All US visa applicants must collect their passports in person: New guidelines

As per the new guidelines, all visa applicants must collect their passports and related documents in person.

Updated on: Aug 8, 2025, 14:21:13 IST

By HT News Desk

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The US Embassy in New Delhi has announced that, effective August 1, 2025, it will no longer allow third-party or representative passport collection. The change has been introduced to enhance the safety and security of applicants' passports and documents.

The embassy has advised applicants not to contact the call center for these updates on the delivery of their passport. (Representational image/Unsplash)

As per the new guidelines, all visa applicants must collect their passports and related documents in person. For applicants under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian will be required to collect the passport, and must carry an original consent letter signed by both parents. The embassy has clarified that scanned or emailed copies of the consent letter will not be accepted under any circumstances.

To make the process more flexible, the embassy is offering a paid home or office delivery service for a nominal fee of ₹1,200 per applicant. Applicants can opt for this delivery service by updating their document delivery preferences online.

To change the delivery option, applicants must:

Log in to their profile on https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/
Click on “Document Delivery Information” on the Visa Application Home page.
Select the applicant's name.
Choose the preferred delivery method.
Submit the changes.
Log out after completion.

In case of any technical issues while updating the delivery option, applicants are advised to use the "Feedback/Requests" option in their profile and attach a screenshot of the error along with their preferred delivery location.

The embassy has advised applicants not to contact the call center for these updates. Instead, they can refer to the official website or check the “Messages” section on their Visa Application Home page for additional information.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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