US Visa for Moroccans in the UAE: Where to Apply (2026)

Morocco is not on the Presidential Proclamation 10998 list. Moroccan passports qualify for one of the longest visitor visas on the reciprocity schedule: a multiple-entry B1/B2 of up to 120 months, with no reciprocity fee beyond the $185 application fee.

Last checked 24 September 2026.

Where a Moroccan in the UAE can apply

In Morocco, US visa interviews are handled by the US Consulate General in Casablanca, as shown on the US Mission’s visa pages. In the UAE they are handled by the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai. Both missions apply the same rule: book in your country of residence or nationality.

Casablanca is within the rule, because Morocco is your country of nationality. The officer will still want to see why you return to the UAE, so bring your UAE employment, residence and family evidence.

Presidential Proclamation 10998: is Morocco on the list?

No. Proclamation 10998, published in the Federal Register on 19 December 2025 (90 FR 59717) and in force since 1 January 2026, suspends or limits visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries. We checked the proclamation text and the State Department’s implementation notice on 24 September 2026, and Morocco is not named. Moroccan applicants are assessed under the normal rules.

Visa length and fees for Moroccan passports

A ten-year visa is a maximum, not a promise. Officers regularly issue shorter visas, and each stay in the US is set by the border officer on arrival. Morocco is not in the Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not available.

Step by step: applying through Casablanca as an alternative

1. Check the Casablanca wait on the State Department’s wait-time tool. The State Department says the figure is only an estimate.
2. Complete the DS-160, choosing Casablanca and giving your UAE address, employer and residence details.
3. Pay the $185 fee and book through the appointment system linked from the US Mission to Morocco’s visas page.
4. Translate your documents. Arabic or French documents should be translated into English for the interview.
5. Attend the interview with your passport, confirmation page and file.
6. After the interview, wait for the passport to be returned in Morocco before booking your return flight to the UAE.

Building the file

A visitor visa is decided on one question: is the officer persuaded that this trip is temporary and that you will return to the UAE? For Moroccan residents of the UAE, these are the documents that answer it.

• Moroccan passport valid at least six months beyond the stay, plus previous passports showing travel.
• DS-160 confirmation page, with names written exactly as in the passport. Moroccan names often have several Latin spellings, so pick the passport version and use it everywhere.
• UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
• Employment letter or salary certificate with approved leave dates, or a trade licence for business owners.
• Bank statements are not required. If you bring some, about six months of UAE statements that match your salary can help if the officer asks.
• Proof of family ties in the UAE or Morocco, such as a spouse’s residence visa or children’s school letters.
• Trip plan: hotel bookings you can cancel, event registration or a US host’s invitation.

See our translation guide and our name mismatch guide for the two issues that most often slow Moroccan files down.

Common refusal reasons

The State Department’s visa denials page sets out the grounds. For Moroccan applicants living abroad, prepare for these:

• 214(b): the officer is not persuaded you will return. A thin UAE record, funds that do not match your salary or an unclear purpose are typical causes.
• 221(g): the case needs more documents or administrative processing. You have one year to respond before a new application and fee are required.
• 212(a)(6)(C)(i): misrepresenting a material fact. Declare every previous refusal and keep your answers consistent with the DS-160.

Our US interview preparation guide covers the questions officers ask most, and our 214(b) explainer covers what to change before reapplying.

Students and families

Moroccan F-1 students can receive visas of up to 60 months, with no reciprocity fee. You need the I-20, the SEVIS fee receipt and evidence of funding. The State Department asks F, M and J applicants to set social media accounts to public. Families travelling together each complete a DS-160 and pay the fee, and their files should match on dates and addresses. See our US student visa guide.

How Visa Doctor helps

We work with Moroccan residents of the UAE on B1/B2, F1 and F2 visas, including interviews in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Casablanca. We complete the DS-160, prepare translations and a consistent file, and rehearse the interview with you. We monitor appointment releases to secure the earliest date, and the consular officer decides every case. Our US visa service page sets out what we cover. Our UK guide for Moroccan citizens covers the UK side.

Call +971 58 509 5268 or message us on WhatsApp. Our office is Office 311, Stadium Point, Dubai Sports City, open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 20:00.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and official references

All sources checked 24 September 2026.

• US Mission to Morocco: Visas
• US Embassy and Consulate in the UAE: Visas
• Federal Register: Proclamation 10998, 90 FR 59717
• US Department of State: Suspension of visa issuance under Proclamation 10998
• US Department of State: Reciprocity schedule, Morocco
• US Department of State: Visa denials
• US Department of State: Visa appointment wait times