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

 

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 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

 

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. Here’s what you will need:

  • A passport that will not expire for at least 6 months after your planned stay in the U.S.
  • A finished DS-160 form (the online visa application).
  • A confirmation of your visa appointment at the U.S. Consulate in Dubai.
  • A receipt for your visa fee (MRV fee).
  • A recent passport-sized photo that meets U.S. guidelines.
  • Your UAE residence visa or Emirates ID, valid for at least 3–6 months.
  • Proof of why you’re traveling (like an invitation letter, travel plans, or details about a business event).
  • Proof that you can afford the trip (bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsor documents).
  • Proof that you have reasons to return to the UAE (like a job letter, property papers, or family information).
  • Your travel history (any past visas, especially for Schengen countries, the UK, Canada, or the U.S., if you have them).

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 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 to Apply for a US Tourist Visa from the UAE

 

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

 

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.

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.