US Visa from Dubai for UAE Residents

United States visa from Dubai: how UAE residents actually apply

You complete the DS-160 online, pay the MRV fee, then book and attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the US Consulate General in Dubai (jurisdiction covers all UAE residents; choose the post with the earlier date). There is no visa centre.

Important (checked 1 October 2026): the U.S. Embassy states that while the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai are open, routine visa processing is not available in the UAE at this time, and applicants should schedule interviews in their country of residence or nationality. Check ae.usembassy.gov before paying any fee; visa fees are non-refundable.

Who decides: the consular officer at the interview — usually on the spot — with some files placed in administrative processing. Fee: MRV fee USD 185 for a B1/B2 visitor visa, paid before booking and non-refundable; the visa itself is typically issued for up to 10 years multiple entry depending on nationality. Processing: routine visa processing is suspended in the UAE as of 1 October 2026 (U.S. Embassy notice); when it runs, the interview slot is the real timeline. After approval the passport normally comes back within about a week.

Visa-free: none — all UAE residents and citizens need a visa — eligibility is decided by your passport, not by UAE residence. Our US service (AED 1,599) confirms what your passport needs, completes the official forms, books any appointment, checks every document against the US checklist and follows the file until the visa is in your hand.

• Eligibility confirmed first — we tell you whether your passport is visa-free, e-Visa eligible or needs a full application before you pay for anything.
• Official forms completed — on the government portal or system, with data matching your passport exactly.
• Appointment or submission handled — booked at the correct centre or mission for your emirate where an appointment is required.
• Document check against the US checklist — residence validity, photos, bank statements and employment proof reviewed before submission.
• Tracked until issued — we follow the file and send you the e-Visa or tell you when the passport is ready.

• How to apply: You complete the DS-160 online, pay the MRV fee, then book and attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the US Consulate General in Dubai (jurisdiction covers all UAE residents; choose the post with the earlier date). There is no visa centre. As of 1 October 2026 the U.S. Embassy states that routine visa processing is not available in the UAE at this time.
• Who decides: the consular officer at the interview — usually on the spot — with some files placed in administrative processing.
• Government fee: MRV fee USD 185 for a B1/B2 visitor visa, paid before booking and non-refundable; the visa itself is typically issued for up to 10 years multiple entry depending on nationality. Our AED 1,599 is a separate service fee.
• Processing: routine visa processing is suspended in the UAE as of 1 October 2026 (U.S. Embassy notice); when it runs, the interview slot is the real timeline. After approval the passport normally comes back within about a week.
• Visa-free: none — all UAE residents and citizens need a visa.
• Some renewals qualify for the interview waiver (drop-box) only under the rules in force since 2 September 2025 (prior visa in the same category, full validity, issued when you were 18 or older, no prior refusal, applying in your country of nationality or residence) — we check eligibility before you pay.
• Emirati citizens also need a US visa; the UAE is not in the Visa Waiver Program.
• Passport valid at least 6 months beyond travel with blank pages; UAE residence visa valid beyond your return.
• Decisions rest solely with the US authorities; no agency can guarantee approval. Rules change often — we re-confirm against the official source (US Embassy & Consulates in the UAE (ae.usembassy.gov) / travel.state.gov) before you pay.

• Original passport — valid at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, with two blank pages — plus a copy of the data page and previous visas.
• UAE residence visa copy and Emirates ID (both sides), valid beyond your return date.
• Recent passport photograph to the mission's specification (white background).
• Personal bank statements for the last 3 months, stamped by the bank.
• Employees: salary certificate or NOC from your employer. Self-employed: trade licence.
• Confirmed return flight reservation and hotel booking or host invitation.
• Travel medical insurance for the full trip (mandatory for some destinations, strongly recommended for all).
• Travel itinerary and, where the mission asks for it, a cover letter.
• For minors: birth certificate and consent letter from the parent(s) not travelling.

• Application form completed on the official portal or system
• Appointment confirmation where an appointment is required
• Personalised document checklist for your nationality
• Cover letter and itinerary where required
• Hotel reservation and return flight reservation
• Travel medical insurance, usable for the trip