Visa Status
Embassy Visa
Maximum Stay
Up to 6 months (determined by CBP officer)
Application
At embassy or consulate
Last Verified
2026-08-01
Indian passport holders need a B1/B2 Visitor Visa for the USA. The fee is USD 185 (approx. ₹15,400). The process requires a DS-160 online application and an in-person interview at a US consulate. The visa is typically valid for 10 years with stays up to 6 months per entry.
The United States is a major destination for Indian travellers, offering iconic cities, national parks, theme parks, and diverse landscapes. Indian passport holders need a B1/B2 Visitor Visa to enter the US for tourism, which requires an in-person interview at a US Embassy or consulate. The process is more involved than many other visa applications, but the visa is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries. This guide covers the visa process, fees, interview, required documents, and key requirements for Indian travellers.
Yes, Indian passport holders require a B1/B2 Visitor Visa to enter the United States for tourism or business. The visa requires an in-person interview at a US Embassy or consulate. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is not available for Indian passport holders, as India is not part of the Visa Waiver Program.
The B1/B2 visa allows stays of up to 6 months per entry, as determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. The I-94 arrival record specifies the exact date by which you must leave the US. The visa itself is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries.
The B1/B2 Visitor Visa is the standard visa for Indian leisure and business travellers visiting the United States. The B2 component covers tourism, visiting family and friends, and medical treatment. The B1 component covers business activities. The visa is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries, but each stay is limited to 6 months as determined by the CBP officer.
To enter the US, Indian passport holders need: a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry, a valid B1/B2 visa in the passport, a return or onward flight ticket, and evidence of ties to India (employment, family, property) to show intent to return. The CBP officer at the port of entry determines the length of authorised stay.
Passport validity
Minimum 6 months beyond date of entry
Visa type
B1/B2 Visitor Visa for tourism or business
Interview
In-person interview at US Embassy or consulate required
ESTA
ESTA is not available for Indian passport holders; a full visa is required
Documents required for the US B1/B2 visa application include: a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry, the completed DS-160 online application form, a recent photograph per US visa specifications, the visa fee payment receipt (USD 185), interview appointment confirmation, bank statements for the last 6 months, income tax returns for the last 3 years, an employment letter or business proof, and a detailed itinerary. Supporting documents to prove ties to India are important.
The B1/B2 Visitor Visa application fee is USD 185 (approx. ₹15,400). The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before scheduling the interview. The fee can be paid online or at designated bank branches. VFS Global or the US Embassy may charge additional service fees for passport delivery.
The US visa application process involves: completing the DS-160 online application form, paying the visa fee, scheduling an interview appointment at a US Embassy or consulate, attending the in-person interview with all documents, and waiting for the visa to be processed and the passport to be returned.
Complete the DS-160 online visa application form at ceac.state.gov.
Pay the USD 185 visa application fee through the official payment portal.
Schedule an interview appointment at a US Embassy or consulate in India.
Attend the in-person interview with all required documents and your passport.
Wait for the visa to be processed (typically 3–7 working days after interview).
Receive your passport with the visa by courier, or collect it from the designated location.
The overall processing time depends on interview wait times, which vary by consulate and can range from a few days to several months. After the interview, visa processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days. If additional administrative processing is required, it can take several weeks. It is strongly recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date.
The B1/B2 visa stay period is determined by the CBP officer at entry (usually up to 6 months). Extensions can be filed with USCIS using Form I-539 before the authorised stay expires, but are not guaranteed and require a filing fee. Overstaying is a serious violation and can result in deportation and future visa denials.
Common mistakes include: not demonstrating sufficient ties to India during the interview (this is the most common reason for visa denial), not carrying supporting documents to the interview, providing inconsistent information between the DS-160 and the interview, not checking the I-94 expiry date (overstaying even by one day has serious consequences), and underestimating interview wait times.
US visa information is published by the US Department of State (Bureau of Consular Affairs) and US Embassies and Consulates in India. The official visa information portal is travel.state.gov. The US Embassy in India website is in.usembassy.gov.
Last verified: 2026-08-01. Visa rules can change. Always confirm with official sources before travel.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements change frequently. The information on this page was last verified on 2026-08-01. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy website or your travel agent before applying. VacationTrips does not guarantee that this information is current at the time of your travel.