US Visa Update: Third-Party Passport Pickup Ends in India from August 1

No More Agents or Friends Picking Up Passports

Effective August 1, 2025, the US Embassy in New Delhi has officially banned third-party passport pickup for all US visa applicants in India. This policy shift means only the applicant can collect their passport—no agents, no family friends, no intermediaries.

Why it matters: Travel agents coordinating on behalf of clients must now plan around this change. It’s crucial to inform travelers in advance to avoid delays or missed collections.

Why This Sudden Change?

The key reason is passport security.
The US Embassy cites rising concerns around identity fraud and unauthorized document access when passports were being handed over to third-party collectors. This move aims to ensure each passport reaches its rightful owner directly—minimizing risks and enhancing document integrity.

Who Is Allowed to Collect?

• All visa applicants must collect their passport in person.

• Minors under 18? One parent or legal guardian may collect on their behalf, but only with a signed original consent letter from both parents.

• Digital copies, scanned signatures, or emails will not be accepted.

This will particularly affect student agents, corporate travel planners, and visa consultants—you’ll now need to plan for client-specific pickup logistics.

Prefer Not to Visit? Paid Home Delivery is Available

To ease the transition, the embassy now offers a ₹1,200 home or office delivery service per applicant. This can be a practical alternative for busy professionals or those living far from the collection center.

Tip for Agents: Consider advising clients to opt for this delivery method if they are traveling or unavailable for collection.

How to Opt for Passport Delivery

Here’s how your clients can update their preference on the US visa portal:

• Log in to your profile at www.ustraveldocs.com.

• Go to the Visa Application Home page.

• Click “Document Delivery Information.”

• Select the applicant’s name and choose home delivery.

• Save and confirm your selection

• Log out after completion.

If you face technical issues, use the “Feedback/Requests” tab and attach a screenshot along with your delivery request.

What Not to Do

• Do not call the help desk to update delivery preferences—it won’t be processed.

• All changes must be submitted through the official website only.

• Keep an eye on the “Messages” section in the visa application dashboard for updates or confirmations.

Key Takeaways for Travel Agents

• This change applies across all categories of applicants—tourists, students, business travelers, and dependents.

• In-person collection is now mandatory, unless opting for the paid courier option.

• Extra paperwork is essential for minors—agents should help families prepare the consent letters early.

• Encourage clients to log in and confirm delivery preferences ASAP, especially those with upcoming travel dates.
  
  

What This Means for the B2B Travel Community

For years, travel agents and visa facilitators have streamlined passport collections via third-party representatives. This update disrupts that workflow, demanding closer coordination with each applicant.

However, it also offers a silver lining: enhanced document safety and reduced chances of mishandling. In a landscape where travel compliance and data protection are increasingly critical, this move could ultimately benefit the industry.

Final Thoughts

This policy reinforces the need for clear communication between travel agents and clients. Whether you're managing student groups, corporate teams, or leisure travelers, it’s time to revise your visa support SOPs to align with these new guidelines.

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