India, Aug. 7 -- The US Embassy in New Delhi has announced that, effective August 1, 2025, it will no longer allow third-party or representative passport collection. The change has been introduced to enhance the safety and security of applicants' passports and documents.

As per the new guidelines, all visa applicants must collect their passports and related documents in person. For applicants under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian will be required to collect the passport, and must carry an original consent letter signed by both parents. The embassy has clarified that scanned or emailed copies of the consent letter will not be accepted under any circumstances.

To make the process more flexible, the embassy is offering a paid hom...