US Embassy Update: No Third-Party Passport Collection Allowed
Us embassy has stated a new rule which is applied due to the security of application .Starting August 1, 2025, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India will implement a revised passport collection procedure for all visa applicants. This new process prioritizes security and protection of personal documents, especially in an increasingly sensitive global travel environment.
One of the most significant updates is the discontinuation of third-party passport collection. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the new updated US visa for indians rules, the reasons behind the change, and how to navigate the new process with ease.
- Why the change? Enhancing Documents security
- New Passport Collection Guidelines
- Applicants Must Collect Their Passports in Person
- For Applicants Under 18: Special Provisions Apply
- No Digital Copies or Scanned Authorization Allowed
- Optional: Home or Office Passport Delivery (Rs. 1200/-)
- Passport Collection Center: What to Expect
- Important Dos and Don’ts
- Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Stay Informed
- FAQS
Why the Change? Enhancing Document Security
In recent years, security risks involving identity theft, document misplacement, and unauthorized third-party pickups have increased globally. To address these concerns, the U.S. Embassy is taking proactive steps to:
- Prevent misuse or theft of passports
- Ensure that only authorized individuals handle sensitive personal documents
- Maintain a secure chain of custody from the Embassy to the applicant
Thus, from August 1, 2025, the following collection rules will be strictly enforced.
New Passport Collection Guidelines
The revised guidelines are designed to make the passport collection process more secure while still offering flexibility through optional home or office delivery.
Let’s go step by step:
Applicants Must Collect Their Passports in Person
From the effective date, only the applicant will be allowed to collect the passport directly from the designated passport pickup center. This rule applies to all individuals aged 18 and above.
What You Need to Carry:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (such as Aadhar Card, Passport Copy, Driver’s License)
- The original visa appointment letter or receipt
- The passport collection notification email or SMS
Third-party collection (by friends, agents, relatives, or travel consultants) will not be accepted under any circumstances.
For Applicants Under 18: Special Provisions Apply
Children under the age of 18 are exempted from collecting their passports in person, but strict rules apply:
Collection Must Be Done by a Parent or Legal GuardianThe collecting adult must bring:
- Their own original government-issued photo ID
- A copy of the minor’s visa appointment letter
- A copy of the minor’s birth certificate or government-issued ID
- An original signed consent letter from both parents, authorizing the passport collection
Important Note:
The consent letter must be physically signed by both parents. No scanned, emailed, or digital versions will be accepted. This step is non-negotiable to prevent unauthorized custody issues or parental disputes.
No Digital Copies or Scanned Authorization Allowed
To further enhance document security:
- Scanned, photocopied, or emailed documents will not be considered valid
- The Embassy will accept only original hard-copy documents for verification
- This rule applies to IDs, consent letters, and appointment confirmations
The Embassy stresses that the use of digital authorization is more prone to forgery and hence will not be entertained in any form.
Optional: Home or Office Passport Delivery (Rs. 1200/-)
To ease the burden for applicants unable to visit the collection center, the U.S. Embassy offers a doorstep delivery service for passports at a nominal fee of ₹1200/- per applicant.
Benefits of Home/Office Delivery:
- Saves time and effort
- Ideal for elderly applicants or those in remote areas
- Reduces foot traffic at collection centers
To opt-in:
- Choose the home delivery option during your visa appointment scheduling
- Pay the delivery fee either online or at designated centers
- Provide a complete address with accurate PIN code and phone number
Note: If opting for delivery, ensure that someone is available to receive the passport in person at the provided address. No delivery will be made to unattended addresses or PO boxes.
Passport Collection Centers: What to Expect
When visiting the designated passport collection center:
- Arrive during working hours as listed on the center’s official website
- Follow queue management and security protocols
- Present your documents at the passport issuance counter
- Receive a receipt/acknowledgment upon successful collection
Tip: Keep a copy of all original documents and carry extras just in case there are verification issues.
How This Affects Travel Agents and Visa Consultants
Under the old system, many applicants relied on agents or consultants to collect passports on their behalf. With the new rules:
- Agents are no longer permitted to collect passports
- Applicants must plan accordingly and avoid relying on third-party collection promises
Consultants may still assist in the visa application process, but they cannot be part of the collection stage after August 1, 2025.
Important Dos and Don’ts
Do:
- Bring all original documents
- Double-check your collection center location and working hours
- Opt for home delivery if visiting a center is difficult
- Use only official channels for updates and queries
Don’t:
- Send a friend or relative to collect your passport
- Present scanned or printed versions of consent letters
- Rely on unofficial agents for passport collection
- Delay collection beyond the advised timeframe
Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Stay Informed
The new passport collection procedure by the U.S. Embassy in India is a step in the right direction for document safety and applicant privacy. While it requires a bit more personal effort, the added security and transparency are worth it.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a frequent traveler, being prepared will save you time and unnecessary hassle.
Remember: Your passport is your identity—keep it secure by collecting it personally.
US Embassy Update: No Third-Party Passport Collection Allowed
No. Only the applicant or a parent/guardian (in case of minors) can collect the passport.
You must provide legal documentation (e.g., custody papers, death certificate) to justify the absence of a parent.
Delivery is available in most major cities and towns. Check serviceability on the visa scheduling website.
Yes. You will receive a notification via SMS and/or email when your passport is dispatched or ready for collection.
Yes. A representative may pick it up with: their original photo ID, a signed authorization letter, and a copy of your ID.
You can authorize someone to collect it on your behalf using the above documents. Otherwise, after the hold period, pick-up shifts to the embassy.
Collect it at your chosen VAC (14-day hold) or courier location (7-day hold). If unclaimed, the embassy/consulate will notify you.
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