You may need a visa to travel

Travel requirements to the United States for Indian citizens

If you're travelling from India to the United States, the first step is understanding the visa requirements. Securing the right visa makes your entry into the United States as smooth as possible. Let's explore all the necessary travel documents, visa types, and health requirements for Indian citizens visiting the United States.

United States visa requirements for Indian citizens

Visitor visa

Travellers need a visa to visit United States for Business or Tourism.

A paper or embassy visa is the only visa available for travellers visiting United States. The visa is typically a stamp or sticker added to the passport. Travellers must obtain this visa from a local embassy, consulate or visa center before travelling.

Travellers attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be eligible for FIFA PASS, a priority appointment scheduling system offered by the U.S. Department of State that allows ticket holders to access expedited visa interview slots. Click the link for more details.

Different entry requirements apply to travellers who are permanent residents or valid visas for United States. Please review the source for more information regarding these requirements.

Learn about FIFA PASS

Save time at passport control with MPC app for US permanent residents

The MPC mobile app is available to United States citizens, United States lawful permanent residents, Canadian visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travellers with an approved ESTA. Travellers who do not meet one of these requirements are not eligible to use the MPC app.

The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app allows eligible travellers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their mobile device. The MPC app streamlines the traveller’s entry into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time. The MPC app does not require pre-approval. Travellers may experience shorter wait times and may be provided with a designated queue.

The MPC mobile app is currently available at the following locations:

Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)
Bermuda L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA)
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Houston William P. Hobby International Airport (HOU)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Las Vegas Harry Ried International Airport (LAS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Miami Seaport
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
Palm Beach Seaport
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
Port Everglades Seaport
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
San Juan Airport (SJU)
San Juan Seaport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Shannon Airport (SNN)
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Winnipeg James A Richardson International Airport (YWG).

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Important information for dual nationals travelling to United States

Travellers who hold United States citizenship in addition to another nationality must enter and exit the United States using a valid United States passport. Entry using a passport from an additional nationality is not permitted.

Travellers require a passport valid for the duration of stay in United States

Travellers need a valid passport to enter United States. The traveller's passport must remain valid throughout the traveller's stay in United States. The passport must have at least 1 blank page.

CDC requirements for travelling with dogs

Travellers bringing dogs into the United States from countries or regions deemed high-risk for rabies have different requirements depending on whether the dog was vaccinated for rabies in the United States or abroad. Please see the list of high-risk countries below. Travellers are encouraged to check the source for further details.

The countries and regions deemed high-risk are:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Step-by-step guide to the United States visa applications

Step 1: Find the visa you need

For Indian citizens travelling to the United States, it's important to find out the type of visa you need. Check if you need a single-entry eVisa, multiple-entry eVisa, or a visa on arrival. Once you know, you'll be ready to apply.

Step 2: Submit your application

Complete the online visa application. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure you have all the required documents. You may need a passport valid for at least six months after your visit, a return ticket, and proof of enough funds to cover any fees.

Step 3: Check your inbox

Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive an email with your eVisa and important instructions. Be sure to read everything carefully.

Exploring more visa-free destinations for Indian citizens

Visa FAQs: For Indian citizens travelling to the United States

What if my visa application is denied?

If your visa application is denied, review the reason given by the American consulate or embassy. Address any issues or missing information that may have caused the denial. You may have the option to reapply with the corrected or additional information. Consulting a visa specialist or immigration attorney can help you understand your next steps and improve your chances of approval.

What if I lose my visa while in the United States?

If you lose your visa while in the United States, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for assistance. They can guide you on obtaining a replacement visa or emergency travel documents. It's advisable to keep digital copies of important travel documents, including your visa and passport, to expedite replacement.

Can I apply for a visa to the United States online?

Yes, Indian citizens can easily apply for an eVisa online. You can apply for both single entry and multiple entry eVisas by filling out an application form, submitting the required documents, and paying the visa fee. Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email, making the application process convenient and efficient.

Are there any health requirements for visiting the United States?

Generally, no specific health checks or vaccinations are required when applying for a United States visa. However, you should be aware of the following health-related regulations in place while in the United States:

Health screening: While not always required, officials might ask for a health certificate or a medical exam upon arrival. This is more likely if you're coming from an area with a health outbreak or if you show signs of illness.

While these are the current regulations, it is always advisable to check for any updates or changes to health requirements closer to your travel date.