Why Apply for a US Tourist Visa?

The US Tourist Visa grants UAE visitors permission to experience popular landmarks and conduct family visits and attend brief business meetings throughout the United States. This document serves as a vital requirement for UAE residents who cannot use the Visa Waiver Program.
 

  • The U.S. State Department reported that more than 3.6 million B1/B2 visas were issued during the first six months of 2024.
  • Visa holders can enjoy a decade-long validity period which includes multiple entry privileges.
  • The visa permits visitors to remain inside the US for a maximum duration of 6 months during each trip.
  • The visa serves perfectly for tourists and families who want to visit and people seeking medical treatment and short business travel.
  • The United States attracts considerable numbers of travellers from the United Arab Emirates who rank among its leading outbound tourism markets.
     

Why Apply for a US Tourist Visa

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

What is a B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 Visa serves as a non-immigrant travel document which includes both business and leisure purposes. Through this unified visa you can visit the U.S. for business appointments along with leisure activities and family visits. The visa represents the primary travel document which international visitors from UAE and other countries obtain.
 

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

 

Requirements for a US Tourist Visa

The documents required for US Tourist Visa are given below.

  • Passports which have six months of validity beyond the planned visit period.
  • UAE residence visa, if the applicant Is not a UAE citizen.
  • Duly filled DS-160 form
  • Official confirmation for their scheduled visa appointment.
  • Evidence of financial stability demonstrated through bank statements together with pay slips.
  • Proof of ties to the UAE.
     

Requirements for a US Tourist Visa

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 US Tourist Visa from the UAE?

The detailed procedure to apply for a US Tourist Visa is given below.

Step 1: Duly fill the DS-160 form and provide accurate details about yourself and your travel plans.

Step 2: Submit your visa application by paying the $185 non-refundable application fee.

Step 3: Book your visa interview appointment at the US Embassy located in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate situated in Dubai.

Step 4: Bring your documents including passport along with financial evidence and travel itinerary to the interview.

Step 5: Your visa will be processed and delivered back along with your passport when approved.
 

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa from the UAE

US Visa Cost

Detailed information about the cost for US Tourist Visa application 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

 

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.

DS-160 Application

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.
 

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a US Visit Visa (B1/B2)?

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.

Who needs a US Tourist Visa from the UAE?

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.

How much does a US Visit Visa cost?

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

What is the processing time for a US Tourist Visa?

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.

What documents are required for a US Visit Visa from the UAE?

To apply for a US Tourist Visa, you must submit the documents given below. You must have:

  • A valid passport
  • UAE residence visa
  • Completed DS-160 confirmation
  • Receipt of visa fee payment
  • Document confirming appointment
  • Supporting documents such as:
    • A cover letter
    • Travel itinerary
    • Proof of finances (bank statements, salary slips)
    • Employment or sponsor letter
    • Evidence of ties to the UAE (such as family or property documents).
How long is the US Visit Visa valid?

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.

Can I work in the US on a Tourist Visa?

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.

Can I study in the US on a Visit Visa?

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.

Can a US Visit Visa be extended or converted?

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.

Can I travel to other countries with a US Visit Visa?

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.