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The USA is a perfect dream destination for exploring its centuries-old museums, falls, beaches, and landscape beauty. You can be close to it if you plan to unearth the country for its divine food and much more.Â
Plan a holiday to the USA, and I bet it will be one of the best decisions of your life. However, before you do so, you will need a tourist visa to enter the USA.
The USA fascinates and offers several reasons for travellers across the globe to visit. Indians generally travel to the U.S. for holidays or visit family and friends there. Travelling to the U.S. for a holiday is an idea that no other proposition could beat.
No, it is not disparate from the rest of the world. Yes, Indians need a tourist visa to enter and visit the USA. Before applying for a visa, it is wise to be sure of the places to visit. No matter the purpose or just a holiday, there will always be rules to follow.
No, the USA does not give Indian citizens tourist visas upon arrival. Only some parts of South America and North America allow for a visa on arrival.
No, travel insurance isn’t mandatory for Indians travelling to the USA. However, to secure a hassle-free trip, you should purchase travel insurance before your trip.
To apply for a USA tourist visa (B-2 visa) as an Indian citizen, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your intended stay in the USA.
Complete the online DS-160 non-immigrant visa application form and submit the confirmation page.
Pay the visa application fee.
Provide a recent passport-sized photograph that meets the US visa photo requirements.
Provide proof that you have enough funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the USA.
Demonstrate strong ties to India, such as a job, family, or property, to prove that you will return after your visit.
You should not have any criminal history or ongoing legal cases.
Be in good health and able to travel.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you will need to schedule a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in India. During the interview, you will be asked about your travel plans, financial situation, and ties to India.
When applying for a business or tourist visa, you need to pay the application fee and provide the following documents:
Note: Ensure all documents are in English or Welsh or include a certified translation.
To determine your visa type, read the Common Nonimmigrant Visas section, which details qualifications and application items for each visa. Choose the visa type that fits your situation. Additionally, review the Visa Waiver Program. If your country is part of this program, you don’t need a visa for business or pleasure trips of 90 days or less to the U.S.
Complete the Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form by following the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form. Ensure all information is correct and accurate, as you cannot make changes after submission. For assistance, consult an immigration lawyer or translator, as the call centre cannot help. You need your DS-160 number to book an appointment. If previously denied a visa, submit a new DS-160 form.
Pay the visa fee after determining your visa type and completing the DS-160 form. The visa fee page lists fees in U.S. dollars and local currency. To make your payment, read the bank and payment options page. Create a profile and keep your receipt number to book your visa appointment.
To schedule your visa appointment, log in with the credentials to pay your visa fee. On your dashboard, select the Schedule Appointment button. Schedule two appointments: one at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for fingerprints and photos and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The VAC appointment must be at least one day before the interview. Same-day appointments are available for certain visa classes. You’ll need your passport number, visa fee receipt number, and DS-160 barcode number.
For your Visa Application Center appointment, bring a passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended U.S. stay (unless exempted by country-specific agreements). Each person in your passport must apply separately. Also, bring your DS-160 confirmation page and appointment confirmation page. Applicants under 14 need one photo per U.S. visa specifications. For more details, see the photos and fingerprints section.
If your visa application is approved, collect your passport and visa from the selected pickup location. You’ll receive an email and SMS notification when it’s ready. Premium domestic and international delivery services to your address are also available.
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Note: Children under 14 don’t need to go to the Visa Application Center or the visa interview at the Embassy/Consulate. Parents, guardians, or authorized representatives can bring the required documents for them.
The processing time for a USA tourist visa (B1/B2) for Indian applicants can vary widely. Typically, the wait time for an interview appointment ranges from 300 to 320 days. However, due to high demand and backlogs, this can extend to 500-600 days.
You should begin your visa application process ahead of your intended travel dates. If you urgently need to travel, you can request an expedited appointment, but approval is not guaranteed.
The fee depends on the type of USA visa applied for. The USA tourist visa fee for Indian citizens is ₹15530.75, which varies according to the USD rates.
Here are the key points and requirements for applying for a USA tourist visa from India:
Be clear about your travel plans and the purpose of your visit.
