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United States visa requirements for Indian citizens

If you’re travelling from India to the United States, the first step is understanding the visa requirements. Securing the right visa makes your entry into the United States as smooth as possible. Let’s explore all the necessary travel documents, visa types, and health requirements for Indian citizens visiting the United States.

Types of visas for the United States

Visitor visa

Travellers need a visa to visit United States for Business or Tourism. A paper or embassy visa is the only visa available for travellers visiting United States. The visa is typically a stamp or sticker added to the passport. Travellers must obtain this visa from a local embassy, consulate or visa center before travelling.

Transit visa

Travellers need a visa to transit through United States. A paper or embassy visa is the only visa available for travellers transiting through United States. The visa is typically a stamp or sticker added to the passport. Travellers must obtain this visa from a local embassy, consulate or visa center before travelling.
The UK government is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for non-visa travellers starting in 2025. This system, similar to the US ESTA, will require most visitors to obtain an ETA or eVisa before travelling to the UK. The ETA is a digital permit linked to the traveller’s passport, costing £10, and allows multiple entries into the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period.
ETA Rollout Schedule:
  • From January 8, 2025: All non-European nationals will need an ETA.
  • From April 2, 2025: European citizens will also require an ETA.
  • Applications: Open for non-European nationals on November 27, 2023, and for European citizens on March 5, 2025.
Who Needs an ETA?
It will cover all non-European and European nationals (except British and Irish citizens).
Exemptions:
British and Irish passport holders, those with British Overseas Territories passports, existing visa holders, and individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK do not need to apply for an ETA.
Restrictions:
While the ETA permits stays for tourism, business, short-term studies, or visiting friends and family for up to six months, it does not allow activities like getting married, claiming benefits, residing in the country through frequent visits, or self-employed work.

United States visa requirements for Indian citizens

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CDC form for travelling with dogs

Travellers bringing dogs into the United States from countries or regions deemed rabies-free or low-risk are required to complete a CDC Dog Import Form. The countries and regions deemed rabies-free or low-risk are: - Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City The form is valid for 6 months from the date of issue and can be used for multiple entries into the United States as long as the dog has not been in a high-risk country in the last 6 months. Travellers can complete the form on the day of travel. The form can be printed or displayed on a phone screen to United States customs officials or airlines. Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival, be at least 6 months old at the time of entry or return to the United States, and must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner.

CDC requirements for travelling with dogs

Travellers bringing dogs into the United States from countries or regions deemed high-risk for rabies have different requirements depending on whether the dog was vaccinated for rabies in the United States or abroad. Please see the list of high-risk countries below. Travellers are encouraged to check the source for further details.

Enroll in TSA PreCheck for expedited screening

TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that allows travellers to enjoy a smoother security screening process with no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. TSA PreCheck is currently eligible for the following travellers: -United States citizens and lawful permanent residents enrolled in TSA PreCheck; -Members of Global Entry; -United States citizens and lawful permanent residents who are members of SENTRI; -United States citizens, lawful permanent residents and Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS; -Members of the United States Armed Forces including those serving in the National Guard and reserves as well as government employees from select agencies; -Cadets and midshipmen of the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Air Force Academy and Merchant Marine Academy; -Travellers aged 12 and under travelling with an eligible passenger; -Travellers who are selected using existing Secure Flight system requirements while travelling on participating airlines. See the link for more details.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Delaware

Travellers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before travelling to Delaware.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Georgia

Travellers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before travelling to Georgia.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Kentucky

Travellers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before travelling to Kentucky.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for New Jersey

Travellers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before travelling to New Jersey.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required for Wisconsin

Travellers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before travelling to Wisconsin.

Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

Travellers don’t need a COVID-19 test before travelling to Hawaii.

Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

Travellers don’t need a COVID-19 test before travelling to Idaho.

Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

Travellers don’t need a COVID-19 test before travelling to Texas.

Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

Travellers don’t need a COVID-19 test before travelling to Indiana.

Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

Travellers don’t need a COVID-19 test before travelling to Minnesota.

Proof of pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required

Travellers don’t need a COVID-19 test before travelling to Connecticut.

Save a spot in the security line

RESERVE powered by CLEAR allows eligible travellers to submit their flight details, the number of travellers in their group, and select a time to go through airport security. RESERVE powered by CLEAR is currently available at the following locations: - Calgary (YYC); - Denver (DEN); - Edmonton (YEG); - Halifax (YHZ); - Los Angeles (LAX Fast Lane); - Minneapolis (MSP); - Montreal (YUL); - New York (JFK); - Orlando (MCO); - Phoenix (PHX); - Seattle (SEA Spot Saver); - Vancouver (YVR); - Amsterdam (AMS); - Frankfurt (FRA); - London Luton (LTN); - Rome (FCO QPass). See the link for more details.

