With U.S. visa wait times in India exceeding a year, many travelers are exploring faster options abroad. Discover the latest wait times in key cities worldwide and find the best alternative for quicker processing.

Dreaming of a US adventure? You’re not alone! A record 2.2 million Indians visited the US in 2024, a surge of nearly 23% from the previous year, making India the second-largest source of US tourists.

However, this soaring popularity has created a major bottleneck: agonizingly long US visa wait times in India. But don’t despair! There’s a way to potentially fast-track your application.

Current U.S. Visa Wait Times in India

The wait time for a US B1 and B2 visa appointment in India varies by location:

• Mumbai: 444 days
• New Delhi: 442 days
• Chennai: 436 days
• Hyderabad: 429 days
• Kolkata: 415 days

With wait times exceeding a year, many Indian travellers are considering applying for their U.S. visa from international destinations where processing times are significantly shorter.

Applying for US Visas Abroad

The good news? Indian citizens can apply for US visas at embassies and consulates worldwide. This opens up exciting possibilities for quicker appointments. If you’re already planning an international trip, consider scheduling your US visa appointment at your destination.

US Visa Wait Times at International Locations

If you’re planning to travel abroad, consider applying for a U.S. visa from these locations with shorter wait times:

Fastest

Hanoi, Vietnam (2 days) and Kuwait (4 days) offer the quickest turnarounds.

Short Waits

Hong Kong and Phnom Penh, Cambodia boast 7-day waits. Baku, Azerbaijan is at 9 days, while Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has a 10-day wait. Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, Korea are at 11 days.

Moderate Waits

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (14 days) and Singapore (15 days) offer relatively shorter wait times. Frankfurt, Germany has a 25-day wait. Manila, Philippines and Bangkok, Thailand are at 29 and 31 days respectively.

Longer Waits

Some locations still have longer waits. These include London, UK (82 days), Colombo, Sri Lanka (114 days), Melbourne, Australia (149 days), Paris, France (155 days), Kathmandu, Nepal (221 days), Dubai (284 days) and Abu Dhabi (433 days).

Things to Consider When Applying Abroad

While applying from a foreign country may shorten your wait time, you may be questioned about why you’re applying outside your home country. Be prepared to explain the long wait times in India as a valid reason.

Additionally, U.S. visa wait times change frequently based on demand and staffing. Checking the latest updates on the U.S. State Department’s visa appointment website before booking flights is essential.

Plan Ahead and Be Patient

Even with faster international options, visa processing takes time. Start your application early and be prepared for potential interviews and document submissions. Thorough preparation is key to a smooth visa application process.

Your Dream Trip Awaits!

Don’t let visa wait times derail your US travel plans. By exploring international application options and planning strategically, you can increase your chances of securing a visa appointment sooner and turning your American dream into a reality.