You'll get a US visa appointment in a week...if you're ready to fly to these countries

Hoping to ease the burden on consulates in India, the United States is encouraging travellers to apply for US visas through embassies in other countries.

India was one of the few countries where applications for US visas saw a major upswing after coronavirus-related travel restrictions were lifted.

The current wait-time at Indian consulates for the B1/B2 visas (Interview Required Visitors) are:

• New Delhi: 596 days
• Chennai: 625 days
• Mumbai: 638 days
• Kolkata: 589 days

Last week, the US Embassy in India, said travellers who cannot afford the long wait could opt to apply for their US visa via a third country.

Giving example of Thailand, the US Embassy in India, said that the island nation has opened B1/B2 appointment capacity for Indians who will be in the country in the coming months. The wait period in Bangkok for B1/B2 interview is just 14 days.

"Do you have upcoming international travel? If so, you may be able to get a visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your destination. For example, @USEmbassyBKK has opened B1/B2 appointment capacity for Indians who will be in Thailand in the coming months," US embassy said in a tweet.

For travellers who can't afford to wait, these are the best options
While some of the more popular destinations still have a pretty long wait - Abu Dhabi(408 days), Dubai( 396 days) and Kathmandu( 554 days)- Indians travelling to the following destinations may have a shorter wait.

e-Visa/Entry Permit

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 23 days

Visa-on-Arrival

• Hong Kong: 2 days
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia: 7 days
• Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand: 14 days

Visa required

• Kuwait: 1 day
• Singapore: 7 days
• Frankfurt, Germany: 17 days
• Doha, Qatar: 30 days
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: 53 days
• Melbourne, Australia: 58 days
• London, UK: 78 days
• Berlin, Germany: 81 days

The time mentioned above are only for B1/B2 applicants who require to attend an interview.

The United States requires first-time applicants to attend a interview before the visa is issued. For those who already have a visa for the US and are applying to have it renewed, a dropbox facility lets them forego the in-person interview procedure.

The waiting period for dropbox visa renewals are much shorter.