Foreign Embassies and Consulates located in Chennai

Consulate General of the United States
Gemini Circle, Gopalapuram
Chennai – 600 006, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91-44-2811 2000
Website: https://chennai.usconsulate.gov
British Deputy High Commission
20 Anderson Road, Thousand Lights West, Gandhi Nagar
Chennai – 600 006, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91-44-4219 2151
Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-deputy-high-commission-chennai
Bureau of France (Consulate General of France)
Bannari Amman Towers Block A, 6th Floor
29 Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore
Chennai – 600 004, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91-44-2847 9500
Website: https://in.ambafrance.org/-Bureau-de-Chennai
Consulate-General of Japan
No. 12/1, Cenotaph Road, 1st Street, Teynampet
Chennai – 600 018, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91-44-2432 3860
Website: https://www.in.emb-japan.go.jp
Consulate General of Germany
No. 9 Boat Club Road, Raja Annamalaipuram
Chennai – 600 028, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91-44-2430 1600
Fax: 91-44-2434 9293
Website: https://india.diplo.de/in-en/vertretungen
Consulate General of Malaysia
16 Cathedral Road
Chennai – 600 086, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91-44-2827 6222
Website: https://www.kln.gov.my/web/ind_chennai
Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore
13 Cathedral Road
Chennai – 600 086, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91-44-2829 1194
Website: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/chennai
Consulate General of Russia
33 Cathedral Road
Chennai – 600 086, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91-44-2813 0580
Website: https://india.mid.ru/en/consular-affairs/russian_consulates_general_in_india
Consulate-General of Australia
115 Cathedral Road
Chennai – 600 086, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91-44-2812 4400
Website: https://chennai.consulate.gov.au
Honorary Consul of Austria
114/117 Kothari Building, Mahatma Gandhi Road,
Nungambakkam
Chennai – 600 034, Tamil Nadu
Phone: 91-44-2833 4515
Fax: 91-44-2833 4515, 91-44-2833 4556
Website: (Not applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Foreign Embassies and Consulates

1. What is the difference between an embassy and a consulate?
An embassy is the primary diplomatic mission located in the capital city of the host country, headed by an ambassador. A consulate (or consulate-general) is a subsidiary office in other major cities, led by a consul or consul-general, providing limited diplomatic services—primarily visa and citizen assistance.

2. What services do consulates provide?
Consulates typically offer:

Visa application processing for tourists, students, and business travelers
Assistance to their own nationals abroad (passport renewal, birth registration, notarial services)
Emergency help (lost or stolen passports, medical evacuation)
Legalizations and authentications of documents
Trade and cultural promotion activities

3. Do I need an appointment to visit a consulate?
Yes. Almost all foreign consulates in Chennai operate strictly by appointment. Walk-ins are generally not accepted due to security protocols. Check the specific mission’s website for the online booking system.

4. What documents are required for a tourist visa application?
While requirements vary by country, most applications need:

Completed visa application form
Valid passport (with at least two blank pages)
Recent passport-size photographs
Proof of travel (flight itinerary, hotel booking)
Financial proof (bank statements, sponsorship letters)
Travel insurance (for Schengen and some other regions)

5. How long does visa processing take?
Processing times differ by destination and visa type:

Schengen short-stay visas: 15 calendar days (may extend to 30–60 days)
U.S. non-immigrant visas: Typically 7–10 business days after interview
U.K. standard visitor visas: 15 working days
Always apply well in advance—preferably 2–3 months before travel.

6. Can a foreign national obtain consular services at any consulate?
No. Consulates serve only nationals of the sending country and visa applicants. A non-U.S. citizen cannot receive American citizen services at a U.S. consulate, but can apply for a U.S. visa there.

7. Are consular fees refundable if a visa is denied?
Consular (visa application) fees are generally non-refundable, regardless of outcome. Administrative fees for certain document services (e.g., notarizations) may vary—check each mission’s fee schedule.

8. What is a consular district?
A consular district defines the geographic area (states or regions) that a consulate covers. For example, the U.S. Consulate in Chennai covers Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry.

9. How do I track my visa application status?
Most missions provide an online tracking system. After submitting biometric data or attending an interview, applicants receive a reference number to check status on the consulate’s visa information portal.

10. What security measures are in place at consulates?
Expect stringent security:

Mandatory ID checks
Banned items (electronic devices, large bags)
Metal detectors and X-ray screening
Restricted entry limited to applicants and required personal items

11. Can I submit documents by mail instead of appearing in person?
Document submission by mail is permitted only for limited services (e.g., passport renewals by mail for certain nationalities). Visa applicants almost always must appear in person for biometric collection and interview.

12. How do honorary consuls differ from career consuls?
An honorary consul is typically a local individual appointed part-time to perform limited consular functions (e.g., document legalization) and does not have full diplomatic status. A career consul is a professional diplomat employed by the foreign service.

13. What should I do in a consular emergency?
Contact the emergency phone number provided on the mission’s website. Emergencies include lost/stolen passports, arrests, serious illness, or evacuation situations. Keep the consulate’s emergency contact handy while traveling.

14. Do consulates facilitate cultural or trade events?
Yes. Many consulates host or sponsor:

Cultural festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings
Business networking events, trade delegations, investment seminars
Educational exchange program promotions

15. Where can I find the most up-to-date information?
Always refer to the official website or social media channels of the specific embassy or consulate for: