New US visa rule for Indians: Collect passports in person or pay for delivery

Dubai: Starting 1 August, the US Embassy in New Delhi has made it mandatory for all US visa applicants in India to collect their passports and related documents in person. No third-party representatives — including relatives — will be allowed to collect on their behalf.

The embassy says the change is aimed at improving the security of applicants’ passports, documents, and personal information.

Exceptions for minors under 18

For applicants under 18, a parent or legal guardian may collect the passport, but only with a hard copy of a consent letter signed by both parents. Scanned or emailed copies will not be accepted.

Home or office delivery option

Applicants unable to collect in person can opt for home or office delivery for ₹1,200 per applicant. This can be arranged by updating delivery preferences online.

How to update delivery preference

• Log in at ustraveldocs.com/in

• Click “Document Delivery Information” on the Visa Application Home page

• Select your name, choose the delivery method, and submit changes

• Use the “Feedback/Requests” option for technical issues, attaching a screenshot and preferred delivery location

Previous collection rules

Earlier, applicants could authorise someone else to collect their passport with an authorisation letter, a photocopy of the applicant’s ID, and the representative’s valid ID. For minors, scanned consent letters were acceptable. The new rules end this flexibility.