This overview is intended to serve as a guide to parents who are planning to travel to India to take custody of their children.  Some information be out of date and any errors are those of the author.  Please email the author with suggestions or updated information.

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INDEX:
AFTER REFERRAL/DOSSIER SUBMITTED AND BEFORE COURT ORDER RECEIVED PRIOR TO TRAVEL

Document processing
Airfares, bookings, and seats
Indian Visa
Health & Immunizations
US Embassy or Consulate Hours
TRAVEL
     Delhi
          I600 submission in Delhi
          Address, phone, and hours
          Before you travel
          List of documents for I600
     City where your child is located
          Before you travel
          Issues to review during your visit
     City where US Consulate for your agency is located
          Madras
               Address, phone, and hours
               Tips
          List of documents for Consulate and Visa
          Itinerary
MONEY
GIFTS AND/OR DONATIONS FOR INDIA
GUIDES TO INDIA
STAYING IN TOUCH
HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA
-------------------------------------------

AFTER REFERRAL/DOSSIER SUBMITTED AND BEFORE COURT ORDER RECEIVED

After you receive the referral information on your child from your social worker, discuss with her/him the requirements of your State's DHS for International adoption and regional INS requirements.  This can help to ensure that your return from India is not delayed for any reason.

When your INS approves your I600A (salmon colored form), the approval document(s) they send to you in the mail will be accompanied by a blank I600 (blue) form.  If you did not receive this blue form, call your referring agency and request a blank copy.

If your sponsoring agency is located in a different state than yourself (and your local agency), it may be required to complete and submit an ICPC (Inter-state compact) on your behalf (this is to permit the transportation of a child between states - in terms of paperwork, not physically).  The various states have different requirements (or none at all) regarding the ICPC.  You should ensure you know your state's requirements in advance.

The I600 must be completed and submitted (with supporting documents) to your local INS office or the INS office at the Delhi Embassy.  The I600 can only be submitted after (1) you have I600A approval, (2) you receive your Guardianship papers (Court Order) from the Indian courts and (3) you have your state's DHS approval (states' requirements vary) or ICPC if the conditions in the previous paragraph apply to you.

PRIOR TO TRAVEL
 

Document processing:

When your sponsoring agency (the agency that referred the child to you) receives the Court Order granting you guardianship of your child, they will send you the original or a copy of the court order.

Once you/your agency have your court order, the following must be completed by you, your Home Study agency or Indian Program Specialist:

1) State requirements
(a) Commissioner's Consent (required in most states - document requirements for this vary)
OR
(b) ICPC (interstate compact usually required if your referral agency and you are located in different states)

2) INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service)
(a) I-600 (blue) form
(b) Other assorted state requirements
 

Airfares, bookings, and seats:

Before you confirm your tickets, please check with your US agency that you can travel, and that the dates when you plan to travel are acceptable to the Indian agency.  Many agencies have extremely limited time and/or resources and unannounced or unplanned visits from parents can be overwhelming for everyone concerned.

Shop around for good airfares!  Prices vary by several hundred dollars between agencies and airlines. Airlines also vary tremendously in terms of service, assistance and accomodation - so ask around!!

Plan on spending at least 5 working days in India (seven if filing I600 in Delhi) - not counting your arrival and departure days nor any local or US holidays.

If travelling with an infant or toddler, reserve and confirm a bulkhead seat with bassinet or sleeping bag (depending on your child's age and weight) on all segments of the flight.  Request baby food on the plane, but be prepared to do without it.  With an older child, if the plane is not fully booked, request an empty row of seats so you can spread out.

Two days before departing for India, you should call the airline directly and confirm your flight to India as well as your requirements. Two days before you depart from India, you should contact the airline to confirm your reservations and your requirements.  Check in at the airport 2 hours before scheduled departure time in the US (3 hrs early in India) so you can get your intended seats. Be firm, polite and insistent that your requirements are met, but be prepared for problems.

