I've had an extremely frustrating experience trying to surrender my child's Indian passport. My application has been rejected twice, and each time the issue was the same confusing question about the "passport printable address." My child's Indian passport clearly has an Indian address printed on it, so I entered that information. A U.S. passport doesn't print any address, so it should be obvious that this is an Indian passport with an Indian printed address. However, when the application is generated, the field suddenly changes from "passport printed address" to "present address," which is completely misleading. Because of this inconsistency in wording, the application was rejected. It's disappointing that such a simple process becomes so complicated due to unclear instructions. I've already paid the application fee twice because of this issue. If the form is asking for the present address, it should clearly say so from the beginning instead of causing unnecessary confusion. for money they doing all this.. don't ever feel to return to india... they are doing the same thing. read more

I just gave up on my OCI application! You can leave India, but the bureaucracy never leaves you. After completing the online part of the application I went to submit documents as a walk-in at the downtown Visa application center. The person I saw was trying to find reasons why my application was not complete and why it would take more time and money to fix all the mistakes. I told her "No, thank you!" read more

Getting a business visa to India is pretty tedious. I highly recommend using the mail method and avoid going to the embassy if possible. I basically wrote the process out for my coworkers, I will share it here. Good luck! 1: Request Invite letter from your company both local and in India + Letter of Incorporation. You need at least 15-30 days to get the letters and Visa processed so book flight minimum 20+ days out. 2: Book Flights + Hotel. 3: Register for VISA using Paper / Post Option - https://indianvisaonline.gov.in (PRINT / SAVE THE APPLICATION MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS CORRECT) 4: Download the Visa check list from: https://services.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/visa-services/#business 5: Get all forms you have thus far together on checklist. (Visa App, DL, Additional Particulars Form, Copy of Passport, Letters from company) 6: Once you have all Documents, Apply for VISA in Houston via Postal Option: https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/postal-interim Use the VFS Courier service. You will print out a overnight FEDEX label and they will send back via Overnight Fedex 7: Add the Consular Application Receipt, your passport and any other documents to the application and drop it off at FEDEX You will get notified by email / VFS about visa and delivery 8: Get COVID Tested before the flight. 9: Complete the Required Air Suvidha form, print and bring with you to airport (Also need it to enter India) : https://www.newdelhiairport.in/airsuvidha/apho-registration read more

Amazing services... I had to get some documents stamped from them and birth certificate. Called them and left the message. I was certain that there will be no response. But got the call back the same day with good response. Made few calls and email after that and every time got response the same day. I could have done it by post but thought of making the trip to Houstan to get things done faster. There were only two people working outside but lot more inside. My work was done way before then I Expected. Usually they take the documents and give back passport etc in the evening session. But they actually called us back in 2 hours and gave us the documents. Overall amazing experience. Just one thing, the super efficient lady working there was taking two people at once which might questionable for people who wants more privacy. And it was visually looking less official. But who cares when people working are doing everything to do your work in time and helping you in the best way. read more

Their website is the worst, I have ever come across. despite trying continuously 2 days I couldn't open the online application for miscellaneous service required by my wife. Although I was able to register her name in their system, but still, it was not responding, and said "INVALID CREDETIALS", "Either Email address or date of birth is wrong"; whereas both things were as given by me while registering. I tried to apply afresh, then it said, "this email already exist" and I was unable to proceed further & to do it online. I considered visiting their office, but I am 4 hours away from their physical office, and unable to schedule an appointment as no one take the calls. Although their website says that there is no need for appointment for miscellaneous services, but I fear that, if I should take a chance by driving 4 hours and then found them not available. I am badly frustrated. read more

For those wondering if this place is even open to the public since there is no update on their website or social media, and you will never get to speak with a human via their phone number, the answer is not really. An angry man stands outside to ask why you're there and no one in the line was actually able to enter the building. I was rudely directed to VFS global for visa assistance. Go straight to VFS Global group on 2425 West Loop S #550 for help. read more

