Global Visa · USA · Tourist
USA Tourist Visa
From India, fees, documents, appointment and processing timelines for 2026.
Quick answer
Apply for a US B1/B2 tourist visa from Kerala. DS-160, MRV fee, Chennai appointment, and 214b refusal tips. Mapshore handles your full US visa file.
- Processing
- 3 to 5 working days
- Applying from
- India
Timings vary by season and nationality. Confirm with our team before you book travel.
Check your USA Tourist Visa timeline
Our team will confirm current processing times and fees for your passport.
Do Indians Need a US Tourist Visa?
Yes — Indian passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 non-immigrant visa before travelling to the United States. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Indians. The B1/B2 combines business (B1) and tourist/medical (B2) purposes in a single stamp, and most applicants from Kerala apply for the combined category even if the trip is purely for sightseeing.
US B1/B2 Tourist Visa — What It Allows
A B1/B2 visa permits a stay of up to 6 months per entry, determined by the CBP officer at the US port of entry — not the visa validity. Most first-time applicants receive a 10-year multiple-entry visa, meaning you can travel to the US repeatedly without reapplying, as long as each visit stays within the authorised period. The visa does not permit paid employment or enrolment in degree programmes.
- Validity: Usually 10 years from issue date
- Entries: Multiple (M)
- Stay per entry: Up to 6 months (set by CBP at arrival)
- Cannot do: Work, study for a degree, or apply for immigration benefits while on B status
US Visa Application Process from India (CGI/USTravelDocs Flow)
Applications are managed through USTravelDocs (formerly CGI Federal), the official US Embassy portal for India. The process has five main steps.
Create your profile and pay
Create a profile on ustraveldocs.com/in and pay the MRV fee via NEFT, demand draft, or cash at an authorised bank (SBI Collect / ICICI).
Complete the DS-160
Complete the DS-160 online application form on ceac.state.gov. Save the barcode confirmation page — you will need it at the consulate.
Book your biometrics
Schedule your Offsite Facilitation Centre (OFC) biometrics appointment (fingerprints + photo) at the nearest VFS centre.
Book your interview
Schedule your consulate interview appointment. For Kerala applicants, Chennai is the nearest consulate.
Attend both biometrics appointments
Attend both appointments with the full document file. If approved, your passport is returned by courier, usually within 3–5 working days.
US Visa Documents Required from India 2026
The US Embassy does not publish a fixed checklist, but the following documents are universally expected and a missing item is the most common reason for a same-day rejection at the counter.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay + all old passports
- DS-160 confirmation page (barcode printout)
- MRV fee payment receipt
- OFC and interview appointment letters
- Photo: 51mm × 51mm, white background, taken within 6 months
- Bank statements for the last 6 months (salary account + savings), with consistent credits
- ITR for last 2–3 years or Form 16
- Employment proof: salary slips, appointment letter, NOC + leave approval from employer
- If self-employed: CA-certified balance sheet, GST registration, company registration documents
- Property documents, fixed deposits, or investment statements (establish ties to India)
- Travel itinerary: flight bookings (reservations only, not ticketed), hotel bookings, invitation letter if visiting relatives
- Travel insurance is not mandatory but is recommended
DS-160 Form — How to Fill It Correctly
The DS-160 is the single most reviewed document in a US visa application — errors here trigger security delays. Complete it on ceac.state.gov, not third-party sites. Key tips:
- Name: Exactly as printed in passport, including any initials in the surname field.
- Social media: The form now asks for handles from the last 5 years. List all active accounts honestly; omissions are flagged by social media screening.
- Travel history: List every country visited in the past 5 years with approximate dates.
- Photo upload: 51×51mm, white background, no glasses, face 50–69% of the frame. The portal has an auto-checker.
- Do not leave fields blank: Use "NONE" or "DOES NOT APPLY" as instructed — blank fields are treated as incomplete.
- Save your application ID: Sessions expire after 20 minutes of inactivity. Retrieve your session using the application ID and security questions.
