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🇮🇳INDIA
🇺🇸UNITED STATESIN-US

Do India passport holders need a visa to visit United States?

Yes, Indian citizens need a U.S. visitor visa. Indian ordinary passport holders need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa before travelling to the United States for tourism, visits, medical treatment, or short business meetings. The visa may be issued for multiple entries, but CBP decides each actual admission period at the port of entry.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-26
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26
Visa type
B-1/B-2 visitor visa
Maximum stay
CBP decides at entry, often up to 6 months
per entry
Entries
Multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
US$185
consular fee only
Processing time
Appointment-dependent
standard track
Validity
Up to 10 years
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Complete DS-160
Submit the online nonimmigrant visa form and save the confirmation page for your appointment.
· online· required
/02
Pay and schedule
Create a U.S. visa scheduling profile in India, pay the MRV fee, and book VAC biometrics plus consular interview slots.
· US$185· two visits
/03
Attend biometrics
Visit the Visa Application Center with passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, and photo if needed.
· fingerprints· photo
/04
Attend interview
Answer the purpose-of-travel, funding, employment, family, and return-intent questions clearly and consistently.
· consular officer· 214(b) standard
/05
Track passport return
If approved, wait for passport delivery or pickup and verify visa class, entries, and expiration date.
· post-interview· track online
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Passport valid for U.S. travel
Include old passports with prior visas if available
DS-160 confirmation page
Barcode must match the appointment profile
Appointment confirmation
VAC and consular appointment details
MRV fee receipt
Non-refundable application fee
Recent visa photo
Bring one printed photo if upload fails
Employment or study proof
Leave letter, salary slips, business registration, or enrollment proof
Funds and tax evidence
Bank statements, ITRs, sponsor proof if applicable
Travel plan
Itinerary, accommodation, event, or family visit details
Home ties evidence
Family, property, employment, or business obligations in India
Prior visa/refusal history
Be ready to explain previous refusals, overstays, or long stays
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
MRV application feeUS$185State Department
Visa issuance feeUS$0India reciprocity
Courier or pickupVariesScheduling profile
Photo / document prepVariesOptional
Total estimateUS$185 — US$230+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Appointment wait
Varies by city
Interview wait times change frequently in India. Check the scheduling portal before fixing travel dates.
Passport return
3-10 business days
Typical after approval, but not guaranteed.
Administrative processing
Weeks or longer
Some cases need extra checks after the interview.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Insufficient ties outside the U.S.
The officer is not satisfied you will leave after a temporary visit.
High
/02
Unclear purpose of travel
Vague itinerary, weak event details, or inconsistent answers can trigger refusal.
High
/03
Funding mismatch
Trip cost does not fit income, savings, or sponsor evidence.
Medium
/04
DS-160 inconsistencies
Employment, travel history, family, or refusal answers conflict with supporting documents.
Medium
/05
Prior immigration problems
Previous overstays, unauthorized work, or misrepresentation are serious red flags.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
CBP inspection
A visa lets you request admission. CBP decides the actual period of stay and records it in your I-94.
/02
Customs
Declare food, agricultural items, and cash over USD 10,000. Missing declarations can cause fines or seizure.
/03
Connectivity
Airport SIMs are expensive; eSIMs or prepaid plans bought online often work better for short trips.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-26
Visitor visa route verified
Checked U.S. State Department visitor visa guidance, India reciprocity, and India appointment flow for the current route.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Does a 10-year visa mean I can stay 10 years?—
No. Visa validity controls when you may request entry. CBP sets each stay period when you arrive, and it is usually recorded in the I-94.
Should I buy flights before the interview?+
Can a U.S. relative sponsor me?+
Can I work remotely from the U.S. on B-1/B-2?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the India passport

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Compare the India passport
Stack it up against another passport→
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India visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇮🇳▤
India passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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