Starting August 1, 2025, the US Embassy in India has rolled out new passport collection rules for visa applicants. These changes mark a major shift in the way Indian travelers can collect their passports after the visa process. If you are applying for a US visa from India, here’s everything you need to know about the updated guidelines, collection methods, required documents, and exceptions.

What Has Changed?

Until now, Indian visa applicants had multiple ways to collect their passports once the US Embassy or Consulate had processed them. Friends, family members, agents, or authorized representatives could often collect passports on behalf of the applicant.

But under the new rules effective August 1, 2025, applicants will have only two options to collect their passports:

1. Home delivery (charged at ₹1,200)
2. Self-collection from the designated center

This means no third-party collection will be allowed anymore. The Embassy stated that this policy change was introduced “to ensure the safety and security of applicants’ passports and documents.”

Home Delivery Option

Applicants can now choose home delivery for an additional ₹1,200 fee.

• The passport will be shipped directly to the address provided at the time of scheduling the visa appointment.
• This option adds convenience, especially for those who do not want to travel again to the collection center.
• However, applicants must ensure the address provided is correct and accessible to avoid delays.

Self-Collection Option

If you do not want to pay for home delivery, you can still pick up your passport in person from the assigned center.

When scheduling an appointment, applicants will be shown a list of collection points such as Consulate General of India (CGI) locations and Blue Dart centers. You can select the most convenient location.

What You Need to Carry for Self-Collection:

• Original government-issued photo ID (such as Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Driver’s license, or Passport)
• Photocopy of the same ID
• Visa appointment letter for faster processing

Important: Not all IDs will be accepted. For example, PAN cards, senior citizen cards, and government job ID cards are not valid for passport collection.

Rules for Minors (Applicants Under 18)

For applicants below the age of 18, the process has additional requirements. A parent or legal guardian must collect the passport.

Documents Required for Minors:

• A copy of the applicant’s ID (Birth Certificate or School ID is acceptable)
• Original government-issued ID of the parent/guardian + photocopy
• Original consent form signed by both parents (scanned or emailed copies will not be accepted)
• Clear photocopies of both parents’ IDs

This ensures that the passport of a minor is released only to verified parents or guardians.

Passport Collection Deadlines

Applicants must collect their passports within a specified time frame.

• At visa application centers → passports must be collected within 14 working days.
• At Blue Dart locations → passports must be collected within 7 working days.

If passports remain uncollected within these time limits, they will be returned to the US Embassy or Consulate. In such cases, the applicant must personally visit the Embassy/Consulate to collect their passport.

Why These Changes?

The US Embassy highlighted that the new rules were introduced mainly for security and safety reasons. In the past, passports and visas were sometimes collected by representatives, which increased the risks of:

• Misplaced or stolen documents
• Unauthorized access to personal information
• Fraudulent collection through forged authorization letters

By restricting collection to home delivery or in-person pickup only, the Embassy aims to reduce risks and strengthen passport security.

What It Means for Indian Visa Applicants

For Indian travelers planning to visit the US, these new rules mean:

• You’ll need to plan ahead for either ₹1,200 home delivery or a personal visit to the collection center.
• No third-party (friends, relatives, or agents) can pick up your passport anymore.
• Parents of minors must be extra careful to carry all required documents, including an original consent form signed by both parents.
• If you miss the collection deadline, retrieving your passport could take longer since you’ll have to visit the Embassy or Consulate directly.

Practical Tips to Avoid Delays

1. Double-check your details – Make sure the delivery address and contact information entered during your visa application are correct.
2. Carry valid ID – Only government-approved IDs are accepted. Avoid bringing disqualified IDs like PAN or senior citizen cards.
3. For minors – Get the original consent form signed by both parents well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
4. Collect on time – Do not wait until the last day. Try to collect your passport as soon as you receive the notification.
5. Keep photocopies ready – Having extra copies of your ID and appointment letter will help speed up the process.

Final Thoughts

The new US Embassy passport collection guidelines in India may feel restrictive at first, but they are designed with security in mind. With visa demand from India continuing to grow, these steps ensure safer handling of sensitive documents.

For most applicants, the changes won’t drastically affect the process—choosing between home delivery and self-collection simply requires some planning. However, families with minors or those used to delegating passport collection will need to adjust to the stricter rules.

As always, the best approach is to stay informed, prepare the required documents in advance, and follow deadlines carefully to avoid delays in your US travel plans.