Write down the names, addresses and phone numbers of all contacts here and in India - including the airline's number in Madras or Calcutta - and make 2 copies (1) to carry with you in a different handbag (do not carry them all in one packet) and (2) leave one set with a close friend or family member who you can contact in case of an emergency.

Within India, parents are usually responsible for making hotel arrangements. Some agencies provide recommendations.  Costs range from $50-$275 per night.  You will want to choose a hotel close to the US
Embassy and Consulates.

Several guides to India provide extensive information on cities, hotels, and general tourism information.
 

Indian visa

Each person traveling to India will need a valid passport.  In addition, each person traveling to India will need a separate visa to enter India. Once you have made the decision to travel, you should apply for a visa. The procedure usually takes 5 days and you must send your passport, an application form*, photos, and the visa fee (certified cheque or money order only) to your regional Indian Consulate (you may be able to download an application form from their web-site).  (*the purpose of your visit should be marked 'tourism')

Consider using Express mail and enclosing a self-addressed Express mail envelope with your application. If you do not hear from the Consulate within ten days, contact them and inquire about the status of your visa.
 

Health & Immunizations

At least one month prior to travel, check with your physician about recommended immunizations. If s/he is unsure, contact the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia (you can check out information on their web-site. Ask your doctor about prescriptions in case you get traveler's diarrhea. Over-the-counter drugs such as Immodium will stop diarrhea, but won't kill the germs that cause it.

You may also wish to speak with your pediatrician about carrying some medicines for your child.
 

US Embassy or Consulate Hours

The US Embassy and Consulate are closed on all US holidays and some Indian holidays. Call the US consulate for your region of India (Madras for the South, Bombay for West, Calcutta for East, Delhi for North) to inquire about their schedule for the days you will be there.  Your referring agency can inform you about the Consulate for your region of India. (APPENDIX Names, addresses and public hours of some embassies and offices).  The State Department web site lists information about U.S. Consulates in India.

Your travel arrangements must coincide with the public working hours of both the US Consulate and the US Consulate approved physician.

TRAVEL
 

I.  DELHI

The I600 can be submitted in Delhi only by the sponsoring US citizen - i.e. the parent who was the PRIMARY signatory on the I600A AND if you stated in your I600A that your application should be cabled to the Embassy in Delhi, India.  If you did not, you can request your INS office to change where the I600A approval should be maintained - but some INS offices may be uncooperative and/or charge a fee for the change.

This section applies to you if:

1)  You plan to gain I-600 approval from the INS at the US Embassy in New Delhi, India (this should take a day but be prepared for delays).  You may do this only if you are the primary sponsor parent on the I600A application (you cannot do a switch partway through the process).

or

2)  The Delhi Consulate is the designated location for your agency region (doing both 1 & 2 can take 3-4 days but you should be prepared for delays.
 

Address:
1 Shantipath
New Delhi
Phone:
011-91-11-611-3033 or 011-91-11-688-9033 (from US)
011-611-3033 or 011-688-9033 (from outside Delhi)
611-3033 or 688-9033 (within Delhi)

India is 11.5 hr ahead of Central Standard time in winter, 10.5 in summer)
INS Contact person:  Manoj

Before you travel to Delhi
Call the US Embassy to confirm:
1) the Adjudicating Officer for INS who processes 'orphan cases' will be there to receive and process your I-600 application
2) INS at Delhi has received your I-600A approval notice and file from your local INS office.

List of documents for INS and I600
1) I-600 (blue form) signed US citizen petitioner of I-600A and by spouse
2) copy Home Study
3) copy Child Study and Medical Report
4) original and copy Court Order and judgment
5) original Department of Human Services' statement (of your state) that you have met all state requirements to make you eligible to adopt a child (if required).
or
ICPC (inter-state compact) according to requirements of your state.
6) copy of I600 A Pre-approval (called the I-171H)
7) your passport for identification
8) your copy of your dossier packet (for your security)
9) Relinquishment document from birth mother
or
Juvenile court's document.
This is a highly sensitive and important document. Do not leave it at the US INS or Consulate.  It must be returned to the Indian agency.  Some agencies will release this document, others are uncomfortable doing so.  In the past year, many parents have reported problems or delays if they cannot present this document.
 