To assure the consular officer that you will return after your visit, demonstrate strong ties to India, such as employment, family, or property.
Each visit is typically limited to a maximum of six months.
Always provide truthful and accurate information during the application process and interview. Ensure all documents are valid, complete, and translated into English if needed.
Processing times can vary, so applying well before your trip is wise.
Be cautious of unsolicited emails, calls, or messages that promise to expedite your visa process or guarantee approval for a fee. Trustworthy sources won’t pressure you or ask for unusual payments.
Ensure the accuracy and authenticity of all documents submitted with your application.
If your USA visa application is rejected, the consular officer will provide the specific reason for the rejection, often citing the relevant law section. Generally, you cannot appeal the decision, but you can reapply by submitting a new application, paying the filing fee again, and attending another visa interview. In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for a waiver of ineligibility, which, if approved, can allow you to obtain a visa despite the initial denial.
Remember that the visa application fee is non-refundable, so if your application is rejected, you’ll need to pay the fee again for any future applications. Additionally, a visa denial can lead to significant delays in your travel plans, affecting work, education, or personal commitments.
To avoid rejection, ensure your USA visa application is accurate and complete, with all required documents included. Demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as employment or family, to show you intend to return. Be honest and confident during your visa interview and clearly explain your travel plans. Show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay, like bank statements or pay stubs. Ensure consistency in the information you provide and apply well before your travel date.
Yes, you can extend your UK visa while in the UK. The process involves submitting an application to the Home Office, completing an online form, providing supporting documents, paying the fee, and attending a biometric appointment. For a Standard Visitor visa, you can extend your stay to 6 months if eligible, with a fee of £1,000. Extensions for medical treatment, academic purposYes, you can extend your USA visa while in the USA if you meet certain conditions. You must have been lawfully admitted with a nonimmigrant visa, maintain valid status, and not have committed any disqualifying crimes. To apply, file Form I-539 with USCIS at least 45 days before your stay expires. Include your original Form I-94, explain your request, and detail how your stay will remain temporary.
Note: Some visa categories, like those under the Visa Waiver Program, are not eligible for extensions.
Safety is gainful, and any accident is painful. The intensity feels weird when we are a thousand miles away from home. USA travel insurance policy is for your safety. It will never prevent any mishap from happening, but it will help you manage many unforeseen events. Hence, when you plan to travel, you should buy a travel policy for your travel and stay. Let us understand in what circumstances the policy can be helpful.
In case of emergencies, such as severe illness or death in the family, you have no option but to bear the additional expenses of cancelling the trip with Digit’s travel insurance policy; you can avoid bearing these liabilities. The maximum sum insured for an international trip is US $10,000.Â
You may experience luggage delays in transit while travelling to a foreign land. In such an event, you may need to remain without the same for a day or two. A travel insurance policy will help cover the financial losses during such times.
Everyone knows how expensive healthcare can be in the U.S.A. Moreover, most medicines cannot be bought over the counter, and you would need to visit a doctor, even if it's for something as minor as pink eye. Travel insurance will protect you financially in any health and medical emergencies.
We understand that one of the things that might keep you from partaking in USA adventure sports like surfing, scuba diving, etc., is the impending fear of ending up with an injury, treatment for which might cost you a fortune in the USA. With a travel insurance policy, you can avail yourself of coverage for the treatment of injuries that you might incur while partaking in single-day adventure sports.
Suppose you encounter acute pain or an accidental injury to your natural teeth on the trip. In this scenario, the treatment provided will be covered according to the policy schedule.
There are quite a few reasons that make Digit a prime choice as a USA travel insurance provider.
Digit offers a high sum insured of $50,000 under its USA travel insurance, with premiums beginning at ₹665 (excl. 18% GST) for a 4-day trip for 1 adult.
Digit takes the time wastage and harassment caused by flight delays very seriously, offering reimbursement immediately.
If any emergency circumstance necessitates you to cancel your trip and get back home, Digit also offers compensation for it.
Digit offers a smartphone-enabled process that makes filing a claim easy and fast. Additionally, Digit also offers the option for a 24x7 missed call facility for claim settlement.