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U.S. TOURIST VISA IN THE UAE

A US tourist visa is one of the most in-demand visa types among residents and non-residents of the United Arab Emirates. Applicants from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, CIS countries, and the Middle East often apply for a U.S. visa through the UAE, as the process here is well-organized and U.S. consular offices operate on a regular basis.
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What Is a U.S. Tourist Visa (B1/B2)

The U.S. tourist visa falls under the B1/B2 category, which is a non-immigrant visa intended for short-term travel to the United States.
It is suitable if your purpose of travel includes:

  • tourism and leisure,
  • business trips and meetings,
  • medical treatment,
  • visiting friends or relatives.
In most cases, the visa is multiple-entry and issued for a long validity period. However, the visa validity period and the length of stay in the U.S. are not the same thing.

Validity of the B1/B2 Visa

The validity period depends on the applicant’s nationality:

  • Russian citizens — typically up to 3 years;
  • Belarus, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan — usually 1 year;
  • Kyrgyzstan — approximately 3 months;
  • Armenia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova — up to 10 years.
It is important to understand that a visa grants permission to enter the United States, while the length of stay is determined by a U.S. immigration officer at the port of entry. The maximum period granted per visit is usually up to 180 days, but the final decision is always made individually.

Can You Apply for a U.S. Visa in the UAE?

Yes, residents of the United Arab Emirates are fully eligible to apply for a U.S. tourist visa directly in the UAE. This is one of the most convenient and logistically simple options for citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and many other countries.
The key requirement is legal residency status in the UAE (a valid residence visa and Emirates ID). The applicant’s nationality itself is not decisive — what matters is lawful residence in the UAE at the time of application and interview.
In the UAE, U.S. visa interviews are conducted at two official diplomatic missions:
📍 U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi
Address:
24th Street, Al Ma’arid Area, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This embassy handles a wide range of visa categories and is the primary interview location for many applicants.
📍 U.S. Consulate General in Dubai
Address:
Umm Hurair 1, Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The U.S. Consulate in Dubai also processes tourist visa applications and is a popular option for residents of Dubai and the northern emirates.
It is important to note that the choice between Dubai and Abu Dhabi does not affect approval chances. Decisions are made solely based on the applicant’s visa profile: travel purpose, ties to the country of residence, financial situation, and professional background.
Due to high demand, interview waiting times in the UAE can be significant, so it is advisable to plan the application strategy and location well in advance.

Preparing for the Application: Where to Start

The U.S. visa process begins long before the interview itself. It is important to think through:

  • intended travel dates,
  • cities and itinerary,
  • purpose of the visit.
Purchasing airline tickets or booking accommodation before the interview is not required, but you should have a clear and realistic travel plan, as this information is included in the visa application form.

Main Stages of Obtaining a U.S. Visa in the UAE

While the procedure may seem straightforward, in practice it involves many important details.
  • Step 1. Completing the DS-160 Form
    The DS-160 is the core document of your visa application. It is completed online and replaces the paper application.
    It includes information about:

    • personal details,
    • employment and income,
    • travel history,
    • marital status,
    • relatives in the U.S.,
    • purpose of travel.
    The consular officer forms an initial impression of the applicant based on the DS-160. During the interview, the officer primarily refers to the form rather than supporting documents. Therefore, all information must be:

    • truthful,
    • logical,
    • consistent.
    • Errors or inaccuracies in the DS-160 are among the most common reasons for visa refusals.
  • Step 2. Profile Registration and MRV Fee Payment
    To schedule an interview, the MRV (Machine-Readable Visa) fee must be paid.
    The current fee for a tourist visa is USD 185.
    Payment is made:

    • in the currency of the country of application (USD),
    • using cards accepted by the consular payment system (non-sanctioned cards only).
    ❗ Important: The fee is valid for 12 months. During this period, the interview date can be rescheduled. After one year, the payment expires and cannot be reused.
  • Step 3. Scheduling the Interview
    Finding an available interview slot is often the most challenging part of the process. In recent years, demand for U.S. tourist visas has increased significantly, and available dates appear irregularly.
    In the UAE, due to high demand, waiting times for interviews can reach up to 1.5 years. This is a common situation for the region, especially during peak periods. For this reason, it is strongly recommended not to delay the application if travel is planned in the future.
    Interview slots may appear unexpectedly and disappear just as quickly, which often requires:

    • constant monitoring of the scheduling system,
    • fast response when slots open,
    • or the use of automated booking tools.
    When considering alternative countries for application, it is important to take into account visa requirements, interview language, and travel costs. In some cases, applying outside the UAE may be faster, but this always requires an individual assessment.

