US Visa Shake-Up 2026: What Indian Travellers Need to Know Before Booking Flights

Last Updated on Oct 15th, 2026 by Kamal Kishor, Leave a Comment

Key Takeaways (Quick Read)

• India is exempt from the new $20,000 visa bond affecting 50 countries.
• A new $250 fee pushes the total US tourist visa cost above ₹40,000.
• Up to 12-month waits for visa appointments at Indian consulates.
• Start your visa process a year ahead, or risk missing your trip.

If you have been planning a trip to the United States from India, recent weeks have brought a mix of relief and new hurdles. The US State Department has rolled out a series of significant policy changes, and understanding them is now essential before you book any flights.

Here is what has changed and what it means for Indian passport holders.

India Exempt from $20,000 Visa Bond Program

In a major relief for Indian travellers, the United States has confirmed that it has not included India in its expanded visa bond programme. The revised State Department list covers 50 countries whose nationals must post financial guarantees of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 for B1/B2 business and tourist visas. The amount is determined by a consular officer during the visa interview.

India’s neighbors Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal are among the affected countries. Holders of Indian passports remain fully exempt from this obligation.

Affected applicants must submit DHS Form I-352 and agree to bond conditions through Pay.gov. The program also places restrictions on how participating travelers may enter and exit the United States. They must use commercial aviation facilities and cannot travel through land borders or seaports.

For Indian travellers, the exemption removes what could have been a prohibitive upfront cost.

New $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” Adds to Costs

While India avoided the bond, a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” now applies to most non-immigrant visa categories, including B1/B2 tourist visas, F and M student visas, and H-1B work visas.

The fee was introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and is charged at the time of visa issuance. A typical US tourist visa, which previously cost under ₹16,000, could now exceed ₹40,000 with the added fee.

The fee cannot be waived or reduced and will be adjusted annually based on inflation. It may, however, be refunded if the visa holder fully complies with visa terms, including departing the US within five days of visa expiry or legally extending their stay.

Visa Interview Wait Times Hit 12 Months

The most pressing challenge for Indian travellers remains the extraordinary backlog in visa interview appointments. According to the latest US Department of State data, wait times for a B1/B2 visitor visa interview at Indian consulates are as follows:

• Hyderabad: 12 months
• Mumbai: 11.5 months
• New Delhi: 10 months
• Chennai: 7.5 months
• Kolkata: 6.5 months

These figures are estimates based on current scheduling and can change as new slots are released. The US Department of State regularly releases additional appointment slots, and applicants who have already scheduled an interview can check the system for earlier dates.

Birth Tourism Crackdown: What Indian Travellers Should Know

The US has also announced a new visa restriction policy targeting “birth tourism,” travelling to the United States primarily to give birth so the child obtains US citizenship. The policy applies to individuals who knowingly engage in, facilitate, or profit from birth tourism, including visa “fixers” and medical providers who assist such travel.

For Indian travellers, the key point is that birth tourism is not a permissible purpose for a visitor visa. The US Embassy in India has already stated that tourist visas will be denied when the primary purpose is giving birth to obtain US citizenship.

What This Means for Travellers Planning a US Trip

The bond exemption is a clear win for Indian passport holders. However, the $250 integrity fee and the 12-month appointment backlog mean that planning a US trip requires starting the visa process much earlier than ever before.

Here is what we recommend:

• Begin your visa application at least 12 months before your intended travel date. Do not wait until you have booked flights.
• Avoid non-refundable bookings until your visa is secured. Appointment availability is unpredictable.
• Check the official wait-time page regularly. New appointment slots are released periodically.
• Prepare for higher upfront costs. Budget for the $250 integrity fee on top of standard visa fees.

Need help planning your US trip around your visa schedule? Call us or email support@myticketstoindia.com.

Sources: NDTV

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