01-05-2026, 03:42 PM
(01-04-2026, 09:36 AM)TomK Wrote: If Indians are forced to travel to the US via travel agencies, I get it. If not, and I haven't used a travel agency in decades, what is the issue? This is where I don't get it. Is there a reason Indian people can't book their own travel and arrange their own visas? If I've missed the link to that particular rule, please let me know.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/....html/visa
"Entering the United States
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
What am I missing? Why does an Indian citizen wishing to visit the US for a vacation need to go through a travel agency?
Comprehension - you are missing comprehension! I believe everyone else understands this?
Indians are not forced to use a travel agency although it is very customary for them to do so. There are a number of India travel agencies which are on a US "naughty list" due to past abuses of the visas that they have submitted, which basically means too many of the folks they "assisted" had no intention of returning to the US. This is why THOSE travelers must have a bond and can only enter through one of the three airports.
Any Indian who uses an otherwise approved agency or fills out their own paperwork and gets approved for a visa, can enter through any US international airport.