Mapshore reviews DS-160 forms before submission as part of our visa assistance service — we flag discrepancies before they reach the officer.
US Visa Appointment in Kerala — Where to Book
Kerala residents apply through the Chennai consulate, the closest US Embassy location. Biometrics (OFC) can be completed at VFS centres in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, or Kozhikode, so you only need to travel to Chennai for the interview. Book through USTravelDocs after paying the MRV fee.
- OFC centres in Kerala: Kochi (Kaloor), Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode
- Interview consulate: US Consulate General, Anna Salai, Chennai
- Other consulates (if slots are faster): Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata — you may book whichever has earlier availability, regardless of your home city
US Visa Fees (MRV Fee) 2026
The MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee for B1/B2 is USD 185 (approximately ₹15,500) and is non-refundable — even if your application is refused or you miss your appointment. Pay only through the official USTravelDocs portal; third-party payment sites are scams.
| Fee type | Amount | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| MRV fee (B1/B2) | USD 185 (~₹15,500) | No |
| Visa issuance fee (reciprocity) | USD 0 for India | N/A |
| OFC biometrics | Included in MRV | N/A |
| VFS facilitation (optional) | ~₹1,400 | No |
MRV fee receipts are valid for 1 year. If you pay but cannot attend within the year, your fee is forfeited.
US Visa Interview — What to Expect
The interview at the Chennai consulate takes 2–5 minutes. The officer has already reviewed your DS-160; the conversation is about confirming intent, not re-reading paperwork. Hand over documents only when asked.
- Common questions: Purpose of visit, who you are visiting, how long you plan to stay, your job in India, who is funding the trip
- Tie to India questions: Do you own property? Do you have dependants in India? What will happen to your job if you extend your stay?
- What not to say: "I might extend if I like it" or vague answers about duration — these raise 214(b) flags
- Dress and conduct: Business casual; be concise; answer only what is asked
If the officer issues a 221g administrative processing slip (yellow, white, green, or blue), your application is placed on hold for additional review — typically 2–12 weeks. This is not a refusal.
US Visa Processing Time from India
After the interview, most approved applicants receive their passport with the visa stamp within 3–5 working days, delivered to the address registered on USTravelDocs. If 221g administrative processing is triggered, wait times are 2–12 weeks with no guaranteed timeline. Check status at ceac.state.gov using your DS-160 case number.
- Normal approval: 3–5 working days from interview
- Administrative processing (221g): 2–12 weeks
- Dropbox (renewal, no interview): Passport pickup 3–7 working days after submission
US Visa Refusal: Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them (Section 214b)
Most US tourist visa refusals from India are issued under Section 214(b) — the officer was not satisfied that you intend to return to India after your visit. The burden of proof is on the applicant.
| Refusal reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Insufficient ties to India (no property, unstable employment, no dependants) | Provide lease deed, property documents, family photos, permanent employment letter |
| Vague purpose of travel | Specific itinerary, hotel bookings, event tickets; avoid "general tourism" |
| Inconsistent finances (large unexplained deposits, mismatched income/savings) | Use your regular salary account; avoid cash top-ups in the 30 days before applying |
| Previous US or other country visa refusals | Disclose honestly on DS-160; a previous refusal is not automatic denial but lying about it is |
| Inadequate travel history | Obtain travel stamps from easier-to-get visas (UAE, Singapore, Malaysia) before applying |
US Visa Wait Times 2026 — How to Beat the Queue
Chennai interview wait times in 2026 are running 300–700+ calendar days for first-time applicants, among the longest in the world. Strategies to shorten your wait:
- Dropbox (no interview): If renewing a B1/B2 issued within the last 48 months, you may be eligible to use the dropbox programme — no interview required, submit documents at the VFS centre and collect your passport in 3–7 days.
- Expedite request: Available on USTravelDocs for documented urgent needs (medical emergency, bereavement, urgent business travel). You must provide supporting evidence; leisure travel does not qualify.
