tourist visa from uae to usa

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How to apply for a US visa from Dubai

• Who Should Apply
• Application Process
• Where to Apply

The US visa application process from Dubai is often considered daunting, mainly because a lot of people don’t know where to start and the potential pitfalls. In reality, however, this is not the case. Once you know the step-by-step process, you’ll realise that applying for a USA visa from Dubai is quite simple. And we’ve broken the process down for you, let’s take a look.

WHO NEEDS TO APPLY FOR A USA VISA FROM DUBAI?

All UAE passport holders and residents, except those with passports from countries on the US Visa Waiver Program, must apply for a US visa from Dubai to be allowed entry into the United States of America. As a UAE citizen or resident, you need a US visa whether you are travelling to the country for immigration or business/leisure purposes.

COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE US VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

If you are a resident of Dubai but a citizen of one of the following countries – you may visit the US after applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). You can find this form online, where you have to pay an application fee of 21 USD.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the USA for leisure and business. You can stay up to 90 days via VWP. Countries on the US VWP include:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Republic of Malta
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

WHAT TYPE OF USA VISA DO YOU NEED?

You can apply for two main categories of USA visas from Dubai .

• USA non-immigrant visas
• USA immigrant visas

Each category has further subcategories that align with various types of applicants and their travel purposes. Knowing what visa you’re applying for is important because your visa application process from Dubai depends on that.

In this post, we are dealing with nonimmigrant visas or the simple USA visit visa from Dubai. This particular visa type has two major subcategories:

• The US business visa or the B1 Visa
• The US tourist visa or the B2 Visa

The US Business Visa from Dubai is for those who wish to visit the USA for business. The US Tourist Visa from Dubai is for general travel purposes. Once approved, the US visit visa from Dubai allows you to enter and stay in the US for designated periods of time, which is subject to a variety of factors. Now, keep reading to find out how to apply for a USA visit visa from Dubai:

The USA Visit Visa from Dubai application process

Here is a step-by-step process to apply for a USA visa. We have also detailed USA visit visa requirements from Dubai to help you understand the process.

STEP 1: FILE YOUR US VISA APPLICATION FROM DUBAI

Anyone who wishes to apply for a US tourist visa or a US business visa (categories B1 and B2) must first complete the online DS-160 application form.

Here’s how you can do that.

• Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center
• Select your location
• Enter the Captcha code
• Start your online application for a US visa from Dubai
• Complete the DS-160 application form
• Print the DS-160 barcode page and keep it

Please Note:

• Even though an Arabic translation is available for most pages of the form, the online application for a US visa from Dubai should be completed in English.
• All fields are mandatory, except the ones specified as “optional” or “does not apply.” Make sure you fill in all the fields .
• The DS-160 application automatically times out after 20 minutes of staying idle. You risk losing any unsaved data on the application when it times out. So, save your information after regular intervals.
• Always save your online application for a US visa from Dubai before submitting it.

STEP 2: PAY THE US VISA FEES FROM DUBAI

The next step in the USA visa application process is to pay the fee and schedule your US visa appointment from Dubai. The US visit visa fee is currently USD 185, approximately AED 680 . Please keep in mind that this AED amount is subject to change.

To pay your USA visa fee from Dubai, here’s what you need to do:

• Visit the US Department of State Visa Appointment Service website
• Create your user account
• Input your DS-160 application confirmation number
• Enter details for your courier document return process
• Pay your non-refundable, nonimmigrant (MRV) USA visa application fee
• Schedule your Consular Section appointment for an interview

Don’t forget to schedule your US visa appointment from Dubai because the embassy will not do it. If you’re applying via a travel agency in Dubai , they may charge you a service fee in addition to the official USA visa fee of USD 185.

STEP 3: GATHER THE DOCUMENTS

To complete your USA visa application in Dubai, you must assemble essential documents that help the consulate/embassy staff evaluate your case. You must submit them just as required to ensure a hassle-free process.