II.  CITY WHERE YOUR CHILD IS LOCATED

Before you travel, please call or fax your Indian agency to discuss or confirm:
1) your itinerary and arrival date
2) arrangements they have made (if any) for your arrival and stay
3) donations for the agency you can carry with you

Issues to review during your visit:
1) documents you require from Indian agency for child's visa and passport
2) taking or carrying photos or videos of other children for their parents
3) appointment with US Consulate approved doctor in city where US consulate is located
4) details on the US Consulate, doctor's clinic, photo studio, hotel etc.
 

III.  CITY WHERE US CONSULATE FOR YOUR AGENCY IS LOCATED

Parents who have completed their visa work in Bombay, Delhi or Calcutta are invited to email the author with information about those Consulates (addresses, phone numbers, adoptions officer names, hours, peculiarities of the Consulate etc).

Madras
The states of Andhara Pradesh (Hyderabad), Karnataka (Bangalore), Tamil Nadu (Madras), Kerala, and Orissa.

This section applies to parents who will travel to Madras with their child for his/her visa from the US Consulate.
 

Address:
220 Mount Road (but you want to go around the corner to the entrance on xxxx Road)
Madras 600 006
Phone:
011-91-44-827-3040 or (fax) 011-91-44-826-2538 (from US)
044-827-3040 or (fax) 044-826-2538 (from outside Madras)
827-3040 or (fax) 826-2538 (within Madras)
India is 11.5 hr ahead of Central Standard time in winter, 10.5 in summer).
Adoptions contact person:  Chris
Visa section hours: 2-4 pm

Tips

You cannot park or have a car wait for you anywhere on the roads along the exterior of the US Consulate compound.  If you are in Madras and have a car and driver, tell him to park the car at Woodlands (down the street) and to wait for you at a designated spot near the Consulate.  If you are taking an autorickshaw, just wave on down as you exit from the Consulate gate.

Pushing your way through the crowds while displaying your US passport prominently will enable you and your child to get through the crowds waiting outside the Consulate.  Use the entrance on xxx Road (the same entrace for the Library) and go to Citizen Services around the corner.  Explain that you are there regarding adoption and they will help speed the process up for you.  By going to Citizen Services, you will be able to avoid waiting with your small child in a crowded, noisy room.  At Citizen Services, there are comfortable chairs and some children's books etc.  Still, be sure to bring along toys, snacks etc. in case you have a long wait.
 

Before you travel to India and/or your Consulate city, please call the Consulate to confirm:

1) Officer at the Consulate has received your I-600 approval notice from either Delhi INS or your State's INS office.  Problems here tend to cause the most delays.  If there is a problem, be persistent and follow-through with reminders for individuals regarding checking their files or fax-box etc.
2) the visa officer for adoptions will be present on the days of your visit.

