US B1/B2 Visa Requirements 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.
The US B1/B2 visa is the visitor visa for business (B1) and tourism or medical treatment (B2). This guide explains what UAE residents need to apply from Dubai. Visa Doctor prepares your US visa documentation, the decision is made by a US consular officer at interview.
Who needs a US visa?
UAE residents who are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (most non-Western passport holders) need a B1/B2 visa to visit the United States. Eligibility depends on your nationality.
Core requirements
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay.
- Completed DS-160 form and confirmation page.
- MRV visa fee payment (US$185 as of 2026; confirm current fee and any additional charges before paying).
- A recent US-specification photo.
- Evidence of strong ties to the UAE and funds to cover the trip.
- Documents supporting your purpose (invitation, itinerary, business letter).
Proving ties and funds
The single biggest factor is convincing the officer you will return: stable employment, family, property or business in the UAE, plus finances that comfortably cover the trip. Prepare bank statements, a salary certificate or trade licence, and an NOC. Read our interview preparation guide.
Validity
Many applicants receive a multiple-entry visa valid up to 10 years, though the officer decides. Each visit’s length is set by the officer at the port of entry.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a US B1/B2 visa from Dubai?
The MRV application fee is US$185 as of 2026. Additional fees may apply in some cases, so confirm the current amount on the official US visa services page before paying. The fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Can UAE residents get a 10-year US visa?
Many B1/B2 applicants receive a multiple-entry visa valid up to 10 years, but the consular officer decides based on your profile. The length of each stay is set separately at the US port of entry.
What is the hardest part of a US visa application?
The interview. The officer must be satisfied you will return to the UAE, so strong ties, job, family, property, and clear finances matter more than any single document. Preparation is key.