Booking a US Visa Appointment in Dubai: A Guide for Dubai Applicants Seeking Visa to the US (2024)

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Reviewed February 2024

Dreaming of traveling to the United States to experience its rich culture, fascinating history, and breathtaking scenery? Obtaining a US visa would allow you to fulfill your ambition, especially if you are from Dubai. To simplify the application process, it is essential to schedule an appointment at the nearest visa application center.

Continue reading this Wego article to learn everything about booking a US visa appointment from Dubai.

US visa appointment in Dubai

If you are a resident of Dubai and wish to travel to the United States for tourism, business, education, or other purposes, you are required to apply for a US visa. However, obtaining a US visa appointment in Dubai can be challenging due to the high demand and limited availability of slots.

Unfortunately, a recent report has uncovered that US visa appointments are unavailable for Dubai citizens until October 2024 due to COVID-19-related delays. As a result, Dubai residents aspiring to visit the US may be confronted with a year-long wait. Alternatively, they have the privilege of traveling to another GCC state, like Saudi Arabia, where they can secure an appointment within a week, or within a month in Kuwait and Oman.

Please note that the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens or nationals of certain countries to travel to the US for tourism or business purposes for stays of 90 days or less without the need to obtain a visa. While the UAE is not currently included in the list of participating countries, if you are a citizen eligible under the VWP residing in Dubai, you are exempt from applying for a US visa for short-term visits.

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Application process

Follow these simple steps to schedule an appointment for a US visa at the US Consulate General in Dubai:

• complete filling up the DS160 form
• go to the visa information and appointment system for the Embassy of the US in the UAE’s website
• create a user account
• enter your personal information to complete the registration
• log in to your account
• enter the DS-160 confirmation number for each applicant applying for a visa
• provide an address or select a location to receive your documents from the Consular Section
• pay the nonimmigrant visa (MRV) application fee(s)
• schedule a Consular Section appointment
• attend the Consular Section appointment

To know more about the US visa interview process in Dubai and the UAE, check out our dedicated article:

After your interview, please follow specific instructions from the consular section or check this website for visa status and delivery information. Do note that filling out the DS-160 form can only take place through the official US government website.

Moreover, if the applicant is under 14 or over 79, they will be eligible for interview waiver processing. Applicants who meet the “Interview Waiver” criteria will receive instructions on sending their documents via courier or personally submitting them at their consular section after the completion of visa appointment scheduling.

Required documents

The following papers must be brought with you on your visit to the consulate once you have made an appointment. You must bring original papers to your interview and one photocopy of each.

• passport, valid for travel to the US and for six months beyond the period of stay in the United States. However, UAE citizens are exempt from this rule and only need to have a passport valid for their intended period of stay
• passport containing the most recently issued U.S. visa (if applicable)
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
• printed Confirmation and Instructions page
• one 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) color photo taken within the last 6 months; photo requirements must be followed
• marriage certificate (spouse)
• birth certificate (for unmarried children under 21)

Depending on the visa you’re applying for, you might be subjected to additional requirements. You can visit the official US Department of State Visa Appointment Service for a more comprehensive guide regarding additional requirements.

Waiting time

The estimated wait time for an interview appointment at a US Embassy or Consulate can change weekly based on the incoming workload and staffing. As of 30 October 2023, the travel state’s site shows that the wait time for a US visa appointment in Dubai is as follows;

• student/exchange visitors (F, M, J): 16 days
• petition-based temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q): 85 days
• crew and transit (C, D, C1/D): 5 days
• visitors (B1/B2): 466 days

US visa appointment in Dubai rescheduling

To reschedule your US visa appointment in Dubai:

• visit the official website of the US embassy and log in using your email ID and password
• once logged in, navigate to the appointment section and choose the option to reschedule
• select a new appointment date from the available options and provide a valid reason for the rescheduling

Keep in mind that there might be a significant waiting period for the next available appointment. Therefore, if possible, it is recommended to attend the originally scheduled day.

US visa appointment Dubai location & contact number

The location and contact information of the US Consulate General Dubai is as follows:

• address: Corner of Al Seef Road. and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE.
• phone: +971-4-309-4000
• email: [emailprotected].

You can also visit the consulate’s website for more information and updates.