I want to send a big, big THANK YOU to the amazing staff at the Consulate General of India in Houston. You all were so very friendly, helpful and just absolutely AMAZING in assisting me with an emergency 1 day turn around Visa in order to make my flight for an important International Tourism Convention in Hyderabad. Due to my error my Visa was not in order weeks before my travel date as i had thought......however you all saved me from missing the convention!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! Truly a very professional team you have there. And India was Fabulous!!!!!!!! I want to return to visit southern India soon. read more

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Have had a very positive experience getting documents processed through the consulate over the past few months of the COVID pandemic. They're also responsive over the phone which is a plus. Impressive turn around times! Keep up the good work. read more

Soooooo unhelpful unless your north indian, because it seems like they are the only ones that have put good reviews into facebook for them. They dont care if you have family on their death beds or if you have to rush to india. I bet they would not do anything unless they were all bribed like most indian officials read more

Applied for a 5 year entry visa for my husband and it got rejected due to missing middle name on a form. We re-applied after losing processing fee and shipping costs just because of missing middle name the first time. Went through the painful online process again and paid for 5 year multi-entry visa plus shipping of course. Got the visa back two days ago and they issued it for only one year. No explanation given. Thats one way to make more money. And ofcourse its extremely difficult to get anyone on the phone and when we do get someone on the phone they dont help and are extremely rude. Just horrible! I am an Indian citizen and it makes me not want to go back ever again. read more

I have mixed feelings about this place. For one, there is no point in reviewing a place when you have no other options. So will just post my experience and hope it helps. The staff was very helpful but were at the mercy of the system in India. They have to face the ire of dozens of un-reasonable people everyday and perform their job admirably. Thank you. I had to renew my wifes passport under the tatkal option since she had to travel in 4 days. I was able to get the passport done without my wife having to be there. I got a room at the hilton right opposite on Priceline for $60. It is very convenient. Walked across the street to the consulate on the 6th floor at about 8Am. There were about 5 people ahead of me. The doors opened at about 8:45 at which time there were about 15-20 people behind me on a Monday. There were no tokens and you just stand in one of 2 lines for passports or misc services. They promptly opened the counters at 9AM and was able to see the officer in 15 min. I submitted my documents and was asked why I wanted to do the tatkal. I told her about the emergency and they accepted the application and asked me to wait for about 30 min for the approval and the pay the money in the form of a postal money order ( they also take cash). And now my misery begins.. An hour later, we are told that the system in Delhi was down and we couldn't get the approval that day. We were given the option of leaving the application with them and they would approve it when available and have it couriered, or take the application back and come back the next day and try our luck with no guarantee. I didnt want to risk submitting the passport and not getting it back by Friday when my wife was to leave. I decided to abort the process and took my application and drove back to Dallas. I called the next morning and they said the system was up and running again. So I decide to drive back to houston the same night. I didnt get the Hilton this time though. Ended up at a clarion a few miles away. Wednesday morning.. at about 8AM I was the first in line. By about 9 there were maybe 10 other people. I was the first at the counter and the same lady took my application and wished me luck. 30 min later she looks at me and says that the system was down again. She asked me to come back after lunch and try my luck. At 2 PM or so the counters opened again and they finally had the system up. I paid the money and came back at 4 and picked up the passport. What a relief. 1000 miles and 16 hours of driving, $150 in hotel bills and hours of misery.. .. that was 1 expensive passport :) Just be warned that although the Tatkal scheme allows for your passport to be done the same day, it may not always be available. read more

