India Faces New US Visa Rules Impacting Tourism and Business Travel with Lengthy Appointment Wait Times

Published on
September 8, 2025

The US has announced a significant change in its non-immigrant visa (NIV) application process, which will affect short-term travelers, particularly tourists and business visitors. Effective immediately, applicants must schedule their visa interviews in their home country or country of legal residence. This new rule replaces the previous policy that allowed travelers to book quick appointments abroad when wait times were long in their home countries.

New Rule Limits Travel Flexibility

Previously, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many travelers found themselves facing months-long wait times for US visa appointments in India. In these cases, many turned to US embassies in other countries, hoping to secure an earlier interview date. However, with the end of the pandemic’s immediate impacts, the US Department of State has now restricted applicants to scheduling interviews only within their country of citizenship or legal residence.

The change, while primarily targeting applicants for business, tourism, student visas, and temporary work visas, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on those seeking to travel to the US on short notice. With wait times already stretching to several months at US embassies across India, this new rule eliminates an important avenue for those hoping to secure an earlier appointment.

Impact on Tourism and Business Travel

For tourists and business travelers, this updated policy will make planning more complex. Those who may have previously relied on securing quicker appointment dates abroad, particularly in nearby countries like Dubai or Bangkok, will no longer have that option. This adds another layer of stress for those who may need to travel urgently for business meetings, family visits, or tourism. With the popularity of the US as a travel destination, especially for leisure, these changes may disrupt many travel plans.

The updated rules underscore the growing importance of planning travel well in advance, especially for US-bound trips. Travelers may now need to factor in additional time for securing visa appointments in their home country. For tourists, this might mean adjusting travel schedules or opting for destinations with less stringent entry requirements.

Wait Times Still an Issue

As of now, wait times for US visas in India remain lengthy, with an average of three and a half months for B1/B2 (tourism/business) appointments in cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai. In Delhi, wait times extend to four and a half months, five months in Kolkata, and up to nine months in Chennai. This backlog has been a persistent issue for years, and while the situation has improved slightly, the new rule means travelers will no longer be able to skip these long waits by going abroad.

For many, the option to apply in another country was a lifeline. If wait times were shorter in, say, Sri Lanka or Nepal, applicants could travel there for a faster interview. Now, those plans will need to be scrapped, forcing many to navigate the long lines back home.

What Does This Mean for Last-Minute Trips?

For those planning last-minute trips to the US, the new rule will be a major hurdle. Impromptu travel to the US, particularly for business purposes, will become much more complicated. Visa applicants may now need to prepare for significant delays and plan their travels with far more lead time.

It’s not just short-term travelers who will be impacted. Businesses that rely on rapid entry into the US for meetings or conferences could face disruptions as well. Some companies have already voiced concerns about the additional time required to obtain visas for key employees. This could ultimately affect productivity and economic exchanges between the US and other nations.

The Bigger Picture: Changing Travel Norms

The changes to US visa policies also reflect broader trends in the travel industry. As countries emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, many have revised their visa and entry procedures to adapt to new realities. While some rules have become more relaxed, others, like the US’s recent update, reflect a more rigid approach. This could indicate a move towards greater control over immigration and travel, potentially creating new challenges for international tourism and business exchanges.

This policy shift could also influence the US’s standing as a global tourism hub. While tourists may still flock to popular destinations like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, the complexities surrounding visa processes could prompt travelers to consider alternative destinations. It may lead to a rise in interest for countries with more flexible visa policies or shorter processing times, further diversifying global tourism flows.

A Call for Future Flexibility

While the current changes reflect the US’s desire to manage its visa process more effectively, there remains a need for flexibility, especially in times of crisis or urgent travel needs. For now, travelers planning to visit the US must take this updated policy into account and start their application process much earlier than before. It also highlights the importance of staying informed about any future changes to the visa process, especially for tourists who may rely on the US for their vacation plans.

Overview

The US’s updated visa rules mark a shift in how travelers from countries like India will approach their trips to America. For tourism and business visitors, the ability to schedule interviews abroad has been a crucial tool, now restricted under new guidelines. With wait times for appointments still high, travelers will need to prepare for longer lead times and more careful planning. This policy change could alter travel patterns, pushing tourists to rethink their options and look to destinations with more flexible visa processes.