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.
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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?
The U.S. Consulate issues the visa, which usually lasts for 1 to 10 years. Each stay is limited to 6 months per visit.
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.
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 |
| Visa Type | Primary Purpose | Permitted Activities | Not Permitted |
| B-1 (Business Visitor Visa) | Short-term business travel | - Attending business meetings or consultations - Negotiating contracts - Participating in conferences - Attending short-term training (unpaid) - Settling estates | - Employment by a U.S. entity - Paid work from a U.S. source - Enrolling in degree-granting courses |
| B-2 (Tourist/Medical Visitor Visa) | Tourism, leisure, or medical visits | - Vacation or tourism - Visiting family and friends - Receiving medical treatment - Participation in social events or amateur contests - Short recreational study (non-credit) | - Employment - Enrolling in academic degree programs - Paid professional performances |
To be eligible for a USA Visit Visa (B1/B2) from Dubai, applicants must fulfill the criteria below:
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:
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The benefits of the US Visit Visa are given below.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
The U.S. government has introduced several important updates to visitor visa procedures in 2024–2025. Applicants should be aware of the following:
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A US Visit Visa under B1/B2 classification serves as a temporary travel document which permits entry into the United States for business activities (B1) as well as tourism and medical care and family visits (B2). This particular visa type ranks as the most frequent choice for brief trips yet it forbids work engagement and extended academic programs. The visa duration extends to ten years but each trip cannot exceed six months of stay.
Individuals living in the UAE without passports from visa-exempt countries which include the UK together with all EU member states must get a Tourist Visa for entry to the US. The majority of applicants consist of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Filipino passport holders who live in the UAE. Eligible country citizens can use the Visa Waiver Program but all other travelers must submit a DS-160 form and schedule an interview to obtain a B2 visa before visiting the United States.
Detailed information about the US Visit Visa cost is given below.
| Type | Amount (USD) |
| Visa Application Fee (B1/B2) | $185 |
| DS-160 Form Submission | Included |
| Appointment Booking | Included |
| Optional Courier Service | Varies |
| Optional Expedited Appointment | Varies |
The US Tourist Visa requires between 15 and 30 business days of processing time after the interview date to obtain a decision. The time required to schedule an interview appointment may extend multiple weeks or even longer. The visa application process needs to begin two to three months before travel plans to prevent any unexpected delays.
To apply for a US Tourist Visa, you must submit the documents given below. You must have:
The US Tourist visa delivers 10-year validity to applicants based on their country of origin together with their travel record. People living in the United Arab Emirates normally receive visas that permit multiple entries. The period of stay allowed by the visa lasts multiple years but each journey must not exceed six months because breaching this rule will create difficulties when applying for future visas. All visitors must leave the United States when their authorized time expires.
No, you cannot work in the US with a US Tourist Visa. A B1/B2 tourist visa does not permit any kind of work activity. The visa exists to facilitate tourism activities along with family visits and medical care and short-term business conferences. Performing any paid job or unauthorized work activities leads to immediate visa termination followed by deportation and permanent entry bans. The H-1B represents the appropriate work visa that applicants must pursue to obtain employment authorization in the United States.
No, you cannot study in the US on a US Visit Visa. Studying in the United States is not permitted under the conditions of a U.S. Visit Visa. You cannot pursue full-time academic programs when you enter the United States with a Visit Visa. Informal brief courses without certification might be permitted but extended academic programs need official student visas including F-1 and M-1 categories. The United States requires applicants to obtain their suitable visa classification while remaining outside its territory if they want to study in the country.
The process for obtaining an extension exists only for rare situations which include medical situations and requires submission before the current visa ends. It is impossible to modify your B1/B2 visa into work or student status while remaining inside the United States. You need to exit the United States and start the visa application process in your home country to obtain the suitable visa type.
No, you cannot travel to other countries with a US Visit Visa. A US Visit Visa does not permit entry to any other country but obtaining one increases your chances of visa approval for Canada, the UK and Schengen states since it represents reliable travel history. You need to submit individual applications for each country you want to visit except when you possess multi-country visa agreements such as Caribbean countries which permit US visa holders entry. Make sure to verify the border access requirements at your target destination.
The B-1 visa is designed for short-term business activities such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or participating in professional events. The B-2 visa, on the other hand, is intended for leisure purposes including tourism, visiting family or friends, receiving medical treatment, or attending non-degree recreational courses. In practice, most applicants are issued a combined B-1/B-2 visa, which allows both business and tourism travel under one visa. Neither visa permits full-time study or employment. The permitted length of stay is usually up to six months, determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry.
Form DS-160 is the mandatory online application for all non-immigrant U.S. visas, including visitor visas. You can follow the below steps for assistance with Form DS-160:
Step 1: Visit the official Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
Step 2: Select the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply.
Step 3: Fill in your personal details, travel plans, and employment history.
Step 4: Answer the security and background-related questions honestly.
Step 5: Upload a recent passport-style photo that meets U.S. specifications.
Step 6: Review all details carefully, as changes cannot be made after submission.
Step 7: Submit the form online and save the confirmation page with the barcode.
Step 8: Print the confirmation page and bring it to your visa interview.
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents for a US tourist visa:
The processing time for a U.S. tourist visa can vary depending on demand at the consulate and the applicant’s personal situation. On average, decisions are made within three to five weeks after the interview. However, in high-demand locations, the wait time for securing an interview appointment can stretch to several months. If your case requires additional administrative processing, it may take even longer, sometimes several months. Because of these variations, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date, ideally three to six months ahead, to avoid last-minute complications or missed trips.
Most applicants must attend an interview for a US tourist visa. There are certain interview requirements that must be fulfilled for a US tourist visa, such as:
Note: Decision usually communicated immediately; approved visas are returned via courier with the passport