List of documents for Consulate and Visa
(Documents marked with an * will be provided or procured in India):
1)  I600 approval - Consulate must receive this directly from INS Delhi or US INS.  The parent's copy will not suffice.
2)  your passport for identification
3)  I-864 Affidavit of Support with supporting documents:
       a) copies of three most recent (i.e. 1996, 1997, 1998) Federal Tax Returns (form 1040).  Bring all pages submitted to IRS.
       b) Notarized proof of employment (letter from employer stating position, period of employment and salary or original pay-slip for primary sponsor (who signed the original I-600A application).
4)  Visa Fee - this must be in the form of a US$ or Indian Rupee bank draft.  The Consulate is now "cash-free"!!  So they will not accept anything but bank drafts.  Fortunately, the rates are set (you can get the draft amount information with a phone call to the Consulate) and don't fluctuate daily like they used. to.  Most banks issue drafts only in the morning, and this process can take 30 minutes to an hour.
*5)  Child's passport
*6)  Passport size photos of your child (taken day 1)\
        Four (minimum) photos of child - must be with a LIGHT background (or they will be rejected!) - white or pale blue.
        a)  paste on medical examination form
        b)  paste on visa application
        c)  Consulate will attach in passport
        d)  paste in your baby book
*7)  Sealed Medical Packet (from visit to MD with child, day 1)
*8)  Birth affidavit from Indian Agency
*9)  Relinquishment document from birth mother
       or
       Juvenile court's document.
This is a highly sensitive and important document. Do not leave it at the US INS or Consulate.  It must be returned to the Indian agency.  Some agencies will release this document, others are uncomfortable doing so.  In the past year, many parents have reported problems or delays if they cannot present this document.
*10)  Your child must be presented at the Consulate for the "interview" and visa approval (see Itinerary below).

Itinerary in Consulate city

When you arrive
1. Confirm your departure flight immediately. Many airlines cancel unconfirmed seats and overbook flights.
 

Day I:

1.  Collect application form from US Consulate for visa - you may be able to request that the documents be kept waiting for you at Citizen Services if you cannot be at the consulate during visa hours.  If this is not possible, there will be a long wait just to pick up these blank forms. It contains a list of doctors who can do the final medical check.
2.  Visit doctor for child's medical check-up.  Carry the following documents:
     a)  Consulate form
     b)  child's passport
     c)  your passport
     d)  your child's immunization records
3.  Photo studio for child's passport and other documents. Ask agency for suggestions.
4.  Return to doctor's clinic after 5 pm to pick up sealed Medical packet.
5.  Return to Photo studio to pick up photos
 

Day 2:

1. 9:00 am - Visit US Consulate with Medical packet and List of documents. Take your child with you for the Interview.
2. Return to Consulate between 3-4 pm (check the hours) to pick up your child's visa and passport. You will be given a fresh, sealed envelope. Only the immigration officer at the Port of Entry into the US may open this.
3. Make copy of child's passport and visa sheet and keep in separate location in hand baggage in case of loss of originals.
 

Departure day:

1.  Arrive at airport at least 3 hours before departure so you can confirm bulkhead seats with bassinet for you and baby (these are in high demand, and you may get bumped even if you have confirmed seats).  Appearing overwhelmed, exhausted, and/or tearful (that should not pose a challenge at this point in your journey) can only help your situation.
2.  Keep the following handy:
     a. Passports
     b. Visa packet for your child
     c. Tickets and itinerary
     d. Taxi fare and porter tip
     e. Baby stuff
bottles, formula, food, snacks, 'loveys', toys, books, disposable camera to capture the special journey takes little space, a healthy dose of patience.
In particular, small Rubbermaid-type containers with premeasured amounts of formula that you can dump into bottles of warm water can very helpful during travel.
     g. something for baby to suck on or eat during takeoff or landing (when YOUR ears pop, it's time to act).  Consider raisins, dried apricots, crackers, a sippie-cup of juice, a lollipop for older children - this is not the time to be concerned about quality of diet or rotting teeth.
3.  Diapers and baby food are usually available on flight (but don't count on it). Flight attendants can be extremely helpful (or not) and special advance requests may be met (or not).

MONEY

Most families suggest bringing a combination of US dollars in cash as well as traveler's checks. If you bring cash, bring a variety of new (not tattered) bills in $20s and $50s.

GIFTS AND/OR DONATIONS FOR INDIA

Small gifts of appreciation for the people who have taken care of your child (and you!) are appropriate. Agency staff members will usually assist you during your stay.

