As of 2 October 2026, the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai state that routine US visa services in the UAE are suspended. UAE residents who want a B1/B2 visitor visa should follow the official US Mission UAE website for updates on when services resume, and must not rely on unofficial claims about appointments.
Visa rules and services change. This page is general information checked against official sources on 2 October 2026; it is not advice for your situation. Always confirm with the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the US Consulate General in Dubai before you apply or travel.
Key facts
| Point | What the official US Mission UAE pages say |
|---|---|
| Current status | Routine US visa services in the UAE are suspended (notice dated 1 March 2026; the visas page still said routine visa processing is not available when checked on 2 October 2026) |
| Cancelled appointments | The Mission says it will contact applicants whose appointments were cancelled to reschedule when routine services resume |
| Where to apply | Nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule interviews at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence or nationality |
| Application form | Form DS-160, completed online, for short-term visits such as tourism or business |
| Fees | Visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable |
| Interview locations in the UAE | US Embassy Abu Dhabi and US Consulate General Dubai (8 Al Seef Street, Umm Hurair 1) |
What is the current status of US visas in the UAE?
The US Mission UAE published a notice on 1 March 2026 stating that routine US visa services in the UAE are suspended. Its main visas page, last updated in September 2026 and checked on 2 October 2026, says that while the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai are open, routine visa processing is not available in the UAE and that further updates will be posted on the site.
If your appointment was cancelled, the Mission says it will contact you to reschedule when routine services resume. Check ae.usembassy.gov directly for the latest position rather than relying on social media or third parties.
What is a B1/B2 visitor visa?
Most foreign citizens travelling to the United States need a visa placed in their passport before they travel. US embassy guidance describes B1/B2 visas as temporary, nonimmigrant visas for short trips for business (B-1), tourism (B-2) or both. Examples given include:
- Business (B-1): meeting business associates, attending a conference or convention, settling an estate, negotiating a contract.
- Tourism (B-2): holidays, visiting friends or relatives, medical treatment, and some social or amateur events.
The US Mission UAE notes that some travellers may be eligible to visit without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program, which is run by the US Department of Homeland Security. Whether that applies to you depends on your nationality, so check the official US government sources.
How the application process works
The US Mission UAE describes the following general steps. They apply when routine services are available at the post where you apply.
- Complete form DS-160 online. The US Mission directs short-term visitors straight to the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application.
- Pay the visa application fee. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Check the current amount on the official US Department of State site before paying.
- Schedule an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence or nationality, through the official appointment system.
- Attend the interview in person. US embassy guidance lists the documents to bring: your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US), the DS-160 confirmation page, the fee payment receipt and a printed photo. A consular officer interviews you to decide whether you qualify, and digital fingerprints are taken. In Abu Dhabi, the Embassy asks applicants not to arrive more than 15 minutes before their appointment time, and not to bring bags or large electronics, as no storage is available for them.
US embassy guidance says interview wait times vary by location, season and visa category, so apply early once services are available. Check current appointment availability only on official US government websites, not figures quoted elsewhere.
Who to contact
For visa appointment questions, the US Mission UAE lists a customer service centre:
- From the UAE: +971 4 205 5981
- From the United States: +1 313 262 5702
- Email: support-uae@usvisascheduling.com
The Mission says agents speak English, Arabic and Farsi and are available Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00 UAE time, except on UAE national holidays observed by the Embassy and Consulate.
Restrictions for some nationalities
The US Mission UAE notes that under Presidential Proclamation 10998, in effect from 1 January 2026, the United States is suspending or limiting entry and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries, and for people applying with travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. Applicants affected may still apply and attend interviews but may not be eligible for a visa. The Mission refers applicants to travel.state.gov for details.
Can a travel agency get you a US visa?
No travel agency can issue a US visa or secure an outcome. Only a US consular officer decides an application, and routine visa services in the UAE are currently suspended. An agency may help with practical tasks such as organising travel bookings, but treat any offer of a guaranteed visa or a guaranteed appointment with caution. The US Mission UAE also links to official US government guidance on visa fraud.
If you want help with travel planning, browse the top-rated travel agencies in Dubai and top-rated travel agencies in Abu Dhabi.
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FAQ
Can I apply for a US visitor visa in Dubai or Abu Dhabi right now?
As of 2 October 2026, the US Mission UAE says routine US visa services in the UAE are suspended. Check ae.usembassy.gov for updates before making plans.
My US visa appointment in the UAE was cancelled. What happens next?
The US Mission says it will contact applicants whose appointments were cancelled to reschedule when routine services resume.
Where should I apply for a US visa?
The US Mission UAE says nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule their interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence or nationality. Check that post’s own website for its current services.
What form do I need for a US tourist visa?
Form DS-160, the online nonimmigrant visa application, for short-term visits such as tourism and business.
Is the US visa fee refundable?
No. The US Mission UAE states that visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Can a travel agent guarantee a US visa?
No. Only a US consular officer decides a visa application.
Verified from official sources — last checked 2 October 2026. Details can change; confirm with the operator before you travel.