How to Get a USA Visit Visa from the UAE in 2025 (B1/B2)

Overview

Are you thinking about going to the United States for business, pleasure, or to see family? Then you’ll probably need a B1/B2 USA Visit Visa. From the UAE, we’ll walk you through the process step by step. We’ll talk about fees, documents, timelines, interview tips, places in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and sometimes-asked questions (FAQs). We’ll also show you how Gulliver Holidays makes things easier all over the UAE.

What is a B1/B2 USA Visit Visa?

For short stays, the B1/B2 visa is for people who:

• B1 (Business): Conferences, meetings, talks and trainings
• B2 (Tourism/Visitor): Family visits, medical visits, vacations and tourism Purpose.

If you are approved, you can travel more than once while the visa is still valid, but this is up to the officer at the port of entry. But each stay is short-term and must be appropriate for your needs.

Ready to apply for your USA visit visa from UAE?
Contact Gulliver Holidays for USA Visit Visa —From DS-160 to interview prep, we make your USA visa application simple, fast, and stress-free for UAE travelers.

A Quick Look at the USA Visit Visa from the UAE

• Why do they need it? Most UAE residents and citizens unless they have an ESTA( Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and a passport from a Visa Waiver country.
• Where do you apply? The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai, if an appointment is available.
• Most Important Steps: DS-160 → fee payment → appointments (fingerprints + interview) → decision.
• Processing time: Wait times for interviews vary, so apply early.
• Important tip: Tell the same clear and honest story on all forms and documents.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply (From UAE)

Step 1: Choose Your Visa Purpose (B1, B2, or B1/B2)

If you plan both business and tourism, select B1/B2. This is common for UAE business travelers who also plan short leisure time.

Step 2: Complete Fill out the DS-160 form.

• Please carefully fill out the DS-160 online form.
• The information should match your passport and your plans exactly.
• Print out the confirmation page with the barcode and bring it with you to your appointment.

Step 3: Pay the MRV fee for the visa.

• Pay the MRV fee (non-refundable) for B1/B2.
• Keep the receipt; you’ll need the number on it to make appointments.

Step 4: Create Your Appointment Profile & Book Slots

• You will need to set up an account for your visa appointment and enter your passport, DS-160 confirmation number, and receipt number.
• If you need to, make two appointments:
• Biometrics (like fingerprints and photos)
• Interview with a consul (in Abu Dhabi or Dubai)

Tip: Appointment wait times change. If you have a fixed travel date, apply as early as possible.

Step 5: Prepare Your Documents

Bring originals and clear copies:

• Valid passport with blank pages and proof that you live in the UAE.
• Page of confirmation for DS-160 and confirmation of appointment.
• Picture (U.S. visa photo requirements).
• Plan your trip (a rough itinerary or goal).
• Business support for B1: letter of invitation, company NOC, and proof of conference.
• Recent bank statements, pay stubs, or letters from sponsors can all be used as proof of money.
• Ties to the UAE: job offer letter, rental agreement, and family documents if needed.
• History of U.S. or other visas (if any).

Step 6: Go to your Biometrics Appointment.

• Provide your fingerprints and a digital picture.
• This step is usually quick.

Step 7: Attend the Consular Interview

• Bring your full file and get there early.
• Give a clear and confident answer: why, how long, how much money, and ties to UAE.
• Answers should be short, honest, and in line with your DS-160.

Step 8: Decision & Passport Return

• After the interview, your visa may be approved, denied, or sent for further processing.
• If approved, your passport with visa is sent back to you by either pickup or courier, depending on what you chose.

USA Visit Visa Fees (B1/B2)

• The Visa fee (MRV) is about USD 185, but it can be paid in the local currency if needed.
• Offer extra services: The appointment provider may offer delivery, SMS, or photo services as extras.

Note: The fee is non-refundable, even if refused

Processing Times & Validity

• Appointment wait time: It depends on the season and your location (Abu Dhabi or Dubai). Book your tickets early.
• Decision time: Usually within a few working days of the interview, but delays can happen because of paperwork.
• Validity of the visa: Many UAE applicants receive multi-year, multiple-entry visas (country-specific reciprocity may apply). The final decision rests with the consular officer.

Where to Apply: Abu Dhabi & Dubai

• U.S. Embassy – Abu Dhabi
• U.S. Consulate General – Dubai

You choose appointments based on available slots. Some applicants find Dubai more convenient; others prefer Abu Dhabi. Either is fine—follow your booked schedule.

Interview Success Tips (For UAE Applicants)

• Be consistent: Your DS-160, documents, and answers must match.
• Be concise: Short, direct answers work best.
• Show ties: Employment, family, tenancy, and ongoing commitments in the UAE.
• Show funding: Who pays for the trip? Prove it clearly.
• Bring proof, but only show when asked: Do not overshare.
• Stay calm and polite: Confidence and clarity help.

Common Reasons for Refusal and (How to Avoid Them)

• Unclear purpose or weak ties: Explain your trip and your return plan.
• Insufficient financials: Show steady income and available funds.
• Inconsistent information: Keep every detail aligned across forms and answers.
• Past immigration issues: Be transparent, and bring relevant supporting documents.

How Gulliver Holidays Helps (UAE-Wide)

Gulliver Holidays offers end-to-end support for the USA visit visa from UAE:

• DS-160 review & completion
• Document checklist tailored to your case
• Interview preparation with sample questions
• Profile setup & appointment guidance
• File pre-check to reduce errors and delays

Result: Less stress, fewer mistakes, and a faster, smoother process—whether you apply in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

FAQs: USA Visit Visa from UAE