When you are applying for US Visa in India, depending on the visa slots or appointment availability, you may end up selecting any one of the US Consulates that you may or may not be familiar with. When planning to visit the consulate or embassy, you may wonder about many things, such as hotels around the consulate, if there is a locker facility, when you should arrive at the consulate, what the hours are, etc.
US Consulate Chennai is no different, and many keep asking about these common questions. We have curated the widely shared tips on hotels, hours, etc. from our social media groups and telegram channels for community benefit. We continue to update this page as we have more info.
US Consulate in Chennai provides US Visa services for the states & union territories in India that are listed below:
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Puducherry
- Lakshadweep Islands
- Tamil Nadu
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
US Consulate Chennai Address, Contact Info
- Contact Address : U.S. Consulate General Chennai, 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, Chennai 600006
- Contact Phone Number :
- +91-44-2857-4000
- +91-44- 2811-2000
- Fax Number: 044-2811-2020
- Email ID: Chennaiciu@state.gov ( non-immigration visa related issues, general questions)
Visa Application Center(VAC) Chennai Address, Hours
- Address: Good Shepherd, No 82, Kodambakkam High Road Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034
- Google Maps Link to Location
Type of Appointment at VAC | Operating Hours, Days |
Biometrics Appointment | – Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 5 PM – Sunday: 1 PM to 5 PM |
Submission of Interview Waiver/ Dropbox 221(g) application submission | Monday to Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM |
Passport Collection | – Monday to Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM – Sunday: 1 PM to 5 PM |
You can read more on the hours at USTravelDocs India Website
Locker Facility, What is allowed and not allowed
Visa Application Center(VAC) – Biometrics Center
- As per their official USTravelDocs website, you cannot any electronic items. But, based on experience from users, it is different and they allow the below items:
- You can carry a Mobile, but it must be switched off inside the VAC center.
- You can carry a small bag as well.
US Consulate Chennai – Interview Location
- There is no locker facility at Chennai Consulate. Many said they had to pay an Auto driver about Rs. 2,000 for holding their belongings.
- No electronics are allowed, such as mobile phones, smartwatches, USB drives, etc. Only documents are allowed.
- No bags are allowed.
- No water bottles allowed. If you carry, they will ask you to keep it by the side of the road
- No cosmetics are allowed in your purse or handbag. You cannot carry lipstick, lip balm, charger, or headphones.
Photos for Dropbox
Below is the feedback on photos topic from users based on their experiences
- Photos taken in the US from CVS were not accepted.
- You can get the photos taken at the VAC Center itself. They charge Rs. 300 for six photos.
- If you compare the cost of taking the photos in India at VAC center vs. at CVS, it is cheaper in India. In the US, at CVS, they charge $20 USD for four photos. While it is expensive compared to normal India prices, it is still cheaper than taking in the US and carrying them to India.
General Tips – When to Arrive, Other Info
Chennai Visa Application Center(VAC) – Biometrics Center
- Try to arrive 15 minutes before your Biometrics appointment time. For some, they even let some about 1 hour before.
- The entire process would not take more than 30 minutes.
- There is a shop with copier, printer, and photo facilities downstairs of the VAC Center in Chennai. If you miss anything, you can print them downstairs.
- If you are submitting as a family, they allow the primary applicant only.
US Consulate Chennai – Interview Location
- Be there 30 minutes before your actual interview appointment time.
- If you arrive early, you must wait outside in a line. Users say they reached at 7:30 AM for a 9 AM appointment but had to wait in line outside at 8:30 AM.
- Wearing a face mask is compulsory.
- The entire process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours.
- If you are with a young child like 1 year, you may be allowed to skip line and your work can be done faster.
Hotels near US Consulate Chennai
We do not endorse any Hotels listed on this page or get anything from any of the hotels, these are pure recommendations given by community users. Please read the reviews and then make the call.
Below is the list of Hotels near to US Consulate Chennai, with some notes.
Hotel Name | Notes, Information |
The Park | – The Park is very close to the US Consulate. – Walkable from the consulate, about 3 min to 5-minute walk. – The price per night can range from 4,000 to 5,000 INR or more. – Website: https://www.theparkhotels.com/chennai/ |
Hotel Palmgrove | – It is also close to the consulate – Price can vary anywhere from 1,850 INR to 4,500 INR – Website: https://hotelpalmgrove.com/ |
Taj Clubhouse | – About 3 km from the consulate – It costs anywhere around 6,000 to 7,000 INR per night – Website https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj/club-house-chennai/ |
Ibis Hotel | – Walking distance from the Chennai Consulate. – A night stay costs anywhere from 4,500 INR to 7,000 INR – More details below this table based on user experience. |
IBIS Hotel
- Distance:
- Walking Distance from US Consulate Chennai
- 3 Kilometers from the Biometrics Location
- Benefits, Service
- Complementary drops from the Ibis hotel to the Consulate
- Good hotel for the price they are giving at, rooms are decent
- Service is good
- Most of the staff can speak Hindi and English
- What needs to be improved:
- Food is average and they try to customize, if you ask them.
Hotels near VAC Center Chennai for Biometrics
Below are the list of hotels that are close to the US Visa Processing VAC Center in Chennai. You may choose this, if you are only going to drop off documents or want to be close to VAC center
Hotels near VAC Center Chennai | Hotels near VAC Center Chennai |
The Kings Park Grand Hotel | – Walking distance to the VAC Center – Price per night can range anywhere from 4000 to 5000 INR with breakfast included |
US Consulate Chennai Holidays List 2024
2024 Date | Day | Holiday | Type of Holiday |
January 1 | Monday | New Year’s Day | American |
January 15 | Monday | Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. | American |
January 16 | Tuesday | Thiruvalluvar Day | Indian |
January 26 | Friday | Republic Day | Indian |
February 19 | Monday | President’s Day/Washington’s Birthday | American |
March 29 | Friday | Good Friday | Indian |
April 11 | Thursday | Ramzan (Idu’l Fitr) | Indian |
May 27 | Monday | Memorial Day | American |
June 17 | Monday | Bakrid (Idul Azha) (Not for U.S. Commercial Service, Bengaluru) | Indian |
June 19 | Wednesday | Juneteenth National Independence Day | American |
July 4 | Thursday | Independence Day | American |
August 15 | Thursday | Independence Day | Indian |
August 26 | Monday | Krishna Jayanthi | Indian |
September 2 | Monday | Labor Day | American |
October 2 | Wednesday | Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday | Indian |
October 11 | Friday | Ayudha Pooja | Indian |
October 14 | Monday | Columbus Day | American |
October 31 | Thursday | Deepavali | Indian |
November 1 | Friday | Karnataka Rajyotsava Day (Only for USCS, Bengaluru) | Indian |
November 11 | Monday | Veterans Day | American |
November 28 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | American |
December 25 | Wednesday | Christmas Day | American |
General Tips about Chennai
If you are visiting Chennai for the first time, it can be tricky and some of you maybe not sure on what to expect. Below are some of the tips shared by our community users.
- There is a misconception that you must know Tamil in Chennai to get around. But, the reality is, you do not need to speak Tamil. Most of the people that you interact with, like Auto drivers, Cab drivers, Hotel people, etc., can speak English.