United States entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders need a visa to visit the United States. Apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai before you travel. Interview wait times can exceed 30 days, so book early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | You need a US visa before travel — UAE passport holders are not in the Visa Waiver Program. Apply at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai. Book your interview early; wait times can exceed 30 days.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | US Customs and Border Protection officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number. A vague answer can trigger secondary screening. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for bank statements or credit cards to confirm you have enough money for your trip. Carry at least $500–$1,000 in accessible funds, especially if you have no host covering expenses. | Recommended |
Book your visa interview early
Wait times for US visa interviews in the UAE can exceed 30 days. Check the US Embassy website for current availability and book as soon as you have travel plans.
Overstaying can get you banned
Overstaying your visa by 180 days to 1 year triggers a 3-year ban from the US. Over 1 year triggers a 10-year ban. Apply for an extension before your I-94 expires if you need more time.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
US medical costs are extremely high. A hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day. Get travel health insurance with at least $100,000 coverage before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application on the Consular Electronic Application Center website. You'll need your passport details, travel history, and a digital photo. Save the confirmation barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the $185 USD nonrefundable fee online or at a designated bank in the UAE. Keep the receipt — it's required for scheduling your interview.
3
Schedule your visa interview
Book an appointment at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai through the online system. Wait times vary — check current availability. You'll need your DS-160 barcode and payment receipt.
4
Attend the interview
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, a recent photo, and supporting documents (employment letter, bank statements, travel itinerary). The officer will ask about your trip purpose, ties to the UAE, and travel history. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing
Processing typically takes a few days to a few weeks. You can track your application online. Once approved, your passport with the visa will be returned via courier or pickup.
6
Arrive at a US port of entry
At the airport, go to the non-US citizens queue. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation details ready. The CBP officer will take your photo and fingerprints. Expect questions about your stay. You'll typically be admitted for up to 6 months.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months, extendable
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Standard visa for tourism or business; extension possible via I-539.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry, extendable
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Same as single entry but allows multiple entries during validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of academic program
Cost$185 USD (185 USD) + SEVIS fee
For full-time students at accredited US institutions.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
ValidityUp to 3 years initially
Cost$190–$780 USD depending on employer
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 extension)
$190–$780 USD filing fees
For professionals in specialty fields; requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows eventual green card application.
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$185 USD + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time students at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT).
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
$1,050,000+ USD investment
For investors who invest at least $1.05M in a US business creating 10+ jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply treaty trader visa
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
$205 USD filing fee
For nationals of treaty countries (UAE is not a treaty country, so not applicable).
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Standard nonimmigrant visa application fee for most applicants. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years typically. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Filing fee for extension of stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to bans; fines are assessed at departure. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to UAE30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous US visa overstay20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
UAE passport holders generally need a visa (e.g., B1/B2 or transit visa) to transit through the US, even if not leaving the airport. The US does not have a formal transit visa; a C-1 transit visa is available for immediate onward travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without additional visa.
- Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (UAE is not included).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; use repellent and check for ticks.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus)Low risk
Present nationwide, especially summer; use insect repellent.
Foodborne illnessesLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; practice food safety.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and status changes; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busy office; arrive early for appointments.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The US does not have a formal transit visa, but you need a C-1 transit visa or a B1/B2 visa to transit through the US, even if you don't leave the airport. There is no airside transit exemption for UAE passport holders.
Interview wait times vary but can exceed 30 days. After the interview, processing typically takes a few days to a few weeks. Check the US Embassy website for current wait times.
Yes, you can apply for an extension using Form I-539. The filing fee is $370 USD. Processing takes months, so apply well before your current stay expires. Overstaying can lead to bans.
Overstaying can result in fines (typically $0–$500 depending on duration) and bans from re-entering the US. Overstays of 180 days to 1 year trigger a 3-year ban; over 1 year triggers a 10-year ban.
No. B1/B2 visas are for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment only. You cannot work for a US employer. If you want to work, you need a work visa like H-1B or L-1.
The top reasons are: insufficient ties to the UAE (30% of rejections), incomplete or incorrect application (25%), previous US visa overstay (20%), insufficient funds (15%), and suspicious travel patterns (10%). Strong employment, property, and family ties in the UAE help.
No. UAE passport holders are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply for a visa before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.