- Other consulates: You can book an interview at any Indian consulate — check Mumbai, Hyderabad, Delhi for faster slots. The visa will still be valid for travel from Kerala.
- Book early: For summer (June–August) US travel, begin the application process at least 18–24 months in advance.
How Mapshore Helps with Your US Visa from Kerala
Mapshore handles US B1/B2 visa applications for travellers from Kerala — from the DS-160 review through to interview preparation. Our team in Kochi and Kozhikode has processed hundreds of US visa files and knows the patterns that lead to 214(b) refusals before they reach the officer.
- DS-160 review and submission assistance
- MRV fee payment guidance
- OFC and interview appointment monitoring (we alert you when faster slots open)
- Document checklist tailored to your employment and financial profile
- Mock interview for first-time applicants
- 221g tracking and response preparation if issued
Contact our visa desk to start your US visa file. We will confirm your eligibility for Dropbox in the first call.
Why choose Mapshore for your USA visa from India
We have filed this before
Mapshore has been arranging visas alongside flights and holidays since 2005, so the checklist we hand you is the one that is working at that consulate now.
Your file is checked before it goes in
We read every document against the current requirement list first. Most straightforward refusals come down to a missing statement or a photo at the wrong size, and those are cheap to catch early.
Honest timelines, not best cases
We tell you the turnaround to plan around for your nationality and the season you are travelling in, and we say so early if your dates are too tight to be safe.
A refusal is not the end of it
Bring us the refusal letter. We work out which ground it was refused on, fix that specific thing, and file again rather than resubmitting the same file.
One named person on your file
You deal with the consultant handling your application rather than a queue, and we still pick up when something shifts mid-holiday.
USA visa questions from India
Yes, Indian applicants can reapply for a USA B1/B2 visitor visa from India after a refusal by strengthening ties to India, finances and purpose for the next interview in India. You must declare prior US refusals. There is no ban from India. Mapshore in Kerala helps you prepare for the consular interview in India after reviewing your prior refusal.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for a USA B1/B2 visitor visa from India, but it is strongly recommended because US medical care is extremely expensive without cover for Indian visitors. Policies bought in India should cover the US stay. Mapshore in Kerala advises insurance for every Indian traveller to avoid hospital bills and show preparedness at your visa interview.
USA B1/B2 timing from India is driven by the interview wait at US consulates, which varies by season and can be weeks to months, plus a few days for passport return. Check the State Department wait for your Indian post before applying. Apply at least three months before travel from India and keep your appointment early.
From India the USA B1/B2 fee is USD 185 per applicant, unchanged since May 2023, plus a USD 250 visa integrity fee at issuance under the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act where collected in India. The USD 185 remains non refundable in India even if the US consulate refuses the visa, so Indian applicants should budget for both fees before booking travel.
From India you need an Indian passport valid for six months beyond your US stay, a completed DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, US specification photo, six months of Indian bank statements, employment proof in India and evidence of ties showing you will return to India after visiting the USA.
From India a USA B1/B2 visa may be valid up to ten years for Indian passports, but the border officer decides the permitted stay per visit, usually up to six months on your I-94. Visa validity and authorised stay differ. Check your I-94 after entry from India and do not overstay, as violations harm future US visas from India.
What Our Customers Say
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We approached Mapshore for UK multiple tourist visa assistance for me and my family. It was very pleasant and easy experience from start to end. Special thanks to Ms.Manju for arranging appointment and everything within month and we got visa in two week's time from appointment. Thank you!
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We recently booked a tour to Phuket and Krabi through Mapshore Travels for our parents, and we couldn’t be happier with the entire experience. From start to finish, the trip was beautifully organized, and every detail was thoughtfully arranged. Our parents, who are both above 60, were looked after with such genuine care that it gave us complete peace of mind. The hotels were top-notch, the food was delicious, and the entire itinerary was perfectly balanced for comfort and enjoyment. A special word of appreciation to Arshitha, who was our first point of contact – she coordinated everything seamlessly and was always available to answer questions. And a big thank you to Sadiq, the tour guide, who was incredibly friendly and made sure our parents felt at ease throughout the trip. Our parents came back with glowing smiles, beautiful memories, and immense satisfaction. We wholeheartedly recommend Mapshore Travels for anyone looking for a stress-free and well-organized vacation experience, especially for senior travellers. Thank you for making this journey so special for our parents.
