Dreaming of a US adventure? You’re not alone! A record 2.2 million Indians visited the US in 2024, a surge of nearly 23% from the previous year, making India the second-largest source of US tourists.
However, this soaring popularity has created a major bottleneck: agonizingly long US visa wait times in India. But don’t despair! There’s a way to potentially fast-track your application.
Current U.S. Visa Wait Times in India
The wait time for a US B1 and B2 visa appointment in India varies by location:
- Mumbai: 444 days
- New Delhi: 442 days
- Chennai: 436 days
- Hyderabad: 429 days
- Kolkata: 415 days
With wait times exceeding a year, many Indian travellers are considering applying for their U.S. visa from international destinations where processing times are significantly shorter.
Applying for US Visas Abroad
The good news? Indian citizens can apply for US visas at embassies and consulates worldwide. This opens up exciting possibilities for quicker appointments. If you’re already planning an international trip, consider scheduling your US visa appointment at your destination.
US Visa Wait Times at International Locations
If you’re planning to travel abroad, consider applying for a U.S. visa from these locations with shorter wait times:
Fastest
Hanoi, Vietnam (2 days) and Kuwait (4 days) offer the quickest turnarounds.
Short Waits
Hong Kong and Phnom Penh, Cambodia boast 7-day waits. Baku, Azerbaijan is at 9 days, while Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has a 10-day wait. Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, Korea are at 11 days.
Moderate Waits
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (14 days) and Singapore (15 days) offer relatively shorter wait times. Frankfurt, Germany has a 25-day wait. Manila, Philippines and Bangkok, Thailand are at 29 and 31 days respectively.
Longer Waits
Some locations still have longer waits. These include London, UK (82 days), Colombo, Sri Lanka (114 days), Melbourne, Australia (149 days), Paris, France (155 days), Kathmandu, Nepal (221 days), Dubai (284 days) and Abu Dhabi (433 days).
| Location | Wait Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi, Vietnam | 2 days | Fastest option globally. |
| Kuwait | 4 days | Quick alternative for Middle East-based applicants. |
| Hong Kong & Phnom Penh, Cambodia | 7 days | Ideal for travellers visiting Southeast Asia. |
| Baku, Azerbaijan | 9 days | Strategic choice for those near Central Asia. |
| Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 10 days | Convenient option for Middle East residents. |
| Tokyo & Seoul | 11 days | Great for applicants in East Asia. |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 14 days | Fast and accessible option. |
| Singapore | 15 days | Frequent stop for Indian travellers. |
| Frankfurt, Germany | 25 days | Good option for those in Europe. |
| Manila, Philippines | 29 days | Alternative for Southeast Asian applicants. |
| Bangkok, Thailand & Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | 31 days | Reasonable choice for regional travellers. |
| Jakarta, Indonesia & Manama, Bahrain | 32 days | Suitable for those in the Middle East or Southeast Asia. |
| Helsinki, Finland | 65 days | Longer but still faster than Indian cities. |
| Doha, Qatar | 73 days | Option for Gulf-based applicants. |
| Chiang Mai, Thailand | 78 days | Mid-range wait time for Thai travellers. |
| London, UK | 82 days | Ideal for those already in Europe. |
| Colombo, Sri Lanka | 114 days | Option for South Asian travellers. |
| Melbourne, Australia | 149 days | Alternative for those in the Pacific region. |
| Paris, France | 155 days | Slightly better than waiting in India. |
| Kathmandu, Nepal | 221 days | Last resort for neighboring travellers. |
| Dubai | 284 days | Still lengthy but shorter than many Indian cities. |
| Abu Dhabi | 433 days | Nearly as long as India’s processing times. |
Things to Consider When Applying Abroad
While applying from a foreign country may shorten your wait time, you may be questioned about why you’re applying outside your home country. Be prepared to explain the long wait times in India as a valid reason.
Additionally, U.S. visa wait times change frequently based on demand and staffing. Checking the latest updates on the U.S. State Department’s visa appointment website before booking flights is essential.
Plan Ahead and Be Patient
Even with faster international options, visa processing takes time. Start your application early and be prepared for potential interviews and document submissions. Thorough preparation is key to a smooth visa application process.
Your Dream Trip Awaits!
Don’t let visa wait times derail your US travel plans. By exploring international application options and planning strategically, you can increase your chances of securing a visa appointment sooner and turning your American dream into a reality.
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