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US Visa Renewal Policy Shift Could Slow Indian Business and Tourism Travel – Image Credit Unsplash
- A shift back to pre-Covid visa renewal rules in the US may lead to longer waiting times for Indian applicants.
- The travel industry suggests that these changes, coupled with limited direct flights, are hindering the potential growth of India-US travel.
The U.S. has reverted to its pre-Covid visa renewal policy, potentially leading to extended wait times for many Indian applicants. This policy change only allows travelers to renew their visas without an embassy or consulate interview if their previous same-class visa is valid or expired within the last 12 months.
In November 2022, when wait times for the B1/B2 business and tourism visa interview had extended to almost three years in India, the U.S. expanded the eligibility for same-class drop box visa renewal—which does not require an interview—from 12 to 48 months. This adjustment significantly reduced the wait time for B1/B2 interviews. However, the recent reversion to the 12-month eligibility for renewal could mean more people seeking appointments for same-class visa renewal, potentially extending the queue further.
The travel industry has expressed concern over this change, noting it may add difficulties for those relying on renewal. Anil Kalsi, Vice President of the Travel Agents Federation of India, noted that many people were caught unprepared by the sudden policy shift.
The increase in visa renewal wait times and limited direct flights due to U.S. airlines not using Russian airspace are thought to constrain the potential growth in India-U.S. travel. Despite this, a record number of Indians traveled to the U.S. last year, surpassing the 2019 pre-Covid high, making India the second largest overseas source of international visitors to the U.S., following the UK.
Discover more at The Times of India.
