Don't be silly, you need to have your passport to be able to fly to France. No wait. You need to have a Passport even to apply for the IELTS. It's not all that easy. The passport office keeps changing their URL and make offices out of tall buildings hidden behind even taller ones. But that's not the most difficult part.
First, make sure you have all documents. Getting the documents to be submitted itself takes time. You'll need a proof of identity and a proof of residence. And Bank account statement. Get one of those agents to do it for you. Less hassle. He'll know his way around all convoluted paperwork and things. The passport office overflows with people and getting an appointment means you've to go through a long process. So when you do actually get an appointment, take ALL necessary documents. Be calm, be cool. They'll take your fingerprints and things. And all your certificates and documents would be verified. It's a good two hour session so remember to carry a novel. But don't forget what's happening around you. You just cant afford to miss your turn. They've a juice bar and some sandwiches inside the waiting room (and bathrooms too). So you can buy snacks when you're hungry. You can't leave the waiting hall once you're checked in so take all necessary precaution.
Dress properly. Wear decent clothes. Don't do anything stylish with your hair. Just wash it so you don't look like you're one of the Kumbhmela dudes. They'll want you to have the most neutral look on your face while they take the picture. Make sure your hair isn't covering your forehead. I had pretty short hair but the guy at the counter insisted I brush it again and again. Don't grin like a fool when they ask you to look into what looks like a webcam. They'll ask you to stop smiling. It's embarrassing.
The ambiance reminded me of an airport so I was looking to meet interesting people and make friends et al. Funny. You can ogle at the rare cute guy or the not-uncommon cute baby. They're all fun. When you're done they'll let you know. Don't throw away any of the tiny paper receipts, chits, print outs they give you. They meticulously collect every single one back. Once you do get out after AALL the formality, you can walk out a free woman. And then wait for 14 days. (Mine took a couple more days) You'll have a nice police gentleman visit your house and talk to your neighbours (people whose names and addresses you have to provide while applying for the passport). He'll then need you to fill a form. It'll ask you for your criminal record or jail time and you can feel like a badass for not having any. Sign.
Wait some more. It'll then come to you. By post. In a yellow envelope. The postman will insist on delivering it to you and you only. Get it from him. Feel proud about recieving something important all for yourself for the first time. Open up the parcel. Smell your passport. Its like they've made it out of the paper they make currency notes with. Look at all the empty pages that will later be filled with stamps and things from all possible countries far far away. Look the last page. See your passport size photo. Feel terrible. You'll get over it, though. You now have a passport! Use it as ID proof to get into some shady places? Yeah why not!
First, make sure you have all documents. Getting the documents to be submitted itself takes time. You'll need a proof of identity and a proof of residence. And Bank account statement. Get one of those agents to do it for you. Less hassle. He'll know his way around all convoluted paperwork and things. The passport office overflows with people and getting an appointment means you've to go through a long process. So when you do actually get an appointment, take ALL necessary documents. Be calm, be cool. They'll take your fingerprints and things. And all your certificates and documents would be verified. It's a good two hour session so remember to carry a novel. But don't forget what's happening around you. You just cant afford to miss your turn. They've a juice bar and some sandwiches inside the waiting room (and bathrooms too). So you can buy snacks when you're hungry. You can't leave the waiting hall once you're checked in so take all necessary precaution.
Dress properly. Wear decent clothes. Don't do anything stylish with your hair. Just wash it so you don't look like you're one of the Kumbhmela dudes. They'll want you to have the most neutral look on your face while they take the picture. Make sure your hair isn't covering your forehead. I had pretty short hair but the guy at the counter insisted I brush it again and again. Don't grin like a fool when they ask you to look into what looks like a webcam. They'll ask you to stop smiling. It's embarrassing.
The ambiance reminded me of an airport so I was looking to meet interesting people and make friends et al. Funny. You can ogle at the rare cute guy or the not-uncommon cute baby. They're all fun. When you're done they'll let you know. Don't throw away any of the tiny paper receipts, chits, print outs they give you. They meticulously collect every single one back. Once you do get out after AALL the formality, you can walk out a free woman. And then wait for 14 days. (Mine took a couple more days) You'll have a nice police gentleman visit your house and talk to your neighbours (people whose names and addresses you have to provide while applying for the passport). He'll then need you to fill a form. It'll ask you for your criminal record or jail time and you can feel like a badass for not having any. Sign.
Wait some more. It'll then come to you. By post. In a yellow envelope. The postman will insist on delivering it to you and you only. Get it from him. Feel proud about recieving something important all for yourself for the first time. Open up the parcel. Smell your passport. Its like they've made it out of the paper they make currency notes with. Look at all the empty pages that will later be filled with stamps and things from all possible countries far far away. Look the last page. See your passport size photo. Feel terrible. You'll get over it, though. You now have a passport! Use it as ID proof to get into some shady places? Yeah why not!
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