If you’re planning a trip to the US, the latest data (as of July 29, 2025) from the US Department of State reveals—Indian applicants are still facing long wait times for B-1/B-2 (business or tourist) visa interviews. While there has been slight improvement recently, wait periods remain challenging enough to affect travel plans, especially for business trips or urgent trips.
Visa Wait Times Across Indian Consulates
Here’s how long Indian applicants are currently waiting on average:
| City | Average Wait Time for Interview |
|---|---|
| Chennai | ~8.5 months |
| Kolkata | ~6 months |
| New Delhi | ~4.5 months |
| Mumbai | ~3 months |
| Hyderabad | ~3 months |
These figures show some improvement compared to earlier in the year, especially in Mumbai and Hyderabad—but Chennai and Kolkata remain particularly slow.
What’s the Difference? Average Wait Time vs. Next Available Appointment
- Average Wait Time: This is what past applicants experienced—from paying their visa fee to securing an interview date.
- Next Available Appointment: The earliest open slot you can book right now.
Here’s what those stand at now:
| City | Next Earliest Available Slot |
|---|---|
| Chennai | ~5 months |
| New Delhi | ~5.5 months |
| Mumbai | ~5.5 months |
| Hyderabad | ~5 months |
| Kolkata | ~6 months |
Interestingly, many applicants are finding that new slots open up unexpectedly—so it’s always worth checking schedule tools frequently.
Visiting Abroad May Be Faster—Here’s Where
Many Indian travelers now avoid delays by traveling to nearby embassies and consulates where interview slots are available faster:
- Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, Singapore: 0 to 1 month wait
- Kathmandu (Nepal): ~1 month wait
- Bangkok (Thailand): ~2 months wait
For many, flying to one of these countries can save weeks or even months, making it a worthwhile alternative for urgent trips.
Travel Costs to Consider
While international appointments can speed up the process, travel adds costs. Here’s a rough estimate for round-trip flights from India:
- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha: ₹8,000 to ₹12,000
- Kathmandu: ₹4,000 to ₹7,000
- Bangkok: around ₹7,000
These fares are generally less stressful than delayed travel or missed business calls. Plus, short stays are usually enough to complete your visa process—especially if you’re focused.
Smart Tips for Indian Applicants
- Check availability daily—additional slots can appear anytime.
- Reschedule fast if you find an earlier opening in India.
- Research embassy wait times abroad before booking travel.
- Confirm all travel documents (passport, visa fees, invitation letters, etc.).
- If traveling abroad, budget for accommodation and local logistics in addition to airfare.
Final Thoughts Why Planning Matters
Although Indian consulates are seeing modest improvements in wait times, they remain among the longest globally, especially for cities like Chennai and Kolkata. For urgent travel needs—like business or family matters—applying abroad can be a smarter, more time-efficient solution.
Keep your passport and visa documentation in order, track appointment openings tirelessly, and consider your options across neighboring countries. This approach could give you enough time to secure your visa, book flights, and plan your US itinerary without the stress of unknown delays.
