Archive · 24 Sep 2026
US Tweaks Visa Rules on Birth Tourism: Indian Applicants
The United States has reminded people about its tourist visa rules.
Some people travel to the United States mainly to give birth there.
They may want their child to obtain American citizenship.
The US Embassy in India says this is not an allowed purpose for a tourist visa.
Consular officers will review the applicant’s main reason for traveling.
If officers believe birth tourism is the main reason, they can deny the visa.
This clarification is especially relevant to Indian applicants.
The embassy shared the message on X in December.
The United States has reiterated that tourist visas may be denied for birth tourism.
Applicants can be refused if their primary travel purpose is giving birth in the United States.
The stated aim of such travel is for the child to obtain American citizenship.
The US Embassy in India said this purpose is not permitted under tourist visa rules.
The embassy published the clarification on X in December, without a year specified.
- Who
- The US Embassy in India and US consular officers; the guidance concerns tourist visa applicants, including Indians.
- What
- The United States reiterated that tourist visa applications can be denied when the primary purpose is to give birth in the country so the child can obtain American citizenship.
- When
- The embassy reiterated the guidance in December; the year was not specified.
- Where
- The United States and the US Embassy in India.
- Why
- To prevent applicants from using tourist visas primarily for birth tourism and obtaining US citizenship for a child.
- Policy area
- US tourist visa applications
- Targeted purpose
- Traveling primarily to give birth in the United States
- Potential outcome
- Visa denial
- Intended benefit
- Obtaining American citizenship for the child
- Issuing authority
- US consular officers
- Communication channel
- The US Embassy in India posted the clarification on X