Travellers facing emergencies now have immediate assistance available regardless of the day. The Consulate General of India in New York has recently announced that it will remain open throughout the year, including all holidays, to assist with emergency travel to India. This new policy guarantees assistance even on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 2 pm to 4 pm.
This service is explicitly for genuine emergencies and not for regular consular services. The Consulate has advised applicants to call its emergency helpline before visiting to confirm the necessary supporting documents and ensure their situation qualifies as an emergency that cannot be deferred to the next working day.
Effective from May 10, the facility addresses urgent travel document needs such as Emergency Visas, Emergency Certificates (for same-day travel to India), and the transportation of mortal remains. An emergency service fee for an Emergency Visa will apply.
The Indian Consulate in New York serves Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, who took over as Consul General in January after serving as High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, oversees these operations.