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

 

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).

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

 

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.
 

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