OK, so you never noticed that your passport is close to its expiration date until you had an important business trip… at least that’s what happened to me!

I found myself at the Indian consulate at SFO today - had a ton on people since yesterday was a holiday for Id. Here’s the ton of stuff I faced with my recommendations on getting the process done faster, and easier all the way from Passport renewals to Indian visa applications.

1. Avoid peak traffic.

The location is on Arguello Blvd which is pretty deep into SFO, and no BART goes there. So I opted to drive at non peak hours(10 AM+), keeping in mind that the consulate closes at 12.
Head back immediately after 12 to avoid peak traffic and see if you can pick it up the next day.

2. Parking.

Finding parking is a real hassle, street parking is usually non-existent. I parked next door in the gas station in front of the service center not marked for the pet hospital next door. Saven me time and $$.

3. Cash only payments

which means that unless you have it on you, you need to get an ATM. There is a Wells Fargo in front of the gas station. I dont have money orders or any other antiquated payment system unfortunately though :)

4. LOOOOOOOONG lines

Pick a number by walking into the consulate before #2 and #3, and you’ll get a jump start.

5. Wait

My work (new passport issual) was quick, but there were tons of folks waiting to get an Indian Visa. Visa folks - please have a drop box or something to streamline this process, it was really insane - however - the visa officials were extremely nice and polite.

6. Double lines/queues
After your number is called and you submit the forms, you need to get into another line to pay (the cashier line) which is another problem.

7. Photocopies
If you dont have photocopies, there is a OfficeMax across the road where you can get ‘em.

So how did I manage it? Goaded by my buddy Akash (I met 3 people I knew there - who woulda thunk!) I went up in the front and got called irrespective of the running number(since most folks were for visa issual and not passport renewal in any case). I got my stuff done in about 1 hour, and generously gave my number to another pal of mine. since my number wasnt called yet, I managed to save him 17 positions….! may not seem much, but at 5 mins per position, it really adds up.

8. Pick up

This is the suckiest part. i was told that its typically the same day, but mine would be the next day. So I will need to start from step#1 tomorrow…. sigh!

Or, I can beg and beg a friend of mine who lives in the city to pick it up for me…. we’ll see!

Have fun,