The US Embassy in New Delhi has introduced a new passport collection policy for visa applicants, requiring all individuals to collect their passports in person, with no third-party pickups permitted. This measure aims to protect sensitive travel documents by ensuring they are handed directly to the rightful owners. For applicants under 18, a parent or guardian must collect the passport accompanied by a signed consent letter from both parents scanned or emailed copies of this letter will not be accepted under any circumstance.
To assist those unable to visit the embassy in person, a home delivery service is available for a fee of INR 1,200 per applicant, which can be selected through the official visa website by logging into the applicant’s profile. The embassy advises applicants to avoid relying on phone updates and instead monitor messages through their visa profile. Any technical difficulties should be reported via the “Feedback/Requests” tab, accompanied by screenshots.
This policy change comes amid rising global security concerns, underscoring the US government’s commitment to safeguarding personal data and travel documents. While the new rules may cause inconvenience, especially for those living far from passport centers, the embassy emphasizes that the enhanced procedures reduce the risk of fraud and mishandling while making the process more secure and traceable.
As international travel policies evolve, applicants are urged to stay informed and familiarize themselves with the updated guidelines to ensure a smooth visa process under this tightened but secure passport access system. This shift signifies a move toward more stringent consular procedures worldwide, balancing accessibility with necessary security measures.
