Consular Services for Foreign Residents of India

Information on the services available for expats from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand from their embassies and consulates in India…

Citizens of the USA, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand living in India can access information from the consular sections of their relevant embassy or high commission:

US Citizens

The US Embassy provides various services for its citizens including:

  • Passport services
  • Registration of births
  • Emergency assistance to Americans in distress

Its website has information on medical services, getting married in India, legal and money matters, voting information and US-India relations. US citizens can sign up for emergency messages and travel alerts by SMS or email.

Opening hours for different services:

  • Immigrant (IV) visa: 10:00-12:00 (Monday-Friday)
  • Non-immigrant (NIV) visa: 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00 (Monday-Friday)
  • US commercial service: 10:00-17:00 (Monday-Friday)
  • Other embassy offices: 08:30-17:00 (Monday-Friday)
  • American library: 11:00-18:00 (Monday-Saturday)

US citizens can also register on the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which enables the US Embassy to assist its citizens more effectively in an emergency.

As well as the embassy in Delhi, there are four consulates across the country.

  • For information about the services provided: Click here

UK Citizens

The British High Commission in Delhi offers many consular services to British citizens. These include:

  • Assistance for victims of crime
  • Assistance if arrested
  • Help for those with mental illness
  • Providing information about transferring funds
  • Contacting family or friends
  • Assistance when requiring emergency services
  • Contact details for local lawyers, interpreters, doctors and funeral directors

The British High Commission website also provides useful information on a variety of topics including travel advice, living in India (including information on the registration of births, marriages and deaths), property, legalising documents, passports, and advice for those retiring in the country.

The UK government's GOV.UK website provides information online for Britons considering moving abroad and for those already there. It includes tax, health and education advice as well as a section on what to do when returning to the UK.

There are also four deputy high commissions, four trade offices and a British tourist assistance office in India.

Contact details:

Australian Citizens

The Australian High Commission offers the following support to Australian citizens:

  • Help in obtaining emergency passports or travel documents
  • Assistance in the case of an emergency, including contacting next of kin when required
  • Contact details of local doctors and lawyers
  • Witnessing and certifying signatures
  • Jail visits if someone is arrested
  • Provision of limited financial assistance in emergencies
  • For more information on the services offered: Click here

The website also has information on the relationship between Australia and India, as well as travel advice.

Australian citizens can register online with the Australian High Commission to enable a quicker and more effective response in emergency situations.

There are also consulate-generals in Mumbai and Chennai.

Canadian Citizens

The Canadian High Commission service to Canadian citizens includes:

The Canadian High Commission’s website also provides useful information for living and travelling in India including details on registering births, death and marriages, as well as advice on how to conduct business within the country.

There is also a registration of Canadians abroad service.

Irish Citizens

The Irish Embassy offers the following services for Irish citizens:

  • Emergency advice and support for those in distress
  • Passport services
  • Registration of births
  • Authentication of documents

  • Embassy of Ireland, New Delhi
    At    : 230 Jor Bagh, New Delhi 110 003
    Tel     : (011) 4940 3200/2462 6733
    Tel (visa enquiries):     (011) 2462 9135 (14:30-17:00 Monday-Friday)
    Fax    : (011) 2469 7053
    Fax (visa     enquiries): (011) 2460 3335
    Opening hours    : 09.30-13:30 and 14:30-17:00 Monday-Friday

New Zealand Citizens

The New Zealand High Commission offers help and assistance to New Zealand citizens including:

  • Emergency assistance
  • Legal and notarial services
  • Authentication of documents
  • Help in obtaining emergency travel documents

Its website provides information on living in India, as well as information on the relationship between the two countries.