You will also want to bring gifts for your child's caregivers.  Most agencies discourage singling out a particular caregiver for gifts, so please ensure you bring enough gifts for all the caregivers.  Bring things that are lightweight, unbreakable and clearly from the US. Bags and bars of chocolates are especially appreciated.  Also consider hair clips and hair ties, large bottles of shampoo, wall calendars from your home state, or bottles of nail-polish. Some agencies are quite willing to let you make small monetary or other gifts to the caretakers which are shared equally by all the staff members, but these should be discussed with agency staff in advance.

You may wish to speak with other families who have traveled for suggestions about the kinds of gifts to bring for caregivers and other agency staff. They also may have suggestions for what is currently needed at the nursery.

Please ask your coordinating agency if they would like you to carry any donations or documents (in either direction) with you.  Please consider donating one suitcase (more if you can afford it) of items to the nursery or orphanage. The following is a list of possible choices:

Medical donations:

• Children's Tylenol
• Infant Tylenol
• Chewable and 'Polyvisol' drop multi-vitamins
• Neosporin ointment
• skin creams (for diaper rash)
• toothbrushes
• (ask your physician, dentist, or colleagus at work if they are willing to make a donation of these items).

Care related items:

• diaper pins
• clean nipples and bottles in good condition
• water-proof lap pads
• receiving blankets
• high quality disposable diapers
• high quality clothes should be appropriate to the region and local temperature variations. All clothes should clean and comfortable - avoid lace and other 'dainty' (read "scratchy") items.
• some pieces of full-body (warm) clothing are useful for babies during travel to their families.

Other donations should be based on the ages of the children at the agency:

age-appropriate children's picture books - especially hard books
building blocks Duplos (6mo+)
plastic links
rattles
mobiles
music tapes
Older children:
     hair clips
     puzzles or games
     coloring pens and books
     crayons
     stickers
     empty scrap books for older children
     colored paper
     glue
     scissors

Agency:
 

tape player (it must be 220 volts - not 110 as in the US, and remember that batteries are very expensive)
cash donations can be used in-country to buy items for the nursery

Try to bring durable items that can be used by large numbers of children.
'Gently-used' items that are clean and of good quality are usually welcome.
 

GUIDES TO INDIA

Among these, the 'Lonely Planet' guide to India comes highly recommended by many parents (available at Barnes & Noble stores).

The 'Baedeker' guide to India provides excellent cultural and travel information.

There are also several Web sites on the Internet, some having to do with International adoption and some with Indian culture, history and politics.

PIC (Parents of Indian Children) in the Twin Cities, is also a useful source of information and support.

STAYING IN TOUCH

Phone calls from India to the US are very expensive (around $3 per minute - plus a 25 - 40% luxury tax surcharge if calling from hotels).

Check with your long distance company for rates when calling the US from India using
one of their credit cards - however the per-minute rate is high, so keep your call short and ask friends and family to call you back.  Faxes are commonly accessible and are a much cheaper means of communication.

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS (OR NOT)

Private clubs offer some of the best and most reasonable accomodations around.  You may have access to such clubs through Indian relatives or friends (or friends of friends of friends).  Availability is often a challenge - especially on short notice.  Even in the larger, over-crowded urban centers, these clubs can offer a haven with their gardens, walking areas, trees, and generally uncrowded space.

Bombay
Calcutta
Delhi
Madras

The Taj Hotels and the Sheratons are excellent hotels but are ridiculously overpriced (arond $200 - $400 per night).

Grand Day's Inn is an excellent hotel with a plethora of wonderful restaurants and impeccable service.  It also offers a tremendous value for your money (at around $100 per night).  It is not very close to the Consulate and reservations may be difficult to come by (it is a regular with British business folks).

Hotel Ambassador Pallava is a fine hotel with earnest service.  However, it is some quite some distance from the Consulate (but very close to the British Airways office!).
 

CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA

455 N. City Front Plaza Dr. Ste 850
NBC Tower Building
Chicago IL 60611
Phone: (312) 595-0405 Fax: (312) 595-0416