USA entry requirements for travellers from India
Visa requirement summary
Indian passport holders need a US visa to visit the United States. India is not a member of the Visa Waiver Program, so there is no ESTA option for Indian nationals. The correct visa for tourism, visiting family, or a short holiday is the B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
The B-1/B-2 is one of the most commonly applied-for US visas in India, and the process involves an online application, a visa fee, and a mandatory in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. Interview appointment wait times at US missions in India have historically been long — sometimes many months at peak periods — so plan ahead and apply as early as possible.
Applying for the B-1/B-2 visa
The B-1/B-2 is a combined business/tourism visitor visa. Applications are made online and in person through the following steps:
1. Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov. This is the standard nonimmigrant visa application form. Answer all questions fully — incomplete or inaccurate responses can result in refusal.
2. Pay the MRV fee. The current visa application fee is $185 per person. This is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Payment is made through the local US Embassy’s payment system before you book your appointment.
3. Schedule an interview appointment at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Wait times for interview appointments vary significantly — from a few days to many months depending on the embassy location and time of year. Check current wait times at the US Embassy’s local website before you plan your trip.
4. Attend the in-person interview. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, appointment confirmation, and your supporting documents. A consular officer will ask about your travel plans, employment, finances, and ties to your home country.
5. Collect your visa or receive a decision. If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. If additional administrative processing is needed, this can add several weeks.
Key documents to prepare
The consular officer will assess whether you have genuine tourism intentions and sufficient reason to return to India after your visit. Supporting documents typically include:
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay
- Bank statements (typically covering the past three to six months) showing adequate funds
- Proof of employment or business ownership in India — pay slips, letter from employer, or business registration
- Property ownership documents, family ties, or other evidence of strong ties to India
- Travel itinerary (hotel bookings, planned activities)
- Previous US visa stamps (if any) can strengthen your application
There is no fixed minimum bank balance required, but the funds shown must be credibly sufficient to cover your trip costs without needing to work in the US.
How long you can stay
A B-1/B-2 visa is typically issued for multiple entries with a validity of 10 years, although the actual duration varies by individual application. Each admission into the US is granted by a CBP officer at the port of entry — the standard admission period for tourism is six months, but the officer decides the exact period.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you intend to leave the United States.
Proof of funds
You must demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your trip. Bank statements showing consistent balances over several months, salary slips, and employer letters all contribute to this.
Onward or return travel
A confirmed return flight booking to India and a clear travel itinerary help show that you intend to leave the US at the end of your visit.
Health requirements
There are no vaccination requirements for Indian citizens entering the United States.
Other entry requirements
You cannot work in the US on a B-1/B-2 visa. Study for more than 18 hours per week on a B visa is also not permitted. Violation of visa conditions can result in deportation and future visa refusals.
FAQs
Do Indian passport holders need a visa for the USA?
Yes. India is not a VWP country. Indian nationals must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa before travelling to the United States.
How much does the US visa cost for Indians?
The non-refundable MRV application fee is $185. A potential additional $250 integrity fee has been legislated but was pending implementation as of 2026 — check the US Embassy website for the current fee schedule.
How long will I wait for a visa interview?
Wait times at US missions in India vary. Check the current appointment availability at the US Embassy in New Delhi or the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata. Applying well in advance — ideally 6–12 months before your intended travel — is advisable during peak periods.
What if my visa is refused?
A refusal is not permanent. You can reapply, ideally after addressing the reason for the previous refusal. Common reasons include insufficient ties to India, inadequate funds, or incomplete documentation.
How long can I stay in the US on a B-1/B-2 visa?
The visa may be valid for up to 10 years, but each stay is determined by CBP at entry — typically up to six months. Your admission stamp shows the specific date by which you must leave.
Can I apply for a US visa for the first time without a previous travel history?
Yes. Previous travel history helps but is not a requirement. Strong evidence of ties to India — employment, property, family — is more important for first-time applicants.