The U.S. Embassy in India recently announced that Indians applying for B-1/B-2 travel visas may be able to schedule visa appointments at embassies and consulates in different countries.
Indian embassy officials cited Thailand as a possible “third country” for Indian applicants, stating that the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok “has opened B1/B2 appointment capacity for Indians who will be in Thailand in the coming months.” The current wait time in Bangkok for a first-time travel visa appointment is around 30 days, compared to over a year for some consulates in India.
In recent months, U.S. Embassies and consulates around the world have rolled out new initiatives to cut down on visa appointment wait times and reduce the staggering B-1/B-2 backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite this updated guidance from the U.S. Embassy in India, applying for a B-1/B-2 visa from a “third country” is not without risk. On average, travel visa denial rates tend to be higher for those applying from third countries, so it’s important to read up on the process before deciding to go this route. For more information on how to apply for your travel visa from a third country, check out Boundless’ detailed guide.
Applying for a B-1/B-2 visa is never a guarantee, but Boundless can help you file the strongest application possible. Our software assesses your risk of travel visa denial based on your specific situation and our experienced team helps you avoid common mistakes. Get started on your travel visa today.