Why Apply for a USA Visit Visa from Dubai?

Dubai is a practical place in the United Arab Emirates for residents who want to apply for a U.S. Visit Visa (B1/B2). The U.S. Consulate there is modern, and the application steps are simple. Help is available for applicants who need it.

• Over 8.5 million visitor visas were issued in 2024
• In April 2025 alone, the Dubai consulate issued 5,290 U.S. visitor visas (B‑1/B‑2)
• B2 (Tourism/Visit) visas are for tourism, family visits, medical care, or personal trips.
• The B1/B2 visa can be issued for up to 1, 5, or 10 years. 
• Explore world-famous landmarks, visit family, attend business meetings, or receive medical treatment

 

*Want guidance to apply for US Tourist Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for end-to-end support with the process.
 

What is a USA Visit Visa and Who Needs It?

A U.S. Visit Visa (B1/B2) is a non-immigrant visa that permits foreign citizens to enter the United States for a short time for tourism, business, medical care, or visits to relatives and friends. It does not permit work or long-term residence in the U.S.

Who Needs the Visa?

• UAE residents who are not U.S. citizens or nationals and who plan to travel to the U.S. for short visits require this visa.
• Passport holders from countries not part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
• Even if you reside in Dubai, you still need a visa if your nationality requires one under U.S. visa regulations.

The U.S. Consulate issues the visa, which usually lasts for 1 to 10 years. Each stay is limited to 6 months per visit.
 

Tourist Visa for USA from the UAE

UAE residents who hold passports from non-visa-exempt countries are required to apply for a B2 Tourist Visa to enter the United States for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends. This visa is part of the broader B1/B2 non-immigrant visa category, which is designed for short-term visits.
 

To start the application process applicants need to complete the DS-160 form and pay the $185 visa fee before going to an interview at either the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the US Consulate in Dubai. The approval decision rests on travel history and financial stability alongside strong UAE ties which include employment and property ownership and family connections. A multiple-entry visa with a 10-year validity period becomes the standard option for most applicants who succeed in their application and allows them to stay for six months each time they visit.
 

Types of US Visit Visa

Detailed information about the type of US Visit Visa is given in the table below.

Visa Type	Purpose	Typical Validity
B1 Visa	Business-related visits such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations	Up to 10 years
B2 Visa	Tourism, leisure travel, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends	Up to 10 years
B1/B2 Visa	Most commonly issued; allows both business and tourism activities under one visa	Up to 10 years

B-1 vs. B-2 Visitor Visas

Visa Type	Primary Purpose	Permitted Activities	Not Permitted
B-1 (Business Visitor Visa)	Short-term business travel	- Attending business meetings or consultations	- Employment by a U.S. entity
		- Negotiating contracts	- Paid work from a U.S. source
		- Participating in conferences	- Enrolling in degree-granting courses
		- Attending short-term training (unpaid)
		- Settling estates
B-2 (Tourist/Medical Visitor Visa)	Tourism, leisure, or medical visits	- Vacation or tourism	- Employment
		- Visiting family and friends	- Enrolling in academic degree programs
		- Receiving medical treatment	- Paid professional performances
		- Participation in social events or amateur contests
		- Short recreational study (non-credit)

USA Visit Visa Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Residents

To be eligible for a USA Visit Visa (B1/B2) from Dubai, applicants must fulfill the criteria below:

• Applicants must be UAE residents possessing a valid residence visa or Emirates ID.
• They need to have a passport from a country that requires a U.S. visa.
• The purpose of their visit should be short-term, such as tourism, business meetings, family visits, or medical care.
• Applicants must show that they intend to return to the UAE after their visit. Proof could include evidence of a job, property, or family ties.
• They should have enough funds to pay for the trip without needing to work in the U.S.
• Applicants must not have any serious criminal or immigration issues.
• They should be ready to attend a visa interview at the U.S. Consulate in Dubai if it is needed.

USA Visit Visa Requirements from Dubai

To get a USA Visit Visa (B1/B2) from Dubai, you need to be eligible and turn in all the right documents.

When applying for a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourism/medical) visa, applicants are generally required to provide the following documents:

• Valid Passport — Must be valid for travel to the United States and remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• DS-160 Confirmation Page — Printed confirmation with barcode from the completed online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160).
• Visa Application Fee Receipt (MRV Fee) — Proof of payment of the non-refundable visa application fee (currently US$185).
• Visa Photograph — A recent passport-style photo meeting U.S. visa specifications, unless uploaded successfully with the DS-160.
• Appointment Confirmation Page — Proof of your scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Supporting Purpose Documents — For B-1: business letters, meeting agendas, or conference registrations. For B-2: travel itineraries, hotel bookings, or medical treatment letters.
• Financial Evidence — Documents such as bank statements, pay slips, or other proof showing you can cover expenses during your stay.
• Proof of Ties to Home Country — Employment letters, property documents, or family evidence demonstrating intent to return after your visit.
• Additional Items if Requested — Some posts may request further documents, such as employer letters, criminal records, or medical clearances, depending on your individual case.

Benefits of a US Visit Visa

The benefits of the US Visit Visa are given below.

• Candidates get multiple entries spanning up to ten consecutive years
• Each visit allows a maximum stay of six months in U.S. territory
• No sponsorship required
• This visa allows people to travel for tourism as well as medical treatment and family visits
• Credible history of obtaining visas boosts chances of acquiring future travel visas

How to Apply for a USA Visit Visa from Dubai?

