US visa freeze deepens uncertainty for Indian travellers, travel firms warn

The suspension of immigrant visa processing at US consulates has added another layer of complexity to India-US travel plans, already strained by visa backlogs and capacity constraints. Travel industry analysts expect the move to trigger a wave of deferred bookings as prospective travellers reassess their timelines, while some may redirect their plans toward alternative destinations.

Data from aviation tracking firms reveals the scale of the disruption on key routes. Weekly non-stop seat capacity between India and the United States has contracted by 58.1 per cent compared to the same period last year, underscoring the combined impact of visa-related delays, airline scheduling decisions, and broader travel uncertainty.

Travel agencies and tour operators across India are preparing for a dual challenge: managing clients already caught in visa processing delays while fielding fresh inquiries from those now questioning the viability of US travel altogether. Industry sources indicate that without swift clarity on visa processing timelines, the sector may see sustained pressure on bookings and revenue.

The situation reflects broader concerns about the predictability of US travel for Indian citizens, with visa delays already stretching to unprecedented lengths at major consulates in New Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities. Travel firms are advising clients to remain flexible and are actively promoting alternative international destinations to mitigate the impact of reduced US travel demand.