United States entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Indian passport holders must obtain a visa to enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit. As of 2026, you need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. Visa processing can take several weeks to months, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Apply for a US non-immigrant visa (B-1/B-2) at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an interview — wait times can exceed 6 months in India. Bring your printed DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, and a passport photo to the interview.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Indian passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your planned departure date from the US. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you will leave the US before your visa expires. Without one, you risk being questioned and potentially denied entry. A refundable ticket or a cheap flight to Mexico works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your US host ready. CBP officers sometimes ask where you are staying — a vague answer can trigger secondary screening. A simple booking.com reservation printout is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or sponsor letter | Carry bank statements showing at least $200–$300 per day of your stay, or a sponsor letter from your US host with their bank statements. CBP wants to see you can cover your expenses without working illegally. A credit card statement also helps. | Recommended |
Visa processing can take months — apply early
Don't book flights or hotels until your visa is approved. Interview wait times at some consulates can exceed 6 months during peak seasons. Check current wait times on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Service website before planning your trip.
No visa on arrival or ESTA for Indian passport holders
India is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA or get a visa on arrival. A pre-approved visa sticker in your passport is mandatory for all travel to the US.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload a recent photo (2x2 inches, white background), and submit. Save the confirmation barcode page — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185 for B-1/B-2) via bank transfer or at designated branches. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your visa interview
Use the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Service website to book an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad). Wait times vary — check current estimates on the website.
4
Attend the visa interview
Arrive at the embassy with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, appointment letter, and supporting documents (e.g., travel itinerary, bank statements, employment letter). The officer will ask about your trip purpose, ties to India, and plans. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker within a few days to a few weeks. You can track the status online. If refused, you'll get a reason and can reapply later.
6
Arrive at a US port of entry
At the airport, go to the non-citizen queue. Hand over your passport with visa and completed Customs and Border Protection (CBP) declaration form. The officer will take fingerprints, ask a few questions, and stamp your passport with your authorized stay (usually up to 6 months).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity10 years (typical)
Cost$185 USD (₹15,355)
For tourism or business visits; must apply at US embassy/consulate.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years (typical)
Cost$185 USD (₹15,355)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$185 USD (₹15,355) + SEVIS fee
For full-time academic programs; requires I-20 from US school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 6 years (renewable)
Validity3 years initially
Cost$190–$780 USD (₹15,770–₹64,740)
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (renewable)
$190–$780 USD (₹15,770–₹64,740) + legal fees
For professionals in specialty fields; requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows dual intent.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$185 USD (₹15,355) + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work.
investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000–$1,800,000 USD (₹87,150,000–₹149,400,000) investment
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. Leads to permanent residency.
exchange visitor
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Up to 7 years (varies by program)
$220 USD (₹18,260) + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, or research. Requires sponsor organization.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most applicants. | $185 USD (₹15,355) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years typically. | $185 USD (₹15,355) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (₹30,710) |
| Overstay finePenalties depend on length of overstay; may include bar from re-entry. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to change planes in the US, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without additional visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit without a visa for up to 8 hours at certain airports.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; use repellent and check for ticks.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Occasional outbreaks in summer; use insect repellent.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
General food safety is high; risk from undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For inquiries and appointments; extensions filed by mail.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
Practical information for IN travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing times vary. The interview wait can be anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the embassy and season. After approval, passport return takes 3–10 business days. Check the current wait times on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Service website.
The non-refundable MRV fee for a B-1/B-2 visa is $185 (approx. ₹15,400 as of 2026). You pay it before the interview. There are no additional fees unless you need expedited processing or courier delivery.
Yes, but you must apply for an extension with USCIS (Form I-539) before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost $455 (plus biometrics fee). Overstaying can lead to bans.
Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa even for transit (e.g., changing planes in the US). There is no transit waiver for India. Apply for a B-1/B-2 or a C-1 transit visa.
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation barcode, fee receipt, appointment letter, a recent 2x2 photo, and supporting documents: bank statements (last 3–6 months), employment letter, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of ties to India (e.g., property, family).
The consular officer will give you a refusal letter under Section 214(b) (lack of strong ties) or another section. You can reapply anytime, but you must address the reason for refusal. There is no appeal process.
No. While the DS-160 form is online, all applicants aged 14–79 must appear in person for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Exceptions exist only for certain diplomatic or renewal cases.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.