New US Visa Guidelines: In-Person Passport Collection Now Mandatory.
Effective August 1, 2025, the US Embassy in New Delhi has implemented a new policy requiring all visa applicants to collect their passports and related documents in person. The move is aimed at enhancing the safety and security of sensitive documents.
Under the updated guidelines, passport pickup by third parties or representatives is no longer permitted. For applicants under 18, a parent or legal guardian may collect the passport on their behalf, but must present an original, signed consent letter from both parents. Scanned or emailed copies of the consent letter will not be accepted.
To offer added convenience, the embassy has introduced a paid document delivery service for those who prefer home or office delivery. This optional service is available for ₹1,200 per applicant.
Applicants who wish to opt for the paid delivery must:
- Log in to their profile at 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 and log out
If applicants face technical issues while updating delivery preferences, they are advised to use the “Feedback/Requests” section within their profile, attach a screenshot of the issue, and include their preferred delivery location.
The embassy has requested applicants to avoid contacting the call center for such updates. Instead, they should monitor the “Messages” section on their Visa Application Home page or refer to the official website for further information.
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