We had a very good experience. Maybe all the negative reviews set the expectations :) Had my wife's passport to be renewed. Went to the consulate at 9:05 AM, out by 10:00 AM - stood in the line, when our turn arrived - we were asked a few documents, provided them, we were asked to wait for 45 mins for an approval. Got the approval in 30 mins - they said we can collect the passport at 4:00 PM. Went back to consulate at 4:00 PM, collected the passport at 4:10 PM, verified details and we were on our way back. Documents provided for renewal: (1) Old Passport in original (2) Application form fully filled up with 2 PP photos of 2" x 2" & signed at 3 locations Application form had India address since that is what we wanted on the Passport (3) Address Proof in the US (Drivers License, copy of lease agreement) (4) Bankers check for $190 ($150 for tatkal + $40 - regular passport) (5) Copy of US visa stamping on the passport (6) Notarized Copy of Marriage certificate -- thats it - we carried a lot more documents like degree certificate, Visa petition .... just in case, but the process was far simpler than we thought. Parking space: If you are driving to the office - parking is a bit difficult, there is one parking spot behind the One Post Oak building, it is a unpaved parking lot which is about 2 mins from the consulate office Service Did not feel that the service was rude - there were 2 ladies at the counter, both were polite and respectful. I have been to the US consulate and the feel that the Indian consulate experience was way too better than the US consulate. Jai Hind ! read more

I had a very bad experience recently with the Consulate General of India Houston and their third party visa application vendor, an entity by the name of CKGS when attempting to renew my Indian visa application to visit my relatives in India. As a US Citizen of Indian origin and having been previously issued at least two sets of multiple-entry Indian visas within the last two decades, with no issues encountered in the process of obtaining those visas, I never thought that I would be faced with a rejection of my current visa application submitted on August 23, 2018, with the rejection based solely on the very trivial issue of my entering my middle Initial in the application box instead of my full middle name. The application was complete with all other requested documents. Most alarming was the way the application was rejected. The UPS tracking showed that the CKGS entity received my visa application package sent on Thursday, August 23, 2018, on Friday August 24, 2018. On Monday, August 27, 2018 in an email time stamped 9:30 AM, I received an acknowledgment from CKGS that they had received my application. However, within 5 minutes of that acknowledgment, I received a second email from them time stamped 9:35 AM informing me that my application could not be accepted and was rejected because I entered my middle initial and not my full middle name in the application and with no offer made to correct that mistake. In my opinion this was not a fatal error requiring an outright rejection of the application when the application was complete with all other required documents. I believe this act by CKGS in rejecting my visa application within 5 minutes of acknowledging receipt of it, without giving me the opportunity to correct the entry of the middle initial with the full middle name was, unjustified and abominable to say the least and I believe the Consulate is partly responsible for such hasty decisions made by the CKGS entity. In addition to this outrageous conduct by the Consulate General of India Houston, I was also shocked by the attitude and rude response of one of its personal when I contacted the office for clarification regarding the submission of one of the documents requested for the application, namely a copy of my old Indian Passport which was relinquished when I became a US Citizen and was replaced with a US passport more than two decades ago. Since I could not find the old Indian passport at the time of my completing the Indian visa application, the CKGS personal had suggested that I write a note to that effect to the Consulate General when submitting my visa application. However, the Consulate staff member, a woman I spoke to, who refused to give her name despite repeated requests, categorically stated in rude tones that such a letter would not suffice and that I would not be issued an Indian visa unless I produced a copy of my old Indian passport and/or a copy of my naturalization document. She also indicated that as an "officer" of the Consulate, I had no right to question her and made remarks to the effect that I should be reverential to her. Fortunately, subsequent to my interaction with this consulate staff, I was able to locate my old Indian passport and include a copy of that document in my visa application which at that point in my opinion, in all respects, was a complete application, and I expected the visa to be issued promptly stamped on my US passport which was in the CKGS possession. As described above, that did not happen due to the irresponsible and thoughtless act of CKGS in conjunction with the Consulate's office in rejecting my application solely based on the very trivial issue of my having entered my middle initial instead of my full middle name in the application with no option given to make a correction. Subsequent email communications to the Consulate General of India Houston on this matter and the rudeness of its staff member has been met with silence and they have deferred all communications to CKGS who has refused to give a full refund of the hefty fees I paid to them to process the visa application some of which they claim are "convenience fees" and "service fees." I believe they are not entitled to withhold these fees, since they did not provide those services when they rejected my visa application outright within 5 minutes of acknowledging receipt of it, based solely on the trivial issue of my providing my middle initial instead of my full middle name. I find the silence by the Consulate General of India Houston in this matter, abominable and irresponsible. read more

