US visa wait times improve marginally in India, but still among longest globally; Here's where you can apply instead

The US Department of State’s latest data, updated on 29 July 2025, shows that Indian applicants for B1/B2 business and tourist visas still face significant wait times for interview appointments. Average wait times range from three months in Mumbai and Hyderabad to eight and a half months in Chennai. New Delhi applicants wait around four and a half months on average, while Kolkata faces six months.

Though these figures reflect some improvement from earlier in the year, the waits remain long enough to affect travel plans for business, tourism, and urgent visits.

Next Available Appointments and Average Waits Differ

It is important to note the difference between the “average wait time” and “next available appointment” for visa interviews. The average wait time reflects how long past applicants waited from fee payment to interview. The next available appointment indicates the earliest date currently open for booking.

For Indian consulates, the next available appointments for B1/B2 visas are:

• Chennai: 5 months
  
• New Delhi: 5.5 months
  
• Mumbai: 5.5 months
  
• Hyderabad: 5 months
  
• Kolkata: 6 months
  
  

Applicants are encouraged to check appointment systems regularly because slots often open up earlier than the average.

Quicker Visa Appointments Available in Nearby Countries
Many Indian travellers look abroad for faster US visa interviews. Several US embassies and consulates in the Gulf and Southeast Asia offer interview slots within one month or less:

• Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, Singapore: 0 to 1 month
  
• Kathmandu: 1 month
  
• Bangkok: 2 months
  

For Indians, visiting these locations for visa interviews may save weeks or months compared to waiting in India.

Cost Considerations for Overseas Visa Interviews
Flight costs to these countries from India vary but remain relatively affordable, especially compared to the value of saved time:

• Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha flights typically start from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 round trip
  
• Flights to Kathmandu can cost ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 round trip
  
• Bangkok flights start around ₹7,000 round trip
  

Besides airfare, travellers must consider accommodation and local transport costs, but short stays are often sufficient to complete visa interviews.

Applicants Should Regularly Monitor Appointment Slots
The US Department of State advises visa applicants to keep checking appointment availability after scheduling their interviews. Embassies frequently release additional slots, and applicants can reschedule to earlier dates if they appear.

This flexibility can help reduce waiting time without needing to travel abroad. However, for those needing urgent travel, seeking interviews at nearby posts may be the best option.