Services for Australians
Consular Services
Consular assistance can be provided to Australian citizens living in and travelling through India.
Australian High Commission in New Delhi and Australian Consulates-General in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata provide consular assistance.
You can contact the Australian Consulate General, Chennai on +91 44 4592 1300 or email che[email protected] to make an appointment.
The Consulate is open (visits by appointments only) from Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) 9am to 5pm.
For consular emergencies outside of these hours please call the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on
- +61 2 6261 3305 or SMS +61 421 269 080 if overseas
- 1300 555 135 if in Australia
Assisting Australians overseas
The Consular Services Charter outlines consular services and assistance provided by the Australian Government. There will be circumstances in which our ability to provide consular support may be limited.
Frequently asked questions:
Where can I find a lawyer in India?
We can email you a list of English-speaking lawyers for Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry and Andamans on request. If you need a lawyer in Australia please see www.whitepages.com.au or www.australianlawyersdirectory.com.au
Where can I find a local doctor or dentist in India?
We can email you a list of doctors and medical service providers on request. This list includes providers in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry and Andamans.
Separate doctor lists for other areas in India are maintained by Australian High Commission in New Delhi and Australian Consulates-General in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata.
Travel Advice
Smartraveller has the latest, authoritative travel advice so you can be informed and prepared about overseas travel. Subscribe to Smartraveller to receive travel advice updates - by simply supplying your name and email address - straight to your inbox.
In a crisis, Smartraveller will activate a crisis page on its website. It will make it easier for you or someone you know to contact the Australian Government if you need help. It will supplement the consular emergency hotline.
As always, we encourage Australians overseas to stay in touch with friends and family and let them know you’re safe.
The travel advice for India can be accessed at India Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller
Living in India
How do I get a replacement Australian drivers’ licence?
The renewal of Australian drivers’ licences is handled by the various State and Territory authorities. The Consulate-General does not issue or renew drivers’ licences and can only assist with the witnessing and certifying of documents if required. For further questions, or to obtain the relevant documentation for renewing your licence, please contact the transport office in the relevant Australian State or Territory.
What benefits or payments am I entitled to as a former Australian Resident?
See the Australian Government Benefits and Payments website.
How do I obtain a police clearance or certificate of good conduct?
See the Australian Federal Police website.
Can I vote in Australian elections while overseas?
For current information on Australian elections, enrolment procedures and voting whilst overseas, visit the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) website at www.aec.gov.au or contact the AEC via email ([email protected]) or telephone (+61 2 6273 8606).
I’m having difficulties with my business. Can the Australian Consulate-General in Chennai assist with my dispute?
The Consulate-General in Chennai cannot act as a legal representative or give legal advice. All legal disputes must be resolved through the Indian legal system. Contact us by email to request a copy of the list of English-speaking lawyers in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry and Andamans.
How can I verify if an Australian job offer is genuine?
The Consulate-General does not have any procedure in place to confirm whether a job offer made from Australia is legitimate. You may wish to contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/ to get any details about the job offers made to you.
Please note we are aware of a number of hoax employment opportunities requesting funds be transferred into bank accounts for visa processing, employment related costs and/or to setup local bank accounts in Australia to meet visa issuance requirements. At no stage will the Australian High Commission in New Delhi and Australian Consulates-General in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata , request any payment or charge any fees to assist with visa processing or employment opportunities in Australia.
If you have concerns about the validity of an employment offer, please refer to the information regarding potential visa scams, including various warning signs, which is available on the Australian High Commission New Delhi website: Visa and Migration Scams (highcommission.gov.au).
Please refer to some prevention tips below:
- Do not make any payments in relation to an employment offer.
- Do not disclose personal or financial information to an unknown party.
- Do not respond to unsolicited or suspicious job offers.