United States visa for Indian citizens
Indian citizens need a visa to enter United States.
- Status
- Visa required
- Max stay
- Set by visa
- Official cost
- 435 USD
- Before departure
- Apply for a visa before you travel
Cost note
B-1/B-2 visitor visa total cost: non-refundable MRV application fee (US$185) plus the Visa Integrity Fee (US$250, enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, effective since 1 October 2025). Confirm current fees with the issuing US mission or travel.state.gov.
What you need
- Valid Indian passport
- Completed DS-160 confirmation page
- One photo to US specifications
- Paid MRV fee receipt
- Evidence of ties to India and intent to return
- Attendance at a visa interview at a US embassy/consulate in India
Official source
https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/Use the government route and fee only. Avoid lookalike agent sites that add markups or mimic official portals.
Why this verdict
India is NOT in the US Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not available. Indian citizens must obtain a B-1/B-2 (tourist/business) visa in advance: complete the DS-160, pay the US$185 MRV fee plus the US$250 Visa Integrity Fee (total ~US$435), and attend an interview at a US mission in India. The length of stay is set by US Customs and Border Protection at entry (commonly up to 180 days). Interview wait times in India can be long - apply well ahead. Confirm current fees and rules with the official source.
Frequently asked questions
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for United States?
- Indian citizens need a visa to enter United States. (Visa required.)
- How long can Indian passport holders stay in United States?
- The length of stay is set by the visa you are issued.
- How much does the United States entry cost for Indian citizens?
- The official fee is 435 USD. This page tracks the official government fee only, not agent markup.