From August 1, US Visa Passports In India Require In-Person Pickup — Check New Guidelines

Starting August 1, the US Embassy in India has discontinued third-party passport collection, requiring all visa applicants to collect their own documents in person. This move aims to strengthen the protection of applicants' personal information, which has always been a top priority through strict security measures.

In the past, many embassies - including the US Embassy in New Delhi - allowed trusted representatives to pick up passports on behalf of applicants, which benefited those unable to attend in person. However, rising concerns over document safety have prompted this change.

Under the new rule, all applicants must collect their passports themselves. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must appear in person with an original consent letter signed by both parents. Scanned or emailed consent letters will not be accepted.

To offer convenience, applicants can opt for paid home or office delivery at a cost of ₹1,200, selectable online through their profile on ustraveldocs.com. Any technical issues should be reported via the "Feedback/Requests" feature rather than contacting the call centre.

Required Documents for Passport Collection

For Adults:

• Original valid Indian government-issued photo ID with address.
• Photocopy of the same ID.
• Copy of the appointment letter (recommended for faster processing).
• For Minors:
• Birth certificate or school ID card.
• Original and photocopy of the parent/guardian's Indian government-issued photo ID with address.
• Original consent letter signed by both parents.
• Photocopy of both parents' government-issued photo ID with address.

Accepted IDs include the passport bio page, voter ID, driving licence, or Aadhaar card. Employment ID cards for government jobs, senior citizen cards, and PAN cards are not accepted. Applicants are advised to verify all documents in advance to prevent delays during collection.

This updated policy applies to all US visa and passport pickups across India. The US Embassy advises checking the official website or the Visa Application Home Page for updates or specific messages related to document collection.

Additionally, the embassy has issued a strong advisory reminding visa holders to strictly follow the terms of their visa. Overstaying or violating visa conditions can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and difficulties obtaining future US visas. Applicants are urged to regularly review official communications and updates on the visa portal to ensure smooth processing, timely passport collection, and trouble-free travel to the United States.