Got your US visa approval and hoping a friend in Delhi could pick up your passport? That option is no longer available. Starting August 1, 2025, the US Embassy in New Delhi has updated its passport collection policy for all applicants across India. To boost security and reduce risks of loss or fraud, passports and related documents must now be collected only in person.
If visiting in person isn’t feasible, applicants can choose a convenient home or office delivery service for Rs 1,200, which can be easily selected online through the official visa application portal at ustraveldocs.com.
What’s New?
Under the revised rules, visa applicants must personally collect their passports and documents from the embassy or designated centres. For applicants under 18, a parent or legal guardian may collect the documents—but only with an original consent letter signed by both parents. Scanned or emailed copies will not be accepted.
How to Choose Home Delivery
To opt for passport delivery, log in to your profile at ustraveldocs.com, click on “Document Delivery Information”, select your name, pick your preferred delivery option, then submit and log out.
If you experience any technical difficulties updating delivery preferences, use the “Feedback/Requests” feature on your profile and attach a screenshot of the error along with your delivery details. The embassy advises applicants not to contact the call centre for these changes and to regularly check the “Messages” section on the visa portal for official updates.
Documents You’ll Need
For adults:
- Original valid Indian government-issued photo ID with address
- Photocopy of the same ID
- Copy of your appointment letter (recommended for faster service)
For minors:
- Birth certificate or school ID
- Original and photocopy of the parent/guardian’s government-issued photo ID
- Original consent letter signed by both parents (no scanned copies)
- Photocopies of both parents’ IDs
Accepted IDs include passport bio page, voter ID, driving licence, or Aadhaar card. Employment ID cards, senior citizen cards, and PAN cards are not accepted. Make sure to verify your documents beforehand to avoid delays.
Why the Change?
While trusted representatives could previously collect passports on behalf of applicants—a helpful convenience—growing concerns over document security have led to this stricter policy, ensuring passports stay safe until reaching their rightful owners.
Visa Compliance Reminder
The embassy also issued a strong advisory reminding visa holders to strictly follow visa conditions. Overstaying or violating visa terms may lead to visa cancellation, deportation, and difficulties securing future US visas.
Stay Informed
To avoid any hiccups, applicants should regularly monitor their visa application portal and the official US Embassy website for updates and detailed instructions related to passport collection and travel.
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