Help reqd:: Indian passport expiration

[abc1976]

My passport is expiring on Jan 4, 2008 (10 years after its issuance). I planned on visiting India on the 24th of december, 2007 and will be in India till 11-th of January, 2008. Since I stay in California, I called up the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and they told me that it will take about 30 days to renew it in US.

Is this true? Did any of you experience this much delay, or were you able to get your passport renewed faster? Since I have to do it before december 21 (friday), can this be done if I go to the consulate and speak to them in person?

If this is not an option, then I have to renew my passport in Hyderabad, India. If I submit my passport on the 26th of december, will I get back the renewed passport before the 11 of Jan?

I am willing to do anything as long as I don't have to cancel my trip. Any insights or suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks!

[knowledgeable]

Uh! Oh!

Sorry to know that you did not check your passport earlier before planning your vacation.

It used to take a couple of days for a new Indian passport, but things have changed now.

Even if you go to the consulate they won't do it sooner unless you show a serious emergency (& that better be the truth, not just to get a new PP!)

Else, you can lengthen your stay in India and get your new passport there. It may take about a couple of months or more and you'll get a nice long vacation in India.

Good luck.

[waitin_toolong]

you might want to visit the consulate foe expedite passport but no guarantees. Holiday season is anyways always dicey

[abc1976]

thnx

Thanks for the replies guys!!

I called up Hyderabad passport office and they told me that it should take no longer than 1-2 weeks to renew my passport.