New US visa rule for Indians: Collect passports in person or pay for delivery
Applicants unable to collect in person can pay ₹1,200 for home or office 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.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
