Children's visa from Houston Consulate in person. Do children need to be present?

[VidhiVidhan]

My father's health has taken turn for worse in India. I need to go to India urgently with family but my 5 months old children don't have Indian visa (they are US citizens). I checked online and looks like consulate at Houston takes about 10 business days + mailing time to deliver visas. I don't want to wait that long so I am thinking of driving down to Houston and getting visa in person.

My question is do children have to be present physically while applying for their visa at counter? The website is not clear about that and no one answers the phone. Houston is about 700 miles away from where we live. Personally I can drive down but if children have to be taken, 4 of us will have to fly down.

If anyone knows please let me know. Also, if there are any other options that I am not aware of, I will appreciate that feedback.

Thank you very much in advance. I appreciate it very much.

 

[tamtom]

VidhiVidhan,

Some consulates will accept over the counter visa applications from a proxy like a travel agency, and the applicants need not appear in person. I don't know specifically about the Indian consulate in Houston, but you can try inquiring with a travel agent.

Hope this helps,

Tamtom

 

[VidhiVidhan]

I didn't have to look too far for an answer. My wife checked online and found that there was a consular camp at Atlanta which is much closer to where I live than Houston. This way I can drive over and be back on the same day. And children don't need to be present as long as I have their passports, birth certificates and proof that I am their father. And we can get visa the same day.

Thanks to tamtom for responding.