UPDATED LOCATION: The new office is located at 4300 Scotland Street, Houston, TX 77007. Reasons why I am VERY disappointed in the move from Post Oak to Scotland Street: Far Parking: Parking is far away and makes it very difficult for elderly to be brought in for paperwork. You literally have to drop the person off on the curb, have them stand and wait while you park, then take them inside. The parking lot folks said that you can't leave the car standing, you aren't allowed to park in the spots close to the entrance, and we even saw an officer writing tickets. WHAT ABOUT THE ELDERLY? No elevator: There is no elevator available to the public, only for personnel. My 90+ grandparent had to climb up and down their staircase. What about ADA compliance? How would someone in a wheel chair or crutches be serviced at the Indian Consulate? What about a mother with a stroller? Seriously, I question their move from the Post Oak building that was ADA accessible. No restroom: There is no public restroom, only for personnel. Luckily, some kind soul behind the counter realized that my 90+ grandparent might have an accident if they didn't let my grandparent use the restroom for personnel. read more

Just pray you never have to deal with these people. I've had the unfortunate luck of having to come here twice and an anal bleaching sounds pleasant than having to deal with the rude and frequently incompetent staff. The staff is Indian and they act as if they hate Indians. Guess what? Give the job to white people then! read more

I was very pleased with my recent correspondence with the Consulate General of India in Houston! I was trying to obtain a visa for travel that was already booked, and based on the 3-5 business day turn-around time, had applied with sufficient time. Because I do not live in Houston, I had to use CKGS and the courier service to ensure safe delivery. Seven business days after receipt, CKGS's website indicated that the Embassy was still processing the request. With the travel day two business days away, I was very nervous and contacted the CKGS, who told me they would escalate the ticket at the end of the day if the status had not changed. This would mean that I would have to change my travel dates. Instead, I contacted the Consulate. Within an hour, I had a response from the Consulate saying that the visa had been approved and was awaiting CKGS to pick up the visa. I had to call CKGS several times to make sure that the visa was going to be picked up that day and shipped overnight to me. When it was almost the end of the day, I had to contact CKGS once again to remind them to ship the visa (which they fought me on saying I could come to CKGS several states away and pick up the visa since it was ready, but they weren't going to mail it for 24-48 hours). Eventually talked to a supervisor who ensured the visa would be mailed that day. Now, I have the visa in-hand, and didn't have to adjust my travel dates. 5 stars to the Consulate, 2 stars to CKGS. I personally believe that the Consulate had my visa ready and was waiting for CKGS to pick it up for several days, and it wasn't until my intervention that CKGS finally picked up the visa. read more

I applied for a 5 year entry visa, and was charged for this. My passport returned with only a 1 year entry visa. So, I called CKGS to attempt to get some understanding of the rejection for the 5 year. And, the response was nothing just blaming the consulate. The representative stated "we can't view nor have access to the decision making process". Wow!! Thanks for taking MY MONEY!!! To add I currently hold a security clearance through the federal government, and am married to an Indian citizen. Also, what really makes me more upset is that my father-in-law, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law all have 5 year entry visas to the US. But, I can't get one to India??? It really hurts my feelings that a country operates this way! In closing if something serious happens to my in-laws, I am out of luck to support my wife and her immediate family. read more

This website information is totally wrong, no contact info, no website. They say "* CKGS website containing contact details including telephone and Email will be operational with effect from Monday, 2 May 2016. - See more at: http://www.cgihouston.org" They never opened this website, no contact info available, no response received, no email help.We had in need of urgent to apply for passport, these mindless fellows never respond. Iam not sure, who they are getting paid for NOT responding, NOT working. Worst Pass port office i ever seen, FIRE these PEOPLE read more

The Consulate General of India team is the true definition of professionalism, compassion, and respect. They truly care about all their clients who are wanting to get visas, renew their passports, and take care of clients who have emergencies. In my case, the passport team was always one email or one phone call away. Their response times are quick and they professionally provide you the correct responses and address all concerns. They have been very solution oriented in my case. They helped me get my passport as soon as they possibly could so I can take care of a time constrained matter. Their team work, care, and support are the reasons I can further my career. They helped me obtain my passport quickly so I can submit it before the deadline. I cannot thank them enough! They truly care about everyone and will help out during times of need! Thank you everyone at the CGI office. You guys truly play a big role in the reason behind my success! read more

Extremely helpfula nd professional. I am very impressed. They promptly answered all my calls and emails.

beware ! They outsource their visa application to CKGS. They misplace my visa application for three weeks . I add to fly in and talked to their manager Atul who was useless! This is shame as it is the first impression that you will get from a country and the outsource it to incompetent people... read more

I tried e-mailing them but all their email addresses given bounced back. -_- To Whom It May Concern: I am writing in regards to the treatment of my tourist visa application. The process to acquire my tourist visa has been nothing short of disappointing and working with CKGS has been ridiculously frustrating. My application for a tourist visa for a trip planned in September was submitted to CKGS in June. Additional documents were requested and forwarded as quickly as I could get them to CKGS in July. The documents were confirmed as received by CKGS. I also alerted CKGS of my travel plans to Canada departing August 9th and that I would need my passport back in order to board. I placed more than a dozen calls to the CKGS call center and spoke with many representatives and someone that identified themselves as the floor supervisor. After countless promises for an e-mail and calls back, I received no updates and no indication of what the hold up was for my application. I went to the CKGS office in Houston on Thursday, August 7th, losing an afternoon at work, to get a status. I waited for some time while Parul spoke with a consular officer about the status of my visa and was told that it takes 6-8 weeks to process. I was told by Parul and Atul that the only way to get my passport was to compete a withdrawal form and to come back today between 5:30-6:00pm. I offered to pay an expedite fee to have my application processed quicker, a contact name, any type of information to get an answer. Parul suggested I drive to the Consulate that evening and speak to someone in person. She then told me to call the emergency hotline. When it came time to complete the withdrawal form, she handed me over to Atul who was in a rush to get me out of the office. When I asked Atul about possibly reapplying after my return from Canada he told me the processing times would be 6-8 weeks and that there is no guarantee that I would get in time for my trip then. No solutions other than withdrawal were given. The urgency of my request was completely ignored. I had a glimmer of hope this morning when a receptionist with the consulate called me this morning to tell me she got my voicemail and would ask an officer about my application. She promised a call back by noon. I called again this afternoon and because your phone systems do not allow any direct conversations, I left another voicemail. My travel agent also tried to contact CKGS and the consulate to get answers. She was also given the run-around. I realize that the main focus for the Indian Consulate is to provide services to its citizens, I am disappointed that you will take my money, my United States passport and hold them hostage. I'm disgusted, disappointed, and saddened by this treatment. I have spent over $2000 on a what was to be a dream trip to visit the Taj Mahal and other historic sites within India. I do not make a consular salary and do not have the glory of having a diplomatic visa and passport to travel the globe so that money, time, and energy is gone. After this horrible treatment and process, I have no desire to spend any of my time or hard earned money with your consulate or within your country. I respectfully request a response from the consular offices. I anticipate this e-mail to go unnoticed, deleted, and ignored as have all my emails to CKGS and as their modus operandi. read more

Very fast and apt response when contacted through email. The contact team is doing a great job in getting things done.

