Yes, you can apply for a US visa in the UAE. B1/B2 and F/M/J student appointments are available at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai, and UAE residents can book there. The main issue is the wait: the State Department table shows about 11.5 months in Dubai and 12.5 months in Abu Dhabi for B1/B2 (table updated 17 September 2026).
This is our guide to US visa appointments in the UAE: the current waits, how appointments are released, how to get an earlier date, and the alternatives. It is based on the State Department wait times table and our own casework in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Where things stand for UAE residents
Appointments for B1/B2 visitor visas and F, M and J student visas are open to UAE residents at both posts. The State Department wait times table showed about 11.5 months in Dubai and 12.5 months in Abu Dhabi for B1/B2 on 17 September 2026. Our page on US visa wait times in Dubai and Abu Dhabi explains the table in more detail.
The interview waiver (dropbox) is not available to most applicants at present, so most people need an interview, including many who would once have renewed without one. See who qualifies for the interview waiver for the eligibility rules.
How are US visa appointments released in the UAE?
The US Mission says the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai “release appointments for nonimmigrant visa interviews every Friday morning between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., with the exception of U.S. and UAE holidays”, and may occasionally release more outside that schedule. Read when new slots are released in the UAE for what that means in practice.
How can I get an earlier US visa appointment?
The FastUSTravel appointment service targets an earlier appointment, about 7 working days, with the timeframe agreed in writing. The service fee is refunded if we do not secure it. We never promise the visa decision, which is always made by the consular officer.
You can also ask the Mission for an expedited appointment if your case fits its criteria. See urgent US visa appointment requests from Dubai for the categories and the steps.
What are my options?
- Apply in the UAE. Book at Dubai or Abu Dhabi, whichever shows the earlier date, and prepare a careful DS-160 and evidence of ties. See how UAE residents prove ties and common DS-160 mistakes.
- Apply in your home country as an alternative. The State Department says that if you apply outside your country of nationality or residence you “should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment” and “might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa”. Fees paid for those applications are not refunded and cannot be transferred. See applying for a US visa in your home country.
- Use ESTA if you hold a Visa Waiver Program passport. See our ESTA page.
- Renewing? See renewing from Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 2026.
Does Presidential Proclamation 10998 affect my application?
Presidential Proclamation 10998 took effect on 1 January 2026 and suspends or limits entry and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries. Some nationalities may be refused however complete the file is.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a US visa in the UAE?
Yes. B1/B2 and F/M/J student appointments are available at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai, and UAE residents can book there.
How long is the wait for a B1/B2 appointment in Dubai?
The State Department table showed about 11.5 months in Dubai and 12.5 months in Abu Dhabi on 17 September 2026. The FastUSTravel appointment service targets an earlier appointment, about 7 working days, with the timeframe agreed in writing and the service fee refunded if not secured.
Can I still use the interview waiver (dropbox)?
It is not available to most applicants at present, so most people need an interview.
Is it better to apply in my home country?
It is an alternative, not a necessity. The State Department warns that applying outside your country of nationality or residence can mean a significantly longer wait and a harder qualification, and the fee cannot be transferred.
Sources
- US Department of State, Visa Appointment Wait Times: travel.state.gov wait times
- US Department of State, Adjudicating NIV Applicants in Their Country of Residence: travel.state.gov notice
- US Department of State, Interview Waiver Update: travel.state.gov notice
- US Department of State, Visa Waiver Program: travel.state.gov VWP
To talk it through, contact the team or WhatsApp us on +971 58 509 5268.
If the wait you are quoted does not work for your travel dates, see urgent US visa appointments from Dubai and the appointment speed options and what each one costs.