The USA visit visa from Dubai requirements are as follows:

• The confirmation page of the DS-160 form completion
• Your passport with at least one (1) blank page (must be valid for more than six months from your intended date of travel)
• Previous USA visas (if any)
• Receipt of US visa application fee paid
• A recent (taken within the past six months) US Visa photograph. You don’t need one if you’ve already attached a photograph in the DS-160 form.
• A police certificate. You can easily obtain a police clearance certificate in the UAE via the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website and app. 
• Confirmation of USA visa appointment
• You also need documents showing any previous entry rejections or deportations from the USA that you may have faced. 

Anyone applying for a US tourist visa must submit the following documents to support their application. 

• A cover letter that details the purpose of your visit
• Bank statements as proof of having enough funds to finance your stay in the US
• US visa invitation letter (optional) from family or friends in the US
• Diploma or transcripts (in case you’re a student)
• Copies of relative’s and/or friend’s status in the US (in case you’re visiting friends/family) 
• Medical report (in case you’re travelling for medical treatment) 

You also need to prove that you have strong ties with your home country (in this case, Dubai). You can prove this with the following documents:

• Proof of family (dependents)
• A property lease or deed
• A valid job contract
• Anything that supports the notion that you will return once your trip ends

People who have an active job must also have the following documents for USA visa application in Dubai

• Letter of employment
• Three months’ pay slips

STEP 4: TAKE THE INTERVIEW

Attending the interview is the last step of the US visa application process in Dubai. Please note that the interview is compulsory for all visa applicants aged 14 to 79. This is the most important step of the process, so don’t take it casually.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Make sure you’re on time. Your US visa appointment from Dubai will be cancelled if you’re late.
• Take all your application documents; the consulate staff will examine them.
• Answer all interview questions honestly and comply with the information in your documents.

While you wait for your interview, the consulate staff will take your biometrics. To improve your chances of getting a US visa, you must have the complete set of required documents. Most importantly, be confident and truthfully answer all questions regarding your intended trip. 

WHERE TO APPLY FOR US VISA IN DUBAI?

All US visa applications from Dubai are processed at either the US Consulate General in Dubai or the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The US missions in the UAE are located at the following addresses.

US EMBASSY, ABU DHABI

• Location: Plot No. 38, Sector W-59-02, Embassies District, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-414-2200

US CONSULATE GENERAL, DUBAI

• Location: Al Seef Street, Bur Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-309-4000

FAQS ABOUT HOW TO APPLY FOR US VISA FROM DUBAI

How long does it take to process us visa application in dubai.

The US visa processing time in Dubai can take from four to six weeks. However, the duration may vary from case to case basis.

The processing time usually depends on the number of visa applications the US Embassy receives at the same time as yours.

HOW CAN I RENEW MY US VISA FROM DUBAI?

If your US visa expired less than four years ago, you can renew it in Dubai. Ideally, you should start the renewal process three months before the visa expires so that you have enough time for renewals. The process for the renewal is similar to applying for a new tourist visa (filling out the D-160 form and submitting it at the consulate).

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR US VISA IS DENIED?

If your US visa application from Dubai is denied, you can always apply again. Remember that you must pay the US visa fee every time you file an application. The best way to ensure that your US visa is not denied is by producing all the required documentation and completing the form correctly.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR MY USA VISA FROM DUBAI?

Ideally, you should apply for your US tourist visa from Dubai at least eight months before your tentative date of travel. You may get the visa sooner, but given the varying length of visa processing time, it’s always better to plan well ahead.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO MAKE A USA VISA APPOINTMENT FROM DUBAI WHILE LIVING IN ABU DHABI?

Yes, all residents and citizens of the UAE can apply to any of the two US missions in the country.

DOES PURCHASING A RETURN TICKET FOR THE TRIP GUARANTEE VISA APPROVAL?

No, it does not. While having a return ticket does count as compelling evidence of your intention to return to the UAE, it does not guarantee a visa. The US Consulate in Dubai strongly advises against purchasing non-refundable air tickets until the visa is stamped on your passport.

HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY PASSPORT ONCE MY VISA IS STAMPED?

