Apply visa
Last Update: 21-08-2024
⚡Quick Summary
 US tourist visa processing time | 6-12 Months |
 US tourist visa fees | US$ 185 (INR 15,540) |
 US tourist visa validity | 10 Years |
 US tourist visa stay duration | 6 Months |
 How to apply for a US tourist visa? |
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 US tourist visa requirements |
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Planning a trip to the USA can be exciting! But navigating the visa process can be equally overwhelming. So, in this comprehensive blog, we share everything you need to obtain your US tourist visa from India.
From essential documentation to in-depth application procedure, US visitor visa price, validity, practical tips and more, we’ll cover all the details. Whether you're a first-time traveller or a seasoned globetrotter, our goal is to make your journey to the USA stress-free.
Yes, Indians need a tourist visa to visit the USA for recreational or tourism purposes. This visa is known as the B-2 visa. With a B-2 visa, Indians can engage in tourism, sightseeing, visiting family or friends, or receiving medical treatment.
If you're a foreign national planning to travel to the United States, you'll typically need to obtain a visa. U.S. visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas intended for temporary stays, including business (B-1 visa), tourism (B-2 visa), or a combination of both (B-1/B-2 visa).
Activities Allowed with a Visitor Visa
With a visitor visa, you can engage in the following activities:
Activities Not Allowed with a Visitor Visa
Certain activities require different visa categories and are not permitted under a visitor visa, including:
Following are the documents required for US tourist visa:
DS 160 Confirmation |
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Passport |
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Recent Photograph |
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Bank Statement |
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Income Tax Return |
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Cover Letter |
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Invitation Letter |
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If Employed |
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If Self-Employed |
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If Sponsored |
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Step 1: Know Your Visa Type
Determine the type of visa you need based on the purpose of travel. For tourism and recreational purposes, Indians typically need a B-1/B-2 visa.
Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form
Complete the Non immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. You will need your DS-160 number to book your US visitor visa appointment. Read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form before starting the application. You can’t make changes to the form once it is submitted.
Step 3: Pay the US Tourist Visa Fees
Visa applicants are required to pay a non-refundable, non-transferable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee, whether or not a visa is issued to them.
To ensure the proper amount is paid timely, create a profile and choose the Schedule Appointment option. On the payment confirmation screen, you will be presented with payment options and further details for initiating payment. It can take up to 1 business day from the time of payment for your receipt to be activated.
You can pay the MRV fee using NEFT, UPI, debit or credit card, etc.
Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Appointment
To schedule your US tourist visa appointment, login to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. On the dashboard, select the Schedule Appointment button. This will start the process of scheduling your appointment.
Applicants need to schedule two US tourist visa appointments, one for the Visa Application Center and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate
You will need the following to schedule your US tourist visa appointment-
As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.
Step 5: Attend Your US Visa Appointment
For your US Visa application centre appointment, you must present the authorities with the undermentioned:
Step 6: Track Your Application
If your visa application is approved, your passport and visa can be collected from the pickup location you selected when you scheduled your interview appointment. When your passport is available at the selected location you will receive an email and an SMS that your passport is “Ready for Pick Up”. Domestic and international delivery services to the applicant’s address are available as a premium service.
Location for US Tourist Visa Application in India
| Visa Application Centre | Address |
Delhi | S-1 American Plaza (Hotel Eros managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110019 |
Chennai | No. 3, Cenotaph Road, Teynampet, Chennai - 600018 |
Hyderabad | 502, Gowra Grand, S.P. Road, Begumpet, Secunderabad - 500003 |
Kolkata | Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor), Kolkata - 700017 |
Mumbai | Trade Center, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai - 400051 |
Teleport makes applying for a US tourist visa super straightforward and completely stress-free. Simply follow the steps below-
The processing time for a US tourist visa for Indians can vary depending on factors such as the workload at the US consulate, time of the year, etc. Generally, US tourist visa processing time is 7 to 10 working days to get your visa processed upon submission of necessary documents at the visa application centre.
However, the US tourist visa wait time for the appointment at the visa centre can take 6-12 months. So, effectively, the processing time for a US tourist visa can range anywhere between 6-12 months.
It's recommended to apply for a US tourist visa a year in advance of your intended travel dates to allow for potential delays in processing. Using fast-track processing services may expedite the visa processing time.
