🇦🇪UAE

🇺🇸UNITED STATESAE-US

Do UAE passport holders need a visa to visit United States?

Q: How long can I stay in the US on a B-2 visa?

A CBP officer determines the length of stay at the port of entry, typically up to 6 months per visit.

Q: How much does the visa cost?

The MRV application fee is USD 185. A USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee applies at issuance once implemented, and some applicants may be asked to post a refundable bond.

Q: How long is the visa valid?

For UAE nationals the B-1/B-2 visa is usually issued for multiple entries valid up to 10 years.

Q: Do I need an interview?

Yes. Most B-1/B-2 applicants must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai, where biometrics are also collected.

Q: What is the visa-bond pilot?

Under a 2025-2026 pilot, certain B-1/B-2 applicants may be required to post a refundable bond of up to USD 15,000; strong ties to the UAE can help reduce or avoid it.

UAE ordinary passport holders need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to enter the United States for tourism. The UAE is not a Visa Waiver Program country, so ESTA is not available. As of 30 May 2026, holders of an ordinary United Arab Emirates passport require a U.S. nonimmigrant visitor visa (B-2 for tourism, or the combined B-1/B-2) to travel to the United States for short visits. The UAE is not a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), so UAE citizens cannot use the ESTA online authorization and must apply for a visa in advance through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The application involves completing Form DS-160, paying the $185 MRV application fee, and attending an in-person interview (with fingerprinting) at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai. Once issued, the B-1/B-2 visa for UAE nationals is typically valid for multiple entries over 10 years, and each entry permits a stay of up to 6 months as determined by a CBP officer at the port of entry. Applicants should note recent 2025-2026 changes: a $250 Visa Integrity Fee (signed into law in 2025, collected at issuance once implemented) and a pilot visa-bond program under which certain B-1/B-2 applicants may be required to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

UAE (Golden Visa)Living in UAE as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

B-1/B-2 visitor visa (nonimmigrant)

Maximum stay

Up to 6 months per entry (set by CBP at port of entry)

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

USD 185 (MRV application fee)

consular fee only

Processing time

Varies; interview wait plus a few days to weeks for issuance

standard track

Validity

Up to 10 years (multiple entry)

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Complete Form DS-160 online

Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) on the State Department site, upload a compliant digital photo, and print the confirmation page with the barcode.

· Online· DS-160

/02

Pay the MRV application fee

Pay the non-refundable $185 nonimmigrant visa application fee and keep the receipt; the fee number is required to book an interview.

· USD 185· Non-refundable

/03

Schedule the visa interview

Create a profile on the U.S. visa appointment system and book an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.

· Abu Dhabi / Dubai· In-person

/04

Gather supporting documents

Prepare your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and evidence of trip purpose, funds, and strong ties to the UAE to show intent to return.

· Ties to UAE· Proof of funds

/05

Attend the interview and give fingerprints

A consular officer reviews your application and eligibility; ten-fingerprint biometrics are normally collected. Some applicants may be asked to post a refundable visa bond.

· Biometrics· Interview

/06

Collect your passport with visa

If approved, your passport with the visa is returned via the chosen courier/pickup; verify all details before travel.

· Courier/pickup· Verify details

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

9 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 9 complete

UAE passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay

required

DS-160 confirmation page with barcode

required

MRV fee payment receipt (USD 185)

required

Visa interview appointment confirmation

required

One 2x2 inch (5x5 cm) recent color photo

required

Proof of funds to cover the trip (bank statements)

recommended

Evidence of ties to the UAE (employment, property, family)

recommended

Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, or invitation letter

recommended

Previous passports and prior U.S. visa (if any)

optional

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

MRV visa application feeUSD 185Non-refundable; paid before the interview

Visa Integrity FeeUSD 250Signed into law 2025; collected at visa issuance once implemented (potentially refundable)

Visa issuance (reciprocity) feeUSD 0No reciprocity fee currently applies to UAE nationals for B visas

Refundable visa bond (pilot)Up to USD 15,000Only if required by the consular officer under the bond pilot; refundable

Total estimateUSD 185 — USD 435incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard consular processing

Interview wait varies; issuance within a few days to weeks

Standard route via DS-160, interview, and biometrics at the Embassy/Consulate.

Expedited (emergency) appointment

Days, if granted

Request an emergency appointment for urgent qualifying travel after paying the fee.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

UAE is not in the Visa Waiver Program

The UAE is not a VWP country, so its citizens cannot use ESTA and must obtain a visa in advance.

High

/02

Tourism and short visits

Sightseeing, holidays, and visiting family or friends fall under the B-2 visitor category.

High

/03

Business meetings and conferences

Attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations is covered by the B-1 portion of the visa.

Medium

/04

Medical treatment

Travel for medical care is permitted under the B-2 visa.

Low

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

CBP inspection

A visa lets you request admission. CBP decides the actual period of stay and records it in your I-94.

/02

Customs

Declare food, agricultural items, and cash over USD 10,000. Missing declarations can cause fines or seizure.

/03

Connectivity

Airport SIMs are expensive; eSIMs or prepaid plans bought online often work better for short trips.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

United Arab Emirates to United States route verified

Confirmed via the U.S. Embassy in the UAE and the State Department that UAE ordinary passport holders are not VWP-eligible and require a B-1/B-2 visitor visa; verified the $185 MRV fee and noted the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee and the visa-bond pilot.

/09 — The questions