How To Apply For Tourist Visa For USA From India?
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Unfortunately, Indian citizens are not currently eligible for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to the US. Indian citizens must apply for a traditional Embassy visa, also known as a sticker visa or stamp visa, to enter the United States. How can you apply for a Tourist Visa for USA from India? Read on to learn.
But what is ESTA? Who is eligible? And did you know that many other countries do offer expedited electronic travel permissions to Indian citizens?
Tourist visa to USA types for Indian citizens
There are two types of the tourist visa to the USA for Indian citizens to choose from. The tourist visa to the USA is a non-immigrant visa. The B1 and B2 visas differ mostly in the purpose of usage. Both permits are handled at the nearest US Embassy.
B1 (Business visa) serves for all business-related purposes and can be used to:
- handle your business affairs
- settle an estate
- negotiate a contract
- attend a business meeting/conference
B2 (Tourist visa) visa serves for tourism purposes, all Indian citizens can use it for:
- going on a holiday
- exploring the United States tourist destinations
- visit friends/relatives
- undergo a medical treatment
- take part in social events
- and other
How can Indian citizens apply for a tourist visa?
Unfortunately, the process of applying is a bit long and complicated. First, check the specific requirements to meet are and what documents you should prepare. It is best to call the nearest US Embassy (e.g., the Chanakyapuri New Delhi) to do so because the requirements may differ.
Start by filling an online application form ds 160 with your data and attach all of the required documents. Then, pay the non-refundable visa application fee. Print out your filled form and take it with you to the Embassy.
Next, schedule a visitor visa interview to discuss your situation with the consular officer. Gather all of the essential supporting documents and attend your visa interview.
If you answer the questions correctly and show that you have ties to your home country, the consular officer will decide if you are eligible for the visitor visa.
ESTA as an alternative
To avoid the visa appointment for the interview, many countries can go through a much simpler application process to travel to the US.
The main ESTA characteristics include:
- the visa fee of $49
- all you need is a valid passport number (that will not expire for the next six months from arrival in the US)
- is valid for 2 years
- allows numerous visits to the US
- can be used for tourism, business, and transit
ESTA serves as another US visa category. Each applicant can complete the process using our website on any device with an internet connection. Applying online using our site takes a few minutes, and ESTA arrives at your e-mail address!
The Visa Waiver Program for Indian citizens
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) was created by the US Government in 1986 to promote tourism and facilitate short-term business trips.
In 2006, advances in technology led to the introduction of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, also known as ESTA.
An electronic visa (ESTA) to the US has made handling the visa process more accessible than ever before. No visa interview, no visits to the Embassy needed, and just a few elementary requirements.
Unfortunately, Indian citizens are not yet eligible to apply for ESTA. Here is a list of countries that can apply online for the ESTA permit:
| Andorra | Hungary | Norway |
| Australia | Iceland | Poland |
| Austria | Ireland | Portugal |
| Belgium | Italy | San Marino |
| Brunei | Japan | Singapore |
| Chile | Latvia | Slovakia |
| Czech Republic | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
| Denmark | Lithuania | South Korea |
| Estonia | Luxembourg | Spain |
| Finland | Republic of Malta | Sweden |
| France | Monaco | Switzerland |
| Germany | Netherlands | Taiwan |
| Greece | New Zealand | United Kingdom |
ESTA application guide
Visa application is as easy as possible; follow a three-step process available for all visa applicants online. Prepare a valid passport, which is crucial for making a successful application.
3-step visa application process to follow:
- Fill an online visa application form with your data (ensure you provide it error-free).
- Make an online payment for $49
- Check your inbox. First, you will receive a confirmation page with a unique number that can be used to check the visa status. ESTA arrives at applicant's e-mail address in a PDF version. The visa processing time may take up to 72 hours (3 business days). However, the average processing time with our services is just 24 hours.
Final Words
Still, India is a country that has advanced and continues to advance very quickly. It's reasonable to assume that we will see India on the list of the Visa Waiver Program countries in the future. Make your future travel plans to the USA exciting!
Maybe Tourist Visa for USA from India won't be necessary soon, and all Indian citizens will use the easy and effortless ESTA.
Evisa Express successfully processes thousands of applications per year for Indian citizens' international travel. Travel abroad using our visa application services for numerous countries where Indian citizens can go with an e-Visa! See our full services for more information.