Interview Day at the Consulate

Security Screening
Applicants are advised to arrive early and allow extra time. Strict security procedures apply at U.S. diplomatic missions. The use of mobile phones and electronic devices is strictly prohibited inside the embassy or consulate.
Mobile phones must be placed in a locker (storage facility) or left outside the building, depending on the consulate’s rules. Phone use during waiting time or the interview is not permitted.
The interview is conducted in English. Using online translators, mobile applications, or any prompts on a phone is strictly prohibited. If an applicant is not confident in their language skills, it is advisable to prepare simple and clear answers in advance.
Biometrics
Biometric data collection is mandatory for all U.S. visa applicants. Fingerprints are taken before the interview with the consular officer, regardless of whether the visa is ultimately approved or refused.
Biometrics
Biometric data collection is mandatory for all U.S. visa applicants. Fingerprints are taken before the interview with the consular officer, regardless of whether the visa is ultimately approved or refused.
Biometrics are part of standard security procedures and are stored in the U.S. consular system. These records are used for future visa applications and during entry into the United States.
It is important to understand that biometric submission:

  • does not guarantee visa approval,
  • is not linked to the interview outcome,
  • does not need to be repeated for every application if the data remains valid.

This stage should be viewed as a mandatory formality that every applicant completes prior to the interview.
Interview with the Consular Officer
The interview is the most critical stage of the entire visa process. The final decision on visa issuance is made at this point. In most cases, the interview lasts 5 to 10 minutes, during which the officer assesses whether the applicant meets the requirements for a non-immigrant visa.
Questions are typically concise and aimed at evaluating the logic and consistency of the case. Most commonly, officers ask about:

  • the purpose of the trip (where, why, and for how long),
  • current occupation and employment,
  • ties to the country of residence and return plans,
  • visa history and previous travel to the U.S. and other countries.
The officer evaluates not only the answers themselves, but also how closely they match the information provided in the DS-160. Any inconsistencies or uncertainty may raise doubts about non-immigrant intent.
Applicants should avoid giving unnecessary details or attempting to persuade the officer. Answers should be:

  • clear,
  • concise,
  • logical,
  • truthful.
Excessive nervousness, emotional reactions, or aggressive behavior can negatively affect the outcome. A calm, confident manner and clear understanding of the trip create a positive impression.
Follow-up questions based on profession, family situation, or travel history are standard practice and do not indicate a problem with the application.
Follow-up questions based on profession, family situation, or travel history are standard practice and do not indicate a problem with the application.
Possible Interview Outcomes
✅ Visa Approved
The officer informs the applicant of approval, and the passport is retained for visa issuance.

❌ Refusal under Section 214(b)
The most common refusal type, related to concerns about immigrant intent. The decision cannot be appealed, but reapplication is possible if circumstances change. With proper analysis and correction of issues, subsequent applications are often successful.

⏳ Administrative Processing (221(g))
This is not a refusal but a delayed decision. Additional documents may be requested, or the application may require further review.

Why Professional Assistance Matters

Obtaining a U.S. tourist visa involves more than simply completing a form and attending an interview. The process requires precision, strategic planning, and an understanding of consular practices. Even minor mistakes in the DS-160, poorly worded travel purpose, or an incorrectly chosen application location can lead to refusal, additional fees, and months of lost time.
This is particularly relevant when applying in the UAE, where high application volumes and long waiting times demand careful planning.
We have in-depth experience with U.S. visa applications specifically in the UAE, including the operational specifics of the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, requirements for residents and non-residents, realistic interview timelines, and scheduling practices.
Based on this expertise, we can recommend the most effective application strategy, select the optimal consulate, and improve the chances of obtaining an expedited interview appointment when justified.
When working with us:
  • we conduct a preliminary case analysis and assess risks before submission;
  • professionally complete the DS-160, creating a clear and consistent application narrative;
  • assist with interview scheduling and consulate selection;
  • prepare applicants for the interview, explaining how to answer questions and what officers focus on.
As a result, you attend the interview well-prepared, confident, and with a clear strategy, minimizing stress and uncertainty throughout the process.
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