Guide to the Indian Embassy in Washington DC

While every country will be “its own,” they are also well connected through one another. For diplomatic missions, we have embassies. Every political, social, and cultural relationship would have to pass through that embassy first.

But for people of Indian origin, is there an Indian embassy in Washington DC as well? If they needed to get in contact with their home country, is there any way that they could do so through the embassy? How can you get in touch with it? Read this article and find out everything you can about the Indian Embassy Washington DC.

Is There an Indian Embassy in Washington DC?

Every country needs to have one embassy of a foreign connected country – and within the embassy will often reside the country’s ambassador (in this case, Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu). The embassy is necessary, as it will offer assistance to residents of Indian origin, as well as people from India on a travel visa.

This means that obviously, there is an Indian Embassy in Washington DC as well. You’ll need to go through the embassy for everything that is via-related, from getting a passport to securing a visa. Every type of information that you might need in regards to a visa or a document connected to India, you may find at the Indian embassy in Washington DC.

Where Is the Washington DC Indian Embassy Located?

The Washington DC Indian Embassy can be found on 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. The address will also write Washington, DC 20008. However, at the moment, most walk-in services have been discontinued – meaning that you can only contact them via postal mail, email, or telephone.

What Services Does the Washington DC Indian Embassy Offer?

The Indian embassy in Washington DC offers a variety of services that can aid the people of India to live in or travel to the United States. They offer public notices, news on education and community affairs, India U.S. relations information, news on media and culture – but most importantly, consular services. These services will include:

Discontinuation of Walk-in Consular Service

Walk-in consular services used to be mandatory. However, due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been decided that people could opt out of it and get access to the services through the mail.

E-Visa

As of the 30^th of March, 2021, the Government of India provides e-visas in the following categories: eBusiness visa, eMedical visa, eMedical attendant visa, and eConference visa. These visas appeared as a response to encourage social distancing during the pandemic, as walk-in services were closed.

Visa Services

Those in need of visa services may inquire and opt for a visa. Those who are official passport holders or US diplomatic passports should first contact the Department of State Special Issuance Agency.

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card

Those looking to get an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card should also go through the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. In this regard, individuals might also look into the relaxations of the OCI guidelines, effective until December 31^st, 2021.

Passport Services

People with Indian citizenship might also apply for passport services through the Indian Embassy from Washington DC. Whether you want to renew your passport or get a replacement, the embassy should be able to help you.

Conversion of PIO Card to OCI Card

If you want to convert your Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card into an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, you can do so at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. Bear in mind that you’ll have to pay a $16 service along with a $3 contribution for the ICWF.

Renunciation of Indian Citizenship

If you want to renounce your Indian citizenship and become an American citizen in full, then you may go to the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. There, you can put in your paperwork for the new citizenship.

Miscellaneous Attestation Services

If you require miscellaneous attestation services, you might go to the Indian Embassy in Washington DC for that. Bear in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, walk-in miscellaneous services are no longer enforced. All of the services are now provided via postal mail.

Global Entry Program (GEP) for Indian Nationals

The GEP program is sponsored by the GBP (Custom and Border Protection) to allow entry in the United States to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Once they are verified through the embassy, they will be allowed entry.

Renewal of International Driving Permit

Those who are of Indian origin and are looking to renew their international driving permit might go to the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. There, they can get a new permit released.

Consular Assistance

If you are looking for consular assistance, the Indian Embassy might also help you. The requests are mostly made by email, and you should receive your answer within 1-3 working days.

Emergency Travel Document (Emergency Certificate-EC)

In the event that there is an emergency with the travel paperwork (i.e., your travel documents got stolen and you had no way to leave the country, or there is a life-or-death emergency), then you may go to the Indian Embassy in Washington DC. They will help you acquire the necessary paperwork so that you may return to your home country or address your emergency.

Emergency Consular Services Number

If you have any urgent consular needs, you may use the special contact number 1-202-258-8819. Not only will this number be available on weekends, but you can get through during the holidays as well. In case of emergencies such as death or the serious illness of a close family member, the embassy will make it possible for you to get your travel documents.

What Is the Phone Number for the Indian Embassy in Washington DC?

The Indian Embassy in Washington DC has several phone numbers that you may use. For all inquiries, you may dial 1-202-939-7000, which will work every day from Monday to Friday (aside from holidays).

You also have the number 1-800-320-9625 for passport services, and 1-800-320-9693 for consular services (Renunciation and OCI). These numbers are also available from Monday until Friday, between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM EST.

If you do not wish to contact them through the postal office or phone number, you may also go for fax (1-202-265-4351) or email ([email protected]). Either of them should get you an answer within 1 to 3 business days.

What Are the Operating Hours of the Indian Embassy in Washington DC?

The operating hours of the Indian Embassy in Washington DC depend on the services that you are planning to access. For example, the general working hours are between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM EST. However, if you go for consular services, the schedule will be from 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM EST. Unless it’s through the emergency consular service number, you may only contact the embassy Monday through Friday.

Read More

• Guide to the Indian Embassy in Atlanta
• Guide to the Indian Embassy in San Francisco
• Indian Embassy Chicago
• Guide: Indian Embassy Houston
• Guide to the Indian Embassy New York

The Bottom Line

When you require visa or passport services, the Indian Embassy in Washington DC can come to your aid. The embassy is your connection to your home country so that you no longer have to return just to change your paperwork. Contact them through the means provided, and they should be able to offer you the necessary help.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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