How long is the US visa appointment wait in Dubai and Abu Dhabi? On 17 September 2026 the US Department of State listed the next available B1/B2 interview at about 11.5 months in Dubai and 12.5 months in Abu Dhabi. Last checked 25 September 2026.
US visa wait times in the UAE at a glance
| Visa category (next available interview) | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 visitor | 11.5 months | 12.5 months |
| F, M, J students and exchange visitors | 5 months | 0.5 month |
| H, L, O, P, Q petition based | 4.5 months | 0.5 month |
| C, D crew and transit | 5 months | 0.5 month |
Source: US Department of State, Global Visa Wait Times, last updated 17 September 2026. Appointments are released every Friday between 7:30 and 11:30 UAE time, except on US and UAE holidays, and anyone with a booking can move to an earlier slot at any time.
Current US Visa Wait Times for Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Anyone planning US travel from the UAE should look at appointment wait times before booking flights or making other commitments. The US Department of State publishes these figures on its Global Visa Wait Times page and updates them monthly.
According to the data published on 17 September 2026, the next available B1/B2 tourist and business visa interview appointment at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi is listed at roughly 12.5 months out. At the US Consulate General in Dubai, the figure is roughly 11.5 months. These numbers move as embassies release new appointment slots, so the actual wait for an individual applicant can be shorter, especially if you check back regularly and move to an earlier opening.
Because these figures change from month to month, always check the official wait times tool directly before making a decision.
A Reminder That Schedules Can Shift Quickly
In mid July 2026, the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai temporarily canceled consular appointments for a few days because of the regional security situation. Applicants with appointments in that window were told not to come to the embassy or consulate and to wait to be contacted about rescheduling.
This is a useful reminder that appointment schedules in the UAE can be affected by events outside any applicant’s control. If you have an upcoming interview, it is worth checking the embassy and consulate websites, and their official social media accounts, in the days before your appointment.
What to do if you need to rebook
If a post cancels or reschedules an appointment, it typically reaches out directly to affected applicants with instructions. Rely on official communication channels rather than second hand information.
Interview Waivers Can Sometimes Help
Some applicants renewing a B1/B2 visa may qualify for an interview waiver, sometimes called dropbox, which lets them submit documents without sitting for a new interview. Eligibility depends on factors such as how recently the prior visa expired, whether it was issued for full validity, and whether the applicant has ever been refused a visa. The Department of State has tightened these categories over the past year, so eligibility should never be assumed. Always confirm current eligibility on the website of the embassy or consulate where you plan to apply.
Applicants who do not qualify for a waiver should plan around the standard interview timeline rather than assume a shortcut will apply to them.
Planning Around Long Wait Times
Given the current wait times, the most useful step for most UAE residents is to apply well ahead of any planned US trip. Complete the DS-160 form accurately, pay the MRV fee promptly, and book the earliest available appointment even if the date looks distant. You can often move to an earlier slot later if one opens up.
A visa service can help you prepare documentation and monitor appointment openings so nothing is missed while you wait. Our packages start at AED 3,500 plus VAT per person and include the USD 185 US government MRV fee.
Whatever the wait time, approval is never guaranteed by any service or by early booking. Every application is reviewed individually, and the decision to issue or refuse a visa always rests with the US consular officer at the interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the US visa appointment wait in Dubai?
On 17 September 2026 the next available B1/B2 interview in Dubai was about 11.5 months away, and about 5 months for students. The figures are updated monthly by the US Department of State.
Is Abu Dhabi faster than Dubai for a US visa appointment?
For B1/B2 visitors, no: Abu Dhabi was about 12.5 months against 11.5 months in Dubai on 17 September 2026. For students, Abu Dhabi was much faster, at about half a month.
When are new US visa appointments released in the UAE?
Every Friday morning between 7:30 and 11:30 UAE time, except on US and UAE holidays, with occasional extra releases, according to the US Mission in the UAE.
Why are wait times so long in Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
High application volume across the region, combined with staffing and workload at each post, drives these figures. They are published and updated monthly by the US Department of State.
Can I apply somewhere other than the UAE to get a faster appointment?
Department of State policy asks nonimmigrant applicants to interview in their country of nationality or residence. We confirm the position with you before anything is booked.
Does an early appointment mean a faster visa decision?
No. An appointment date only determines when your interview happens. Whether a visa is issued still depends entirely on the consular officer’s assessment at that interview.
Sources
US Department of State, Global Visa Wait Times
US Department of State, Interview Waiver Update
Flying for a living? The queue and the roster are a separate problem. See our guide to the US visa for Emirates and Etihad cabin crew, including how the Friday appointment release actually works.
