US Visa DS-160 & Appointment Guide (from Dubai)
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are open for US visitor and student visas: B1, B2, F1 and F2.
Both US missions in the UAE are open and releasing non-immigrant interview appointments. The mission security alert of 1 August 2026 confirms that limited non-immigrant appointments are available, while all immigrant visa services remain suspended. The queue figure is the next available B1/B2 interview date published by the US Department of State for Dubai, last updated 17 August 2026. Abu Dhabi stands at six months. Both posts release these appointments every Friday morning between 7:30 and 11:30, and occasionally outside that window. We are watching when it opens, we book the earliest confirmed date we can reach, and we prepare the DS-160 and the supporting file so the slot is not wasted. We also handle ESTA travel authorisation, which is not a visa. We do not handle work, immigrant or transit categories.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Reviewed by the Visa Doctor documentation team, Dubai. See our editorial policy.
Applying for a US visa from Dubai runs through the DS-160 form and two appointments. This guide walks UAE residents through the process step by step. See also our B1/B2 requirements.
Step 1: Complete the DS-160
The DS-160 is the online non-immigrant visa application. Complete it carefully and accurately, errors and inconsistencies are a common cause of problems. Save the confirmation page with the barcode; you need it to book and at interview.
Step 2: Pay the MRV fee & create a profile
Pay the US$185 MRV fee and create a profile on the official US visa appointment system for the UAE. Keep your receipt number.
Step 3: Book two appointments
You typically book two steps: a biometrics/OFC visit and the consular interview at the US Consulate General in Dubai (or the Embassy in Abu Dhabi). Wait times vary and can be long in busy periods, so apply early. Visa Doctor monitors slots and can help secure earlier appointments for urgent travel.
Step 4: Attend and prepare
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, photo and supporting documents. Then focus on the interview, our interview preparation guide covers the questions and how to answer them.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the US visa interview held for Dubai residents?
Usually at the US Consulate General in Dubai, or the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi. You attend in person for biometrics and the consular interview after completing the DS-160 and paying the MRV fee.
How long is the US visa wait time from Dubai?
Appointment wait times vary widely with demand and can be long in peak periods. Applying early is essential; Visa Doctor monitors availability and can help secure earlier slots for urgent cases.
What happens if I make a mistake on the DS-160?
Inconsistencies between your DS-160 and your documents or interview answers can lead to delays or refusal. Complete it carefully; Visa Doctor reviews your DS-160 before submission to catch errors.