(NEW DELHI) The United States Embassy in New Delhi now requires all US visa applicants in India to collect passports themselves starting August 1, 2025. The embassy says the change improves document security and stops unauthorized pickups.
The rule applies nationwide and covers embassies, consulates, Visa Application Centers (VACs), VFS locations, and Blue Dart pickup points. A paid courier option remains for those who can’t travel.
What has changed and who it affects
- All adults must use in-person collection. No friends, family, travel agents, or company staff can pick up on their behalf.
- Minors under 18: A parent or legal guardian may collect, but strict rules apply (see “Special rules for minors”).
- Home or office delivery costs ₹1,200 per applicant and must be set up in your ustraveldocs profile.
Why the embassy made this move
Officials tie the shift to stronger security for passports and visa packets. These documents include personal details criminals can misuse. By ending third-party pickups, the U.S. Embassy aims to cut fraud and identity theft risk.
The final handover to the applicant reduces opportunities for tampering or misuse of sensitive personal documents.
How in-person collection works
- Wait for the pickup notice in your ustraveldocs account (Messages section) or by email/SMS.
- Go to the location you selected during scheduling — this could be the embassy/consulate, a VAC, a VFS site, or a Blue Dart point.
- Bring an original government photo ID and a photocopy. Carry your appointment letter if available to speed things up.
- Staff will verify your identity and hand over the passport and visa packet.
Special rules for minors
Parents or legal guardians can collect for minors, but they must bring:
- An original consent letter signed by both parents. Scans, photos, or emails are not accepted.
- The child’s birth certificate or school ID.
- Original government photo IDs for both parents, plus photocopies.
If only one parent can sign, expect questions and possible requests for proof of sole custody or legal guardianship. Bring court orders or legal papers if your family situation is complex. This keeps the child’s documents safe and avoids disputes at the counter.
Home or office delivery steps (₹1,200 fee)
- Log in at: ustraveldocs.com/in/en/
- Open Document Delivery Information on your Visa Application Home page.
- Select your name and choose the delivery method.
- Save your changes and log out.
If you face a technical issue, use the Feedback/Requests tool inside your profile and attach a screenshot. Do not call the call center. You’ll see updates in your Messages section when the request is fixed.
Who benefits from delivery
- Applicants living far from a pickup site
- Parents juggling school exams or care duties
- Workers on tight shifts who can’t take time off
- Elderly applicants who struggle with travel
What not to do
- Don’t send relatives or agents with authorization letters; they’ll be turned away.
- Don’t bring printed or emailed consent letters for minors; only originals are accepted.
- Don’t rely on call center updates; use your ustraveldocs profile.
Applicant voices and early reactions
Applicants in cities like New Delhi and Mumbai say the rule brings clarity but adds time to the end of an already long process. One applicant described rearranging work hours to visit a Blue Dart site.
Parents welcome the child-safety focus but worry about delays if a second parent is out of town. Travel agents say they’ll shift to coaching clients on document lists and delivery setup since they can no longer pick up passports.
Practical tips to avoid delays
- Choose your pickup point carefully when you schedule your appointment. A closer VAC or Blue Dart site can save hours.
- Keep a folder with:
- Original ID
- Photocopy of ID
- Appointment printout
- For minors: original dual-signature consent letter, child’s ID, and both parents’ ID copies
- If you may need delivery, set it up before your case is approved so the passport ships out without extra back-and-forth.
Impact on students, workers, and families
- Students: Plan around exam dates and hostel curfews. Delivery can help if you attend classes far from the VAC.
- H-1B and L-1 workers: Coordinate with HR on travel plans. Avoid booking flights before you have the passport in hand.
- Visitors and parents: If you have medical needs, consider courier delivery. It may be cheaper than multiple taxi trips across a big city.
What this means for travel agents and employers
- Agents: Focus on pre-pickup checklists and consent letter templates for families. Build timelines that include a pickup window or courier schedule.
- Employers: Give staff time to attend pickup or reimburse the ₹1,200 delivery fee where policy allows. This can prevent last-minute trip changes.
How this fits broader security steps
Over the past few years, U.S. consular posts have trimmed exceptions that created room for misuse. By moving the final handover into the applicant’s hands, the system reduces tampering risk.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, similar controls in other countries cut fraud incidents linked to document release.
Official resources and where to check status
- Main portal for appointments and delivery preferences: ustraveldocs.com/in/en/
- Embassy and consulate updates, including closures and alerts: in.usembassy.gov
- For general visa information, forms, and legal references: U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs (visit the Department of State website for official updates).
Frequently asked questions
- Can my spouse pick up for me?
No. Only the applicant can collect, unless the applicant is under 18 and the parent/guardian presents the required documents. - Can I switch from pickup to delivery after approval?
Yes. Update Document Delivery Information and pay the fee. Watch your Messages tab for confirmation. -
What if my city doesn’t have a VAC?
You can select a Blue Dart pickup point or use delivery. Plan travel costs into your schedule if you choose in-person pickup. -
Will this slow my case?
The decision doesn’t change processing time, but planning pickup or delivery early prevents last-minute delays.
A simple step-by-step plan
- Before your interview or drop box: Pick your collection point wisely. If unsure, choose delivery and budget ₹1,200.
- After submission: Check your ustraveldocs Messages twice a week.
- When ready for pickup: Carry your ID original and copy. For minors, bring the original dual-signature consent letter, child’s ID, and both parents’ IDs.
- If issues arise: Use Feedback/Requests with screenshots.
- After pickup: Inspect your visa foil for your name, passport number, and visa class. Report errors immediately.
The bottom line
The New Delhi policy is firm: in-person collection by the applicant, with a narrow exception for minors, and a courier option for those who need it. It adds one more step to the end of the process but promises stronger protection for your most important travel document.
Plan early, keep originals ready, and use your ustraveldocs profile to avoid surprises.
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