US curbs eased, but visa wait time gets longer for Indians

US curbs eased, but visa wait time gets longer for Indians

Saurabh.Sinha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:31.10.2021

The lifting of US restrictions on fully-vaccinated travellers from India from November 8 has seen the processing time for visas rise significantly. The US embassy in India on Saturday warned of “significant appointment wait times for some nonimmigrant visa categories.” During pandemic, a long waiting time for visa-processing of countries that open their doors to travellers from abroad is a phenomenon seen regularly. “From November 8, an estimated 30 lakh visa holders from India, with proof of vaccination, will be able to travel to the United States under the new international air travel policy. Facilitating legitimate travel to support our strong and growing bilateral ties is our top priority. As we build back from covid-19 related interruptions, we expect significant appointment wait times for some nonimmigrant visa categories at our embassy and consulates. Thank you for your patience while we work to increase our capacity and maintain the safety of our applicants and staff,” the US embassy website states.

Describing the vaccination requirements for travellers, it adds: “Starting on November 8, foreign national air travellers to the US will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding to fly to the US, with only limited exceptions. The CDC has determined that for the purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include those FDA approved or authorised, as well as vaccines with an emergency use listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO).”

“From November 8, an estimated 30 lakh visa holders from India, with proof of vaccination, will be able to travel to the United States under the new international air travel policy”