Yes, a visa is required to travel from India to United States.
Apply with iVisa· from €174
Do I need a visa for United States from India?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Yes, a visa is required. Indian nationals must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visitor visa before travelling to the United States, because India is not part of the Visa Waiver Program.
Because India is not on the Visa Waiver Program list, Indian travellers cannot use ESTA and must apply for a full visitor visa. Whether you are going for tourism, to visit family or for business, the right category is the B1/B2. The process combines an online form, payment of the MRV fee and a consular interview.
Do you need a visa?
Yes. As an Indian citizen you need a valid B1/B2 visa to enter the United States for temporary tourism (B2) or business (B1). Since India is not a Visa Waiver country, ESTA is not available to you, and there is no exemption even for short stays.
How and where to apply
Start online by completing and submitting the DS-160 form on the State Department's CEAC portal. Then book your appointment through the official U.S. visa information service for India (ustraveldocs) and attend your interview at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi or one of the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata. Applicants under 14 or over 79 may in some cases qualify for an interview waiver.
Documents and fees
Bring a valid passport, your DS-160 confirmation page, a photo that meets U.S. specifications, and proof that you paid the MRV fee. Add documents showing your ties to India — employment, studies, family or property. The exact MRV fee changes over time, so confirm it directly on travel.state.gov before paying; we deliberately do not quote a figure here.
Processing and practical tips
Interview appointment wait times vary widely by Indian post and season, sometimes from several weeks to several months, so apply well ahead of your trip. B1/B2 visas are frequently issued with multi-year validity and multiple entries, but the length of each stay is decided by the CBP officer at the port of entry, not by the visa itself. Check travel.state.gov for up-to-date processing information.
Common mistakes / good to know
The most common mistake is confusing the visa (permission to travel) with admission (the decision made at the border): a visa never guarantees entry. Do not buy non-refundable tickets before your visa is in hand. Finally, any inconsistency between your DS-160 and your interview answers can lead to a refusal under section 214(b) for insufficient ties to your home country.
Official sources
- U.S. Department of State — Visitor Visas
- U.S. Visa Information — India (ustraveldocs)
- DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (CEAC)
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
Essential United States information
The United States of America is a federal republic consisting of 50 states and a federal district. It is the world's largest economy and a dominant military power. The country is known for its cultural diversity and technological innovations.
Weather in Washington D.C.
Practical travel information
- English
Essential preparations
- Police : 911
- Ambulance : 911
- Fire brigade : 911
Discover the best activities and experiences in United States
- ✅ Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 🌍 Over 150,000 activities worldwide
- ⭐ Verified reviews from real travelers
- 💬 24/7 customer support
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to United States from India?▾
Yes, a consular visa is required: applications are made at the embassy or consulate before departure (allowed stay: 6 months).
How long can you stay in United States?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 6 months.
What other visa types exist for United States?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, United States offers among others: Specialty Occupation visa (H-1B), Temporary Agricultural Worker visa (H-2A), Seasonal Non-Agricultural Worker visa (H-2B), Intracompany Transferee visa (L-1), Extraordinary Ability visa (O-1), Vocational Student visa (M-1).
Data verified on 23/07/2026
Other visas from India
Other visas to United States
Visa alerts and regulations
Receive the latest visa updates and travel advice
We will never share your email. Unsubscribe at any time.