If I had the option I wouldn't even give them 1 star. My husband applied for his India visa in January. Since he is a spouse of an Indian citizen he was eligible for a 5 year visa. We applied for his 5 year visa and paid the hefty fee. I was told his visa should arrive in maximum 6-8 week. It took more then 12 weeks to get his visa. We received his passport after 3 months to find out that he received his visa for 3 months only. The consulate and ckgs folks are super rude and inconsiderate. Save your time and money visit another country instead. read more

Ok My experience trying to renew my passport under Tatkal using the BLS-India agency at the Consulate of India at Houston, Tx. 1. Tatkal walk-in timings were 10 - 12 at the BLS agency. No appointments are required. (Wasnt clear in the website) 2. They take only cash or drafts for $241.20 so had to go to an atm to withdraw the cash (Dont have a credit card machine) 3. They couldnt tell if my application would be accepted under tatkal till i visited Houston. (I emailed houston@bls-india but got a very haphazard answer!) 4. Typical wait time for bls india houston 201 205 2096 phone is atleast 30 mins 5. They agreed they can provide the passport the same day and i shd collect it from a different location (the consulate) and wrote that i can go there after three. I reach there at 3 30 but they are closed until 4. 4 - 6 is their timings 6. Please pay very close attention while collecting the passport - the workers at the consulate are very careless and definitely not paying attention to what they are being paid to do. Every person before me had name corrections because they either messed up their names , merged their first name and last name together and what s worse is the lady on the other side confidently states that s what was provided on the application form. The same thing happened with me with my mom s name - they misspelled it. Truly the worst representation of India in the US. Pity this is their behaviour in the US ... read more

I needed to get a POA and needed to mail my passport. Reading the reviews all over the internet, I decided to call but as everyone mentioned none of the phones are ever picked up. I called over a week. I was very skeptical about getting the work done, worse I was more concerned about my passport. I even considered flying instead of mailing my passport but it would have cost me fifteen hundred dollars. So I fedex-ed my passport across and the consulate completed and my passport delivered back within a week!! That was just awesome! Phones don't work, but sure they do their job. read more

We were in and out so quickly! This is so much better than the other consulate that I've been to in nyc. 10/10 recommend it.

God Forbid if you have to use the phone system! India is providing techonolgy to the world but this is the most archaic system in the worlfd!! you are in the queue behind 10 poeple and when your time comes you get 'there is no one available to take your call'... and you go back in the queue with 10 people waiting. If this was a business it would have been bankrupt a long time ago. Wah India!! read more

I wish I could do half a star or less. I filled out an application 8 different times, all had to be redone for the absolute silliest of reasons. I will admit I am fairly new to applying for visas, and after the fourth failed attempt they finally offered to help me! They told me to show up at 9am and that one off their members would help me with my forms. I show up, and wait about 2 1/2 hours, before even being assisted. I'm then passed from person to person who picks up my form, looks at me and tells me how terrible of a job I did before passing me to the next! I didn't leave that day until 7 hours after I showed up, still unassisted. Now i'm hopefully filling it out for the last time simply because one of the forms missed a middle name. I hope I do not have to go in another day, get told how much of a fool I am and leave with absolutely no help. I would never go here if I didn't have to. They are the absolute worst, call you rude for no reason, and will do everything in their power to make sure you do not get what you want. read more

If you ever wanted to Visit India you might want to think about it before you send your Passport to Travisa Outsourcing agency, or to the Indian Consulate in Houston, TX. By far their service (both the agency and the consulate) was the worst customer service that I ever had. I submitted my Passport to Travisa Outsourcing angency which is the official outsourcing agency for Visa application processing for the Consulate. I submitted my Passport to them 4 months ago and they in turn sent it to the Indian consulate in Houston, TX. The indian consulate has not issued a Visa nor has it returned my Passport after 4 months. Indian is one of the most courrpted nations on the planet and their Conuslate is no better. I sent them so many emails, Faxes, next day FedEx letters, and many, many phone calls.... No one had any regard for what good customer service is..... It was so bad that they would yell at times... I had to call the State Department foriegn missions branch to have them call the consulate and ask them to return my Passport. read more