The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types, including the US tourist visa, is US$185. This fee applies to tourist (B-2), business (B-1), student, and exchange visas. The US tourist visa fee are non-refundable and subject to change. Additional fees may apply depending on factors such as foreign exchange fluctuations, expedited processing service, or courier delivery if availed.
Your US tourist visa or B-1/B-2 visa is usually valid for 10 years from the date of issuance and allows for a stay of 180 days or 6 months. It is a multiple-entry visa.
However, please note that the validity granted depends on various factors, including the consular officer's discretion, the purpose of the visit, and the applicant's circumstances. And even though a visa is valid for 10 years, the duration of stay allowed during each visit is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry and is conveyed via Form I-94. Typically, CBP officers grant entry for a period of up to six months on a tourist visa.
No, Indians can’t extend their US tourist visa. Note that the validity of a US visa cannot be extended regardless of its type. You will always have to apply for a new visa when your old visa expires.
However, when re-applying for your US visa, you may proceed without a consular interview. For this, you should have an existing U.S. visa in the same class as the visa for which you wish to apply, and that existing visa should still be valid or should have expired within the last 48 months.
If you've applied for your US visa with Teleport, expect to get real-time updates via WhatsApp, email, or directly within the Teleport Dashboard.
Here's how to check your application's progress:
For an alternative way to keep track of your USA visa application, you can use the official government portal
Securing US visas can pose challenges. Through this blog, we aim to simplify the process of obtaining a USA tourist or B-1/B-2 visa. Should you have any questions, \reach out to us on 073148 52914 or drop us a message on WhatsApp.
Opt to apply with Teleport for a tourist visa to America from India. Our intuitive and user-friendly platform simplifies the entire process so you have one less worry thing to worry about - your visa!
Wishing you safe travels and unforgettable adventures in the US!
The USA does not typically offer an online visa application process for Indian tourist visas. The application process can be initiated online, but you need to visit the visa application centre and US embassy/consulate to submit biometrics and appear for an interview.
A US tourist visa (B-1 visa), or business visa (B-2 visa), or a combined B-1/B-2 visa can cost Indians around $ 185 or ₹ 15,540. Additional charges apply if you opt for expedited visa appointment, courier facility, etc.
Your US tourist visa or B-1/B-2 visa is usually valid for 10 years from the date of issuance and allows for a stay of 180 days or 6 months. It is a multiple-entry visa.
It's generally advisable to wait until your U.S. tourist visa is approved before booking your flights and hotels. This is because visa approvals are not guaranteed, and pre-booking could lead to financial losses if your visa application is denied. However, you may need to provide a travel itinerary or proof of accommodation when you apply, so having a tentative plan without firm bookings can be useful.
Form I-94 is the Arrival/Departure Record issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to people travelling to the USA. Air and sea travellers will be issued I-94s during the admission process at the port of entry. A Customs officer attaches Form I-94 to the visitor's passport upon entry to the U.S. The visitor must exit the U.S. on or before the departure date stamped on the Form I-94.
Yes, with a tourist visa (B-1/B-2 visa) for the USA, you can generally travel to all states within the country. There are no restrictions on intra-country travel for individuals holding a valid tourist visa
The primary purpose of a tourist visa is to allow individuals to visit the United States for leisure, tourism, and pleasure, or to visit friends and relatives. Therefore, you can’t engage in certain activities like employment, paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience while on a US tourist visa.
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay in the USA on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2 visa) by submitting Form I-539 before your authorised period of stay expires. When applying for an extension of stay, you will need to provide valid reasons for why you need additional time in the United States.
Upon US visa rejection, you may reapply in the future. If you reapply for a visa after being found ineligible, with the exception of 221(g) refusals, you must submit a new visa application and pay the visa application fee again. 221(g) refusal means that the visa application is being put on hold or temporarily refused pending further administrative processing or additional documentation.
Before reapplying, carefully review the rejection letter or notice provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate to understand the reasons for the visa denial.
While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for a US tourist visa, it's highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unexpected events during your stay in the US.
While a specific bank balance is not mandated, applicants are generally expected to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their travel expenses, accommodation, and other costs associated with their stay in the United States. This could include funds for transportation, lodging, meals, activities, and any other expenses relevant to the planned duration and purpose of the trip.
You can arrive in the United States right up to the last date of validity indicated on the visa. The Customs and Border Protection officer on arrival determines the duration of your stay in the United States. Your visa can expire while you are still in the United States – just be sure that you do not overstay the period of time the officer grants.