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Participated Thailand tour (From 26th April to 1st May 2025) with Mapshore Travels. We 30 members team really enjoyed the trip. The tour was well organised with 2 days night stay at Phuket and 2 days night stay at Krabi with first class accommodation and food. During the tour we participated in Phuket City Tour, visited Siam Niramit, Phi Phi island by big boat with lunch and National Park followed by Krabi City Tour, 7 islands Sunset tour by Longtail boat with all amenities. The tour conductor Mapshore provided english speaking Guide service throughout our tour. Really a hassle free tour and our special appreciation to Sri. Shehab, the representative of Mapshore, for his special care and hospitality to each and every tour member. I strongly recommend to choose Mapshore Travels for all kind of tours and services.
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We recently had an amazing Phuket-Krabi tour with Mapshore, and it was truly a memorable experience. The itinerary was packed with enjoyable activities including island tours, cultural shows, shopping, and heritage site visits. The accommodations were top-notch, with stays in 4-star hotels conveniently located near major tourist attractions. We flew with Malaysian Airlines, which offered a comfortable travel experience. The restaurants selected for our meals were of good standards, offering a variety of delicious options. Transportation throughout the trip was excellent, timely, and felt very safe. A special thanks to our tour manager Shehab and local guide Sui for their exceptional coordination and support. Everything was seamlessly managed from start to finish, making the trip smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended.
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We recently traveled to Vietnam with Mapshore Holidays and had an amazing experience. Everything was well-organized—from airport transfers to hotel stays and sightseeing tours. The itinerary was well-paced, and we got to explore some beautiful cities and landmarks. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the trip. We didn’t face any issues, and the entire journey was smooth and enjoyable. Highly recommend Mapshore Holidays for a hassle-free travel experience!
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It was an amazing experience travelling to Thailand with mapshore! They have helped me throughout the trip in planning.They’re very professional,responsible and attentive to my needs.The itinerary was a perfect blend of activities,adventure,exploration and relaxation.From transportation to accommodation,everything was smooth and hassle-free.I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to explore new destinations!
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I recently traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with Mapshore Tours & Travels. From beginning to end, everything was well organized and communicated to us clearly. Thanks to Arshita for always checking on us, even while we were in Malaysia. I hope I get to travel with your team again very soon. All the best in everything you are doing to help people see the world! :)
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The trip was amazing and beyond our expectations. Excellent coordination and arrangements.Stay and food was excellent. Drivers and their support was excellent. Cruise trip was mind-blowing and amazing. And my wedding anniversary celebration in the cruise was a great surprise. No negatives to say full of positives. Two small negatives are lunch at safari world is not good as compared with other days lunch and flight to thailand was little bit horrible due poor seating. But these negatives can be forgettable by the very much positive sides Thank for providing such a wonderful memorable vacation to me and my family. Rating from my side on behalf of my family especially from my kids, is 10/10 Thank you once again to all the crews 👌
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Thank you for arranging an amazing trip to Armenia. The whole trip went very smoothly and we all had our best holiday ever because of Piljo"s support. He was all time available for the guidance during the trip. Thank you Mapshore and Piljo
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Unforgettable trip to Phuket&Krabi with RJ Fazlu, thanks to Team Mapshore, especially Team Manager Mr. Piljo! Impeccable service, unforgettable experiences, and lifelong memories. Highly recommended! Don't miss out!"
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Thanks Piljo Paul for arranging an amazing trip. The whole trip went very smoothly and my kids had their best holiday ever.It was wonderful! Your organisation was excellent and the variety of venues and hotels was great.Thankyou once again!
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Thanks for amazing trip .🙏🤟👍
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Perfect 👍
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