This is Suman. I visited the Consulate General of India, Houston to get Attestation and Power of Attorney of some of my documents. The staff (includes Mr. Harpal Singh, Dharshana, Meena and Jaya) are very kind and always helping in each and every aspect to get you job done. After my work is done, again they double checked if all of my documents are properly attested or not. I noticed that the staff well behaved not only with me, but with every person who came to the consulate and are making sure that everyone goes back satisfied and happy. I can truly vouch for every staff member in the Houston consulate and a very big thank you to all of you. read more

This is to state my disappointment toward the process of work ethics. In this time and age where we are trying to go green we are asked to print tons of documents to justify our passport/OCI/Visas process of which the person in the counter either throws them away or returns them back to us stating the documents were not required. I would like to know why are we asked to print out so many papers if they were to be wasted which are notarized (Paid for). We are in such an advanced state of technology and yet are behind in our processes. My husband had visited downtown Houston to submit paperwork to get our OCI cards and was told that we are no more able to come in person to collect the OCI cards and it has become mandatory to be couriered. My first issue is that why was that information not mentioned on the website. The manager told my husband that he would have to go to the Counsel of General which is 5 minutes from the current location and obtain a no objection letter to pick up the cards. First and foremost, the charges applied seem to be ridiculous as one has to pay for each member of the family instead of a fee per family. Not only is there a credit card fee per person now it has also become mandatory to pay courier fee per individual which is a rip off. For example, a family who resides in the same address, each individually is charged $15 + 53 cent as a transaction fee charge for credit card processing. So, for a family of four we end up paying a total of $62.12 just for shipping. Why is it that we do not have an option for picking up especially where it is convenient for people working in Downtown and surrounding areas? Needless to say, that their call center is horrible and the website does not work well. Even to apply online was a pain. We need some serious attention in this location. The service in the location need to improve to the needs of the public. read more

I was flying out next day and wanted to get my 1 year old's visa. I stopped by consulate to see the status and the people were very helpful. The man who approved my visa even called the courier to find out where my son's visa was so I could pick it up at CKGS before it got shipped out. Very courteous and helpful staff. read more

Like my other reviewers, I had the same feeling of nervousness and apprehension, when I had applied for my passport for renewal a couple of weeks ago in Houston. My original passport was issued from Indian Consulate at Houston a few years ago, though it was handwritten at that time. Due to the recent regulation to switch to machine readable passport by various countries ( since Nov 24, 2015), India has been reminding its citizens to switch their passports to a machine readable one. I went through the BLS website ( passport service has been outsourced to BLS International), and found a ton of documents required as part of this renewal process ( almost 10 documents, some of them needs to be notarized, and 4-5 passport photos ! ). The website and instructions are sometimes confusing and redundant at times. Instead of making it simple, they over complicates a few items. Some of the documents may not be applicable for Houston Consulate, however better to take all documents with you and not get rejected. I got all required docs completed, took an appointment with BLS and drove to Houston. In fact, took an extra passport photo handy which I found it very useful at the end. The BLS office is in a decent area,though the suite itself has the feel of a run down office. Dirty carpet and tons of other things to improve upon, I found it hard to believe they're entrusted to handle the most important documents of nationality. The staff was courteous though. I provided the list of documents and the lady over the counter validated, asked me to confirm the details on her computer, and took one more passport photo along with the application. This photo requirement was not mentioned anymore on the BLS website. Also a notarized document ( Affidavit for Change in appearance and Signature) was not needed by the BLS office in Houston, even though the website specifically says Indian Consulate in Houston requires that. Long story short, the whole process of submission didn't take not more than 5 minutes. This was submitted on Wednesday 11/25/2015 with BLS though the Consulate itself was off that day and the rest of the week ( due to Thanksgiving Holidays, and other Indian Holiday). I got a mail notification from BLS that my application was submitted to Consulate on the same day 11/25 by 5:40 pm - strange huh ? Two weeks later (12/15), I got an email notification from BLS that my passport has been received from Consulate, and will be dispatching to my address. I got my passport package today afternoon. The date of issue on the passport shows 12/07/2015. Someone told me that the newer passports are being issued in India with more security features, and ship to respective consulates. If that's true, then the process has definitely become faster and more streamlined. From the day it was submitted to consulate, and to the day I received it on my hand after renewal, it took less than 3 weeks - definitely commendable ! Notes: - The application process is still old school, though half of it needs to be submitted online, and the other half is hand written. - Tons of other documents, not just proof of residence, but 3-4 nationality verification form ( all of them requiring passport size photos) - a few notarized documents - Make sure you carry 1-2 extra passport size pictures. Overall, I used 6 passport photos in the application package ! - You can use cash to pay the application fees at BLS office. - Get all documents ready, and then the process won't be delayed. Otherwise, very likely that yours will be delayed. read more

