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Planning a foreign Vacation? Here’s Why It’s the Perfect Time to Apply for a U.S. Visa

  • visa code
  • May 8
  • 4 min read

Take Advantage of Summer Travel to Beat U.S. Visa Delays

As summer begins, Indian travelers are packing their bags for vacations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. But if a future trip to the United States is on your radar, there’s a clever travel strategy you may not have considered: apply for your U.S. visa while vacationing abroad.

With appointment wait times at U.S. consulates in India exceeding 400 days for certain visa categories, applying during your trip can help you avoid delays, save time, and reduce stress provided you plan ahead and understand the process. Though the global visa wait times recently released by the U.S. Department of State would indicate the wait times are lesser, the truth is, it is not so.



Why Consider Applying from Another Country?

U.S. embassies and consulates around the world have vastly different appointment availability. While major Indian cities face long backlogs for B1/B2 (business/tourist) visa interviews, other countries particularly in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East often have earlier availability.

This presents a strategic opportunity: if you're already traveling, you can schedule and attend your visa appointment in that destination, completing your U.S. visa process more efficiently.



What Is a Third-Country National (TCN) Visa Application?

A Third-Country National (TCN) application refers to applying for a U.S. visa in a country that is not your country of citizenship or permanent residence. For example, if you’re an Indian passport holder vacationing in Thailand, you may apply for a U.S. visa at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.

Many travelers choose this route to avoid the months-long wait times back home. Destinations like Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Malaysia, and certain Schengen countries are frequently used for such applications due to their efficient processing and appointment availability.

However, it’s essential to know that TCN applications are subject to local consular discretion. Some consulates accept them freely, while others may have restrictions or limited capacity, so it is best to check with the respective consular post if they allow TCNs to apply from their consular post. Do not pay the visa fee before having a confirmation from the consular post. The visa fee once paid is NOT transferable.

Note: If you have an already created profile in your home country using www.usvisascheduling.com, you must first initiate a transfer of  your profile to the country where you intend to apply from, provided the US Visa Portal of that country permits it.



Key Benefits of Applying Abroad

Shorter Wait Times Beat the backlog in India and find earlier visa appointments abroad.

Smart Scheduling Align your visa interview with your travel itinerary no extra trips needed.

Greater Flexibility Traveling to multiple countries? You can monitor appointment slots in each destination.



What You Need to Know Before Applying Abroad

Applying from another country is entirely legal and often smart, but success depends on doing it correctly and strategically. Here's what you must keep in mind:

1. Check Local U.S. Consular Policies

Not all embassies or consulates accept TCN applications—or they may restrict them to certain categories like B1/B2. Always verify:

  • If the U.S. Embassy in your destination accepts TCNs.

  • Appointment availability on the U.S. visa scheduling portal.

  • Language requirements (some consulates require local language proficiency).

2. Have All Documents in Order

Ensure you have:

  • DS-160 confirmation page

  • Valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates)

  • Appointment confirmation

  • Travel itinerary or bookings

  • Supporting documents (employment proof, financials, return ties to India, etc.)

Most importantly, clearly demonstrate your intent to return home, which is crucial for visa approval.

3. Account for Processing Time

While many visas are issued within a few days, some applications are placed under Administrative Processing, which can delay passport return. Ensure your stay in the third country is long enough to accommodate any such delays.

4. Understand Local Entry Requirements

Before planning your TCN visa application, check:

  • Are you eligible for visa-free entry or e-visa to that country?

  • Will your visa/entry permit remain valid during and after your interview?

  • Do you have enough time before your onward travel?



Recommended Countries for TCN U.S. Visa Applications

Based on past trends and traveler experiences, the following destinations have been relatively TCN-friendly:

  • Thailand – Bangkok, Chiang Mai

  • Singapore

  • Sri Lanka

  • Türkiye

  • Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur

  • United Arab Emirates – Dubai, Abu Dhabi

  • Nepal – Kathmandu

  • Schengen Zone – Germany, Italy, Netherlands (for travelers holding valid Schengen visas)

 Tip: Appointment slots and policies change frequently. Always check the local U.S. embassy’s official site before booking travel or visa appointments.



Final Thoughts: Travel Smart This Summer

If you’re planning international travel this summer and have a U.S. trip on the horizon, don’t wait 12–18 months for an appointment back home. Instead, leverage your travel plans to apply for your U.S. visa from a third country.

With the right preparation and guidance, this approach can help you:

  • Save valuable time

  • Avoid appointment bottlenecks

  • Complete your visa process without returning to India



Need Help with the U.S. Visa Process?

At The Visa Code, we specialize in:

  • Strategic U.S. visa planning

  • Third-country application support

  • Personalized documentation review

  • End-to-end appointment assistance

Let us help you turn your vacation into a visa success story.


Contact Us Today

🌐 Website: www.thevisacode.com

📱 WhatsApp: +91.824.858.3284


 
 
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