I've travelled the world over and lived in 4 foreign countries but it's funny that I had to come to Bolivia all the way in South America to feel for the first time it was a disadvantage to have an Indian passport. Bad enough that I had to pay USD85 in New York for a visa, but I was told by the Embassy there that all I had to do after the 30 days was show up at local Immigration and they would extend the visa up to 90 days which is the maximum allowed for tourists.
Lo and behold- I decide to go in a few days earlier and get told there is no extension possible but I have to apply for a new visa (with a long list of documentation) every 30 days and pay approximately USD 100 each time.
Surprisingly I was not as upset as I should have been and was almost ready to leave until I decided to stay at least another month. Rightly so, my change of tickets would probably cost as much as the new visa charges.
So, we get communicating and organizing to get reference letters, photographs, bank statements et al for Monday morning. The very kind gentleman Rafael (PH lawyer) accompanied me and helped me apply after much waiting and process and then I'm told hey wait! It's not over yet you have to come in tomorrow for a verification- no details given.
All this to stay and help out in a developing country. Instead of being happily welcomed (people such as myself who come readily, spend money, and time to add value) irrespective of Nationality, it seems they have the list sorted out for which countries are allowed such liberties (90 day tourist visa) and which have to undergo what almost seems like a complete background check to let me stay and help their own people.
Funny this, but such is life.
P.S.- Great part is the fantastic support from the volunteers who were trying to provide solutions, find other people who might be able to help and eventually when there was no point worrying reminding me that a Cheesecake reward was well due for the duress :)
Lo and behold- I decide to go in a few days earlier and get told there is no extension possible but I have to apply for a new visa (with a long list of documentation) every 30 days and pay approximately USD 100 each time.
Surprisingly I was not as upset as I should have been and was almost ready to leave until I decided to stay at least another month. Rightly so, my change of tickets would probably cost as much as the new visa charges.
So, we get communicating and organizing to get reference letters, photographs, bank statements et al for Monday morning. The very kind gentleman Rafael (PH lawyer) accompanied me and helped me apply after much waiting and process and then I'm told hey wait! It's not over yet you have to come in tomorrow for a verification- no details given.
All this to stay and help out in a developing country. Instead of being happily welcomed (people such as myself who come readily, spend money, and time to add value) irrespective of Nationality, it seems they have the list sorted out for which countries are allowed such liberties (90 day tourist visa) and which have to undergo what almost seems like a complete background check to let me stay and help their own people.
Funny this, but such is life.
P.S.- Great part is the fantastic support from the volunteers who were trying to provide solutions, find other people who might be able to help and eventually when there was no point worrying reminding me that a Cheesecake reward was well due for the duress :)
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