🇺🇸 United States tourist visa for Indians 2026
Tourism, visiting family and friends, conferences and business trips. Facts verified against United States's official pages; see the source at the end.
Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to United States. Indian citizens need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa for every short trip to the United States; India is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not an option.
Quick facts
- Visa
- B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
- Maximum stay
- up to 6 months
- Government fee
- about $185
- Processing time
- 26–52 weeks
- Paid work
- Not allowed
- Business or conference
- Covered
Where Indians apply
You complete the DS-160 online, including your social-media handles for the past 5 years, pay the non-refundable USD 185 MRV fee, then book two appointments through the ustraveldocs India portal: fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Center, followed by a short in-person interview at the Embassy in New Delhi or the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata.
Fee and processing time
The real obstacle is the queue: in late 2026 the State Department's Global Visa Wait Times page shows first-time B1/B2 interviews in India running roughly 6 to 12 months out, so start well ahead of any fixed travel date.
That is about $185 in US dollars at the time of verification; the official fee is set in local currency.
Travelling for business or a conference?
US host or organiser letter with purpose, dates and who pays, plus an Indian employer letter confirming salary stays in India.
Before you fly: registrations and border systems
- Indians are usually issued a 10-year multiple-entry visa, and on each arrival CBP sets your permitted stay on the electronic I-94, normally up to 6 months.
Documents and steps
- Check your passport is valid 6 months beyond your stayPassport valid 6 months beyond your planned departure from the US with a blank visa page; bring every old passport.
- Complete the DS-160 online applicationOne DS-160 per traveller with a recent 2x2 inch photo and all social-media handles from the past 5 years; print the barcode page.
- Create your ustraveldocs profile and pay the USD 185 MRV feeUSD 185 paid in INR through ustraveldocs; receipt valid one year and non-refundable; a USD 250 integrity fee may apply at issuance.
- Book your VAC biometrics and consular interview appointmentsTwo bookings via ustraveldocs: VAC biometrics then interview; first-time slots in India run 6 to 12 months out in 2026.
- Assemble proof of funds and ties to IndiaSix months of statements, 3 years of ITR, employer leave letter and property or family papers; host letter if a US relative funds you.
- If travelling for business or a conference: get an invitation letterUS host or organiser letter with purpose, dates and who pays, plus an Indian employer letter confirming salary stays in India.
- Attend the VAC and then your consular interviewFingerprints at the VAC, then a 2 to 5 minute interview; decisions are usually immediate and 214(b) refusals can be reapplied for.
- Collect your passport with the visa foilPassport returned by courier or pickup in about 5 to 10 working days; check the visa shows B1/B2, your details and a 10-year expiry.
- After arrival: check your I-94 and leave before the admit-until dateCheck your electronic I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov within days; stay up to the admit-until date, usually 6 months; no G-325R needed.
The full checklist with timing, dependencies and personalised due dates is part of the paid plan. Start with the free quiz and pick “Visit” as your purpose.
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Plan my visitFrequently asked questions
- Do Indians need a visa for United States?
- Yes. Indians need a visa before a short visit to United States. Indian citizens need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa for every short trip to the United States; India is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not an option.
- How long can Indians stay in United States as a visitor?
- Up to 6 months under the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa. Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.
- How much does the United States B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa cost for Indians?
- You complete the DS-160 online, including your social-media handles for the past 5 years, pay the non-refundable USD 185 MRV fee, then book two appointments through the ustraveldocs India portal: fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Center, followed by a short in-person interview at the Embassy in New Delhi or the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata.
- How long does the United States B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa take for Indians?
- The real obstacle is the queue: in late 2026 the State Department's Global Visa Wait Times page shows first-time B1/B2 interviews in India running roughly 6 to 12 months out, so start well ahead of any fixed travel date.
- Can Indians attend a conference or business meeting in United States on this visa?
- US host or organiser letter with purpose, dates and who pays, plus an Indian employer letter confirming salary stays in India.
- What do Indians need to register or carry before flying to United States?
- Indians are usually issued a 10-year multiple-entry visa, and on each arrival CBP sets your permitted stay on the electronic I-94, normally up to 6 months.
- Can Indians work in United States on a visitor stay?
- No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Indians need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our United States visa guide for Indians.
Thinking of staying longer?
A visitor stay never allows paid work. Indians who want to work, study or settle in United States have 2 main routes, compared in the United States visa guide for Indians.
United States for Indians, in depth
Visiting other countries as Indians
Visiting United States from elsewhere
Always confirm entry rules with the official government source. Fees and stay limits change; this guide is general information, not legal advice.