The German consulate office in Mumbai has recently moved to a new building and they have some quirky rules which can throw off anyone who does not know them. I faced problems due to these rules and was helped by some kind souls. This article should help people prepare for their consulate visit and avoid facing problems which I did.
- Backpacks are not allowed. They allow you to carry your paperwork in files/folders/envelopes but backpacks are a strict NO. If you have a backpack you are simply asked to leave and make "arrangement" for keeping your backpack elsewhere. This can get quite harrowing, but some tips below can help.
- Mobile phones are not allowed. Again, if you are having a mobile phone on you, you need to make "arrangement" to keep it outside and return without mobile phone. If you are not well prepared, "arrangements" mentioned above can take significant time leading to potential loss of appointment. Tips mentioned below should help in avoiding such hassles.
If you are driving to the consulate office or are being driven there by a car which can wait for you till you finish your paperwork, you are lucky. Just read this para and skip everything else.
Parking is generally available in a lane behind Hoechst house. Set your google maps to MCGM Garden for easily available parking spots (paid).
Keep everything apart from required documents in the car and walk to Hoechst house.
Bring a person along with you to hold your stuff while you handle paperwork at the consulate. This is super important as a person visiting alone with a backpack or a mobile will find it hard to get someone to hold their belongings for them (you may find someone with a later appointment, ready to hold your bag/phone but it is better to be prepared and get someone with you to avoid wasting time) There is no waiting area within the building. Everyone besides the applicant (even the applicant themselves if they are ahead of time for their appointment) has to wait on the street outside the building. This is bad during summers and gets worse during rains. My recommendation is to find a good restaurant/cafe nearby, have your buddy wait for you with your stuff while you finish your paperwork.
On a first glance, it is hard to find good restaurants around, specially if you are not from Mumbai or don't know the area. Following is a list of nearby restaurants where your buddy can wait.
- Suzette: This is the closest cafe to the consulate, serves great food, but has dirty restrooms.
- Status: A large restaurant which is pretty busy at lunch hour.
- Spesso: Another large restaurant with clean restrooms and good food.
- Prego: In a lane parallel to Hoechst house, attached to CR2 mall. Serves Beer/Alcohol!
- Food Court at CR2 mall: Another option nearby which can be a great place to wait.
Hope this helps anyone visiting the Mumbai consulate for the first time. This document can be modified and if you want to add additional tips, feel free to suggest changes via comments / direct edits.