seat on another flight the next day but continued my efforts to travel on the same day (January 31).This time I was successful, but not before a helpful official and my son in New Zealand searched for the relevant information on the Indian High Commission website to determine that I was speaking the truth.
“You are the first passenger travelling to India mentioning this new visa facility announced by the Indian Government,” she said.
I am not sure of the procedures to follow when such change in rules happens. Three hours of anguish and convincing helped me to board the flight.
The situation at the New Delhi International Airport was different.A poster at the arrival lounge directed New Zealand passport holders (and nationals of Finland, Japan, Luxemburg and Singapore) where to go to obtain their visas. The officials were efficient and professional.
28/02/10 Suman Kapoor/Indian Newslink

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Categories: Airports Mar 2010, Foreign Mar 2010