Save a spot in the security line if departing from Terminal 4

RESERVE powered by CLEAR allows eligible travellers departing from Terminal 4 to submit their flight details, the number of travellers in their group, and select a time to go through airport security. RESERVE powered by CLEAR is currently available at the following locations: - Calgary (YYC); - Denver (DEN); - Edmonton (YEG); - Halifax (YHZ); - Los Angeles (LAX Fast Lane); - Minneapolis (MSP); - Montreal (YUL); - New York (JFK); - Orlando (MCO); - Phoenix (PHX); - Seattle (SEA Spot Saver); - Vancouver (YVR); - Amsterdam (AMS); - Frankfurt (FRA); - London Luton (LTN); - Rome (FCO QPass). See the link for more details.

Save time at passport control with Mobile Passport Control app

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app allows eligible travellers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their mobile device. The MPC app streamlines the traveller’s entry into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time. The MPC app does not require pre-approval. Travellers who successfully use the MPC app do not have to complete a paper form and may be provided a designated queue. Travellers may experience shorter wait times, less congestion and efficient processing. The MPC mobile app is available to United States citizens, United States lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with an approved ESTA. The MPC mobile app is currently available at the following locations: - Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH); - Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL); - Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA); - Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA); - Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI); - Boston Logan International Airport (BOS); - Calgary International Airport (YYC); - Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT); - Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD); - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW); - Denver International Airport (DEN); - Dulles International Airport (IAD); - Dublin Airport (DUB); - Edmonton International Airport (YEG); - Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL); - Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ); - Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL); - Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH); - Houston William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU); - John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK); - Kansas City International Airport (MCI); - Las Vegas Harry Ried International Airport (LAS); - Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); - Miami International Airport (MIA); - Miami Seaport; - Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP); - Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL); - Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS); - Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR); - Oakland International Airport (OAK); - Orlando International Airport (MCO); - Ottawa International Airport (YOW); - Palm Beach Seaport; - Philadelphia International Airport (PHL); - Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX); - Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT); - Port Everglades Seaport; - Portland International Airport (PDX); - Sacramento International Airport (SMF); - Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC); - San Diego International Airport (SAN); - San Francisco International Airport (SFO); - San Jose International Airport (SJC); - San Juan Airport (SJU); - San Juan Seaport; - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA); - Shannon Airport (SNN); - Tampa International Airport (TPA); - Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ); - Vancouver International Airport (YVR); - Winnipeg James A Richardson International Airport (YWG).

Passport validity

Travellers need a valid passport to enter United States. The traveller's passport must remain valid throughout the traveller's stay in United States. The passport must have at least 1 blank page.  It is mandatory to ensure your passport meets this requirement to avoid any issues at the border.
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Step-by-step guide to the United States visa applications

Step 1: Find the visa you need

For Indian citizens travelling to the United States, it is essential to identify the specific visa type needed for your trip. Check whether you need a single entry eVisa, multiple entry eVisa, or a visa on arrival, and gather all the necessary information before starting your application.

Step 2: Submit your application

Complete the online visa application. Follow the instructions carefully, gather the required documents such as your valid passport, and be prepared to pay any associated fees. 

Step 3: Check your inbox

Once your visa application is approved, you will receive an email with your eVisa and detailed instructions. Read the information carefully.
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FAQs About United States visa requirements for Indian citizens

What if my visa application is denied?

If your visa application is denied, review the reason given by the American consulate or embassy. Address any issues or missing information that may have caused the denial. You may have the option to reapply with the corrected or additional information. Consulting a visa specialist or immigration attorney can help you understand your next steps and improve your chances of approval.

What if I lose my visa while in the United States?

If you lose your visa while in the United States, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for assistance. They can guide you on obtaining a replacement visa or emergency travel documents. It's advisable to keep digital copies of important travel documents, including your visa and passport, to expedite replacement.

Can I apply for a visa to the United States online?

Yes, Indian citizens can easily apply for an eVisa online. You can apply for both single entry and multiple entry eVisas by filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, and paying the visa fee. Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email, making the application process convenient and efficient.

Are there any health requirements for visiting the United States?

Generally, no specific health checks or vaccinations are required when applying for a United States visa. However, you should be aware of the following health-related regulations in place while in the United States:
  • Health Screening: While not always required, officials might ask for a health certificate or a medical exam upon arrival. This is more likely if you’re coming from an area with a health outbreak or if you show signs of illness.
  • Masks: Travellers may be required to wear masks in public places. Please note face masks may still be required based on local ordinances or when travelling to/from certain international locations based on country requirements. Some airlines may require masks on international flights.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination: Travellers don’t need proof of COVID-19 vaccination before travelling to United States.
  • Quarantine: Travellers don’t need to quarantine on arrival in United States.
  • COVID-19 Testing: Travellers don’t need a COVID-19 test before travelling to United States.
While these are the current regulations, it is always advisable to check for any updates or changes to health requirements closer to your travel date. 

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