The process to apply for a USA Visit Visa is given below:

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form. 

Step 2: Pay the visa application fee or MRV fee.

Step 3: Create an account and book your appointments for both biometrics and the visa interview.

Step 4: Provide your biometric information.

Step 5: Receive your passport with the USA Visit Visa.

How Much Does a USA Visit Visa Cost from Dubai?

The cost for a U.S. B1/B2 visa, which covers both business and tourism, is $185 USD when applying from Dubai. This fee is standard for non-immigrant visas, and applies to applicants of all nationalities.

USA Visit Visa Processing Time in Dubai

Detailed information about the processing time for USA Visit Visa is given below:

Processing Stage	Estimated Time
Appointment Availability	7–15 working days
Biometrics & Interview Completion	Same day or consecutive days
Visa Processing After Interview	3–7 working days
Passport Return (if courier opted)	2–4 working days
Recommended Application Window	At least 4 weeks in advance

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a U.S. Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2)

Applying for a U.S. visitor visa involves completing the DS-160 form, paying the required fees, and attending an interview. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is complete and accurate:

Step 1 — Determine your visa category
Decide whether you need a B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism/medical), or a B-1/B-2 combined visa, depending on your travel purpose.

Step 2 — Complete the DS-160 form online
Fill out the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application accurately. Once submitted, print the confirmation page with the barcode—you must bring this to your interview.

Step 3 — Pay the MRV fee and schedule your appointment
Create an online profile with your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee of US$185 (non-refundable), then schedule your visa interview. Depending on your location, you may also need to schedule a biometrics appointment.

Step 4 — Prepare your documents
Collect your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa photo meeting U.S. requirements, fee receipt, and any supporting documents such as business invitations, travel itineraries, or proof of funds.

Step 5 — Attend biometrics and visa interview
At your appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken. A consular officer will interview you and decide whether you qualify for a visa.

Step 6 — Track your application and passport return
After the interview, monitor your case status online. If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned through the method specified by your U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Check Your U.S. Visit Visa Status

You can check the status of your U.S. Visit Visa (B1/B2) on the U.S. Consulate in Dubai's official websites by following the steps given below:

Step 1: Visit the CEAC Visa Status Check website.

Step 2: Choose “Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV)” from the menu.

Step 3: Type in your DS-160 confirmation number and choose where you had your visa interview (like Dubai).

Step 4: Click “Submit” to see your visa status, such as “Issued,” “Refused,” or “Administrative Processing.”

Step 5: To check on passport return or courier updates, sign in to your U.S. Visa Appointment profile. 

Validity of Different Types of US Visas

The validity of different types of US Visas are given below:

Visa Type	Validity	Max Stay per Visit
B1/B2	Up to 10 years	Up to 6 months
B2 Only	Typically 1–10 years	Up to 6 months
B1 Only	Typically 1–10 years	Up to 6 months

DS-160 Form

All non-immigrant US visas including the B1/B2 Tourist Visa require applicants to complete the DS-160 through the official online platform. This online application represents an essential stage for obtaining a visa which requires submission before scheduling any interview appointments.

The form collects personal, travel, educational, employment, and security-related information. After completing your submission you will get a confirmation page containing a barcode which serves as an interview booking requirement and must be presented at the VAC or US embassy/consulate. Any mistakes or discrepancies in the application process could result in extended processing times or outright denials so precise information submission remains vital. Each person seeking a visa must fill out their own DS-160 application form regardless of their age.

DS-160 Application

The DS-160 represents the standard online application form necessary for all temporary U.S. visas including the B1/B2 tourist visa. The application collects vital applicant information which includes personal data alongside passport details and travel plans and employment history and educational background and security questions. The application needs to be in English and properly completed because any mistakes or mismatched information may result in delays or visa denials.

After completing the submission process you will obtain a confirmation page which contains a barcode that you must print before attending your visa interview. Every applicant including their dependents and children need to fill out their own DS-160 form. The form serves as an essential element of the U.S. visa application procedure which candidates must complete before they can book their visa appointment.

Recent Policy Updates for U.S. Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2)

The U.S. government has introduced several important updates to visitor visa procedures in 2024–2025. Applicants should be aware of the following:

• Interview Waiver Policy Revised (Effective September 2025): Most applicants, including B-1/B-2 renewals, must now attend an in-person interview. Only limited categories, such as certain diplomatic/official visas and renewals meeting strict criteria, remain eligible for waivers.
• Visa Application Fee (MRV) Reminder: The standard MRV fee for visitor visas is US$185. Depending on nationality, some applicants may also need to pay a reciprocity (issuance) fee after approval.
• Biometrics and Security Screening: Applicants must provide fingerprints and a digital photograph as part of the standard visa application process.
• Processing Time Variability: Wait times for interviews and visa issuance differ significantly by embassy/consulate and season. Applicants are advised to check the Visa Appointment Wait Times tool before applying.
• ESTA vs. B Visa Clarification: Nationals of countries under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) may travel with ESTA for short visits instead of applying for a B-1/B-2 visa, but must meet ESTA eligibility criteria.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis delivers total help for U.S. Tourist Visa application procedures which consists of:

• Evaluation of your application eligibility before submitting
• DS-160 form filling and review
• Scheduling your appointment and preparing necessary documentation
• Interview preparation with simulated practice sessions
• Assistance continues until you obtain your visa-stamped passport