United States visa from Dubai, Abu Dhabi & UAE
To get a United States visa from the UAE, apply online with Travelzeego: upload your passport and documents, pay from AED 1229, and we submit and track the application.
Key facts
- Destination
- United States
- Visa
- B1/B2 Visa
- Apply from
- UAE
- Fee from
- AED 1229
- Validity
- 2 years
- Stay
- 30 days
- Entry
- Multiple entry
- Embassy visit
- Yes — biometrics and an interview
- Approval rate
- 91% of applications we handle
- How to apply
- Online, with document checks by Travelzeego
The US B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for temporary visits to the United States for business (B1) or tourism and leisure (B2). It is valid for 2 years with multiple entries, and each stay is typically limited to 30 days, though the actual duration is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry. There is no eVisa option — an embassy appointment and in-person interview are required.
What the United States B1/B2 Visa lets you do
With a B1/B2 visa you can enter the United States for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending conferences, short business meetings, or medical treatment. The B1 component covers business-related purposes such as negotiations and consultations; the B2 covers leisure travel. The visa is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, and you may make multiple trips during that window. Each time you arrive, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry — whether that is JFK, LAX, O'Hare, or another major gateway — determines how long you may stay during that visit. The standard is 30 days, but it is the officer's decision, not a fixed guarantee. You cannot use a B1/B2 visa to work, study for a degree, or take up paid employment in the US.
Before you apply for United States B1/B2 Visa
- Book your US embassy or consulate appointment early. Interview slots at missions serving India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman can be heavily oversubscribed, and wait times fluctuate significantly by location and season — check the specific embassy's appointment portal for current availability.
- Prepare at least 3 years of income tax returns and bank statements covering the last 3–6 months. US consular officers scrutinise financial ties closely and want to see a consistent record, not just a recent deposit.
- Your employer's NOC or employment letter must explicitly state your leave dates and confirm you are expected to return to your job. Vague letters that only confirm employment are frequently questioned at interview.
- Write a focused cover letter that explains your specific purpose — which cities or states you plan to visit, whom you will meet, and how your trip ties to your professional or personal life at home. Generic itineraries raise doubts.
- Your Aadhaar card (front and back) and PAN card are required for Indian applicants as identity and financial cross-reference documents; ensure the name and date of birth match your passport exactly.
- Passport photographs must meet strict US visa specifications — recent, colour, white background, and sized to the consulate's requirements. Photographs that do not meet these specs are a common, easily avoided reason for delay.
Why United States B1/B2 Visa applications get delayed or refused
- Failure to demonstrate strong ties to your home country is the most common reason for refusal. Consular officers must be persuaded you intend to return — property ownership, dependants, a confirmed job, or long-term commitments all help make this case.
- Inconsistencies between your documents and your interview answers draw immediate scrutiny. If your bank statement shows a recent large deposit that does not match your stated income history, expect detailed questions.
- A poorly prepared or rehearsed interview. The B1/B2 interview is conducted in person and officers are trained to spot coached or evasive answers. Be ready to speak naturally about your travel plans, your employer, and your reasons for choosing specific destinations in the US.
- Previous US visa refusals or overstays — even from years ago — must be disclosed and will be reviewed. Concealing them is treated more seriously than the original issue.
- Missing or incomplete documents, particularly the absence of ITR filings for the full 3-year period, can result in administrative processing that extends timelines significantly.
Arriving in United States
On arrival at a US port of entry — common first points for travellers from India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman include JFK in New York, LAX in Los Angeles, IAH in Houston, and ORD in Chicago — you will go through CBP primary inspection. The officer will review your passport, visa, and any supporting documentation you carry, and will determine your permitted period of stay for that trip. Carry a printed copy of your itinerary, hotel bookings, and return ticket; CBP officers may ask for them. If you are travelling for business under the B1 component, be clear and concise about which company you are visiting and what the meetings involve. The officer's decision at the border is final for that entry — your 2-year visa validity does not automatically entitle you to any particular length of stay inside the country.
Tips from our visa team
- If you are applying from India, check whether your nearest US consulate — Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata — has shorter appointment wait times; it is permitted to apply at any consulate regardless of where you live.
- Keep your financial documents consistent across all filings: the figures in your bank statements, ITRs, and what you tell the officer should align without gaps or unexplained jumps.
- On each trip, carry a fresh copy of your original approval documents and a brief note of your plans — CBP officers sometimes question returning travellers, and being able to show continuity of purpose helps.
Applying for a United States visa from the UAE
This page is for UAE residents of any nationality applying from the UAE. Sticker visas are lodged at the embassy's visa centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi (VFS Global, BLS or TLScontact); e-visas are filed fully online. Most embassies do not accept applications from people in the UAE on a visit visa. Pay in UAE dirhams by card or Apple Pay.
United States visa documents UAE residents need
- Passport (min. 6 months validity)
- Passport-size photo
- UAE residence visa (min. 6 months validity)
- Emirates ID
- Bank statement (last 3-6 months)
- Employment / NOC letter
- Cover letter
- NOC (No Objection Certificate)
Also usual for UAE residents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
- UAE residence visa valid for at least 3 months after you come back (many embassies want 6)
- Emirates ID (front and back)
- Salary certificate or NOC from your UAE employer · business owners: trade licence and memorandum of association
- Last 3–6 months' bank statements from a UAE bank, stamped by the bank
Frequently asked questions
What documents do UAE residents need for a United States visa?
A United States visa application from the UAE typically requires a valid passport, recent photographs, proof of funds, confirmed travel itinerary and accommodation. Travelzeego shows the exact checklist for UAE residents and validates your documents.
How much does a United States visa cost from Dubai, Abu Dhabi & UAE?
The United States visa starts from AED 1229 (AED) on Travelzeego, including government fees and Travelzeego's assistance. Final pricing is shown before you pay.
How long does a United States visa take to process from the UAE?
Processing time for a United States visa from the UAE depends on the visa type and current consulate workload. Travelzeego shows an estimated approval date once your application is assessed, and offers faster processing options where available.