The US Embassy has rolled out new directives for passport and visa collection in India, introducing tighter controls and limited choices for applicants beginning August 1. Under these updated rules, individuals seeking a US visa have only two options for obtaining their passport: home delivery at a fee of ₹1,200 or picking it up directly from the designated center. The previous facility allowing third-party pickup via friends, agents, or other representatives is no longer available, with security and safety cited as the primary reason for the change .
Who Can Collect Passports and Required Documents
For applicants under 18 years old, only a parent or legal guardian is permitted to collect the passport. This process requires original identification for both parents, along with a consent letter signed by both. Scanned or emailed versions of the consent letter are not accepted. For adult applicants choosing self-collection, an original government-issued photo ID, address proof, a photocopy of this ID, and the appointment letter are mandatory for swift processing. Acceptable identification for minors may include a birth certificate or school ID, while parents should carry both originals and photocopies of their government-issued IDs .
Certain forms of identification are not accepted, such as employment IDs from government jobs, PAN cards, and senior citizen cards. Applicants receive a list of collection centers, including both CGI and Blue Dart locations, when scheduling their visa interview. They can choose the most convenient spot for pick-up from this list .
Collection Deadlines and Important Notes
Passports must be retrieved within specific timeframes: 14 working days for visa centers and 7 working days for Blue Dart locations. Failure to pick up within these limits will result in the passport being returned to the US Embassy or Consulate. In certain cases, individuals may be required to collect their passport directly from the Embassy or Consulate. These steps ensure heightened security and minimize risks surrounding sensitive travel documents .
