The Golden Passport

The biggest issue starting a travel company in India is that you have to not only sell your customer a tour that they are excited about, but then you have to figure out how the heck you are going to get them on a plane and out of the country. It is not very easy/very difficult for an Indian an American Visa and there is a lot of paperwork involved with all of the other countries.

This week I went to Chennai to meet with the first school group who was going to try and get their Visas from this consulate. With my American passport I was able to get security clearance and meet with the Chief Minister, only to stand outside for 5 hours and support the group after they learned that they were rejected. I had a glass of wine after that day.

I am learning quickly that if you have an American passport do not take it for granted. They can get you into many countries Visa and hassle free. For example: If India had something like Travelzoo's weekly last minute deals and there was an amazing opportunity to go to the US, and you were an Indian citizen who wanted to go, and you had the money to afford to go, you probably wouldn't be able to. Firstly, you probably wouldn't get the visa interview appointment in time. Secondly, you would have to be able to show that you have enough money in your bank account to prove that you will return from said trip. Lastly, even if you did get an appointment, and your documentation was perfect, there is a good chance depending on the consulate/embassy/counter/mood of the Visa officer that you would be rejected. What a strange concept that you cannot just hop on a plane and go on a vacation when you want to.

We Americans have it very easy!