Indian Consulate's performance has improved by leaps and bounds since the addition of Cox and Kings services for Visas. The information on the website was accurate, tracking information was updated timely, CKSG call center employees were courteous, articulate and informed. I did the whole process by FedEx that was suggested on their website and the process went smoothly. I was pleasantly surprised by efficiency and accountability of the Embassy after hearing horror stories about unexpected delays from friends that date back by3-5 years. I think often such good work goes unnoticed and just want to say that they should keep up the good work and become a model for efficiency, transparency and accountability for the rest of the world. read more

I don't know who wrote the previous review, but I'm thinking it's someone who works there. If you ever spend more than 5 minutes there, which I have had to do many a time, you will see the "service lever" everyone experiences. There is no sort of organization and I can't count how many times they have lost passports and documents. When they do lose you papers, they take their normal, don't care approach. The experiences I've had there make me sad to be an Indian. read more

Wish there was a zero star. I used their passport service.. Warning. They will loose your ORIGINAL passport and money order and email you saying that I didnt sent it.. Emailing the houston jurisdiction back is of no use.. Not sure if the houston bls number is working or not. I called them several times during the weekdays and working hours, and the automated voice says hours are 8- 5 30. Guess what they never pick phone calls.. They play awesome sitar music of ravi shankar but there ends the fun. Either you hang up or talk to walls.. I hate hate and absolutely hate this service. No wonder there are several Indians in US who never want to return or go back to homeland. The service is so poor... They havent responded to my email to Houston jurisdiction. It is better to apply for a under developed country passport than Indian passport. It is not worth the wait.. Employees here- guess what there are thousands of people waiting for gc's and foreign citizenships for the same reason!!!! I wish there was a negative star option here on yelp. Hope you guys realize that you are the only help we have when we are in foreign land and you are of NO USE! no help whatsoever... read more

Very amicable atmosphere. Very supportive approach by the officials. The Best part: although they prefer a cashier's check, they also have the option of cash as a mode of fee payment. Ms. Darshana Naik, in particular, patiently helped out every citizen approaching with their applications, with meticulous guidance - the process, pointing out missing signatures if any, and even helping out with photocopies if one or two were missing (note - this, not to be considered as a free for all service entitlement as one was helped out with a photocopy only if one had all other documents in order). She was very professional, very informative and efficient, stern with the instructions, but at the same time, it was also observed - sensitive and quite forthcoming to help out - to one's immediate worries in case of emergency cases, or tight situations, with apt advice. The premises are also pristine and squeaky clean, and well maintained, right from the drinking water can to the restroom. The service, very efficient. Kudos to the Consul General, Houston, TX and his team, right from members like the mustachioed official from Chennai at the reception Front Desk checking in everyone with a smile, to senior staff like Ms. Darshana Naik! The team more or less looked like a happy family. Hope the same continues. read more