Once stamped, your visa will be delivered via a courier service in Dubai. It may take seven to ten working days after the interview for your visa-stamped passport to be delivered. US visa applicants in Dubai must not visit the US Consulate to pick up their passports personally.

IS THERE A WAY TO CHECK MY UAE VISA STATUS?

You can use your passport number to use the ICA Smart Services portal for visa status checks in the UAE .

That’s all we have for you now. We hope this information helps you get started on your USA visa application from Dubai. Please note that this process only details the specifics of a US tourist visa application and its process. However, the USA’s international tourism trends keep changing, so it is advised to keep yourself familiar with the changes before planning a trip.

The process for an immigration visa is different and more complex. Thankfully, there are companies offering immigration services in Dubai to help you get through the process with greater ease. You can also book an appointment at the foreign embassies in the UAE for specific matters.

Did you know that there are certain US cities you can fly to directly from Dubai ? These include New York, Houston, LA and Seattle.

Planning to visit Japan? The visa application process from Dubai to Japan is fairly simple. UAE nationals can travel to Japan visa-free for up to 30 days. If you’re a UAE resident, you can apply for an eVisa.

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

Have a question?

Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa in Dubai

If you are a resident of the UAE and you have plans of traveling to the United States of America (USA), you need to apply for a US visa to travel legally. Unless your passport allows you to travel freely to the US without any issue, then you’re going to need a visa before going there.

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to see the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to explore the Grand Canyon or walk along the streets of the Big Apple or visit other famous US tourist attractions? This article will discuss how you can apply for a tourist visa to the United States.

Related Post: How to Apply for Schengen Tourist Visa in Dubai for Europe Travels

US Embassy Information / Location in Dubai

Experience from dubai bloggers who have successfully applied for us tourist visas, guide to applying for a usa tourist visa in dubai.

The information posted aims to help you understand the process and requirements when getting a tourist visa for the United States of America as a resident living in the UAE. Please be advised that information here may change without prior notice.

Required Documents and Information

Before applying for a visa, make sure that you have these documents ready:

• Your passport
• Digital photo (2 x 2)
• Resume (for providing education and employment details)

Likewise, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Full name, date of birth, place of birth, and those of your spouse, children, and parents
• Mailing address and contact number
• Permanent address and temporary address (if any)
• Travel history (specifically international travel)

Visa Application Procedure

Once you have prepared the necessary documents and details, get ready to follow these steps:

• Accomplish the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160).
• Visit this link to fill-up the application form: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
• Take note that you need a Tourism Visa (B2).
• Remember your Application ID.
• Don’t forget to save your work, as the page refreshes (time-out) every 20 minutes.

NOTE: If you are traveling with your spouse or family, choose the “Family or Group Application” option at the end of your application.

• Schedule a visa appointment or interview.
• Click this link to proceed to the US Visa Information and Appointment Services: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/
• Choose “Non-immigrant Visa Applicant.”
• Select the language “UAE: English.”
• You will be directed to this link: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ae/niv/users/sign_in
• Create a new account, then choose the second option since you’ve already accomplished the DS-160 Form.
• Provide your name, passport number, and contact details.
• Set a possible date for the interview (ideally 3 to 4 months before your travel).
• Arrange for payment of the visa fee. As of 2016, the Tourism Visa Fee is $160 or AED 590.
• After finishing these steps, you will be directed to a receipt page. Print this page and bring it with you on the day of the interview.
• Prepare additional documents.

During the interview, you might be asked for more information about yourself and the purpose of your travel. Hence, it would be wise to prepare additional documents, such as:

• UAE resident visa
• Letter or certificate of employment
• Bank statement for the last 6 months
• Additional 2 x 2 photos
• Confirmed flight tickets and booking details
• Accommodation / hotel booking details
• Travel or itinerary details
• Get ready for the interview.

On the day of the interview, see to it that you:

• Arrive early (at least 30 minutes) for your scheduled appointment.
• Have all the necessary documents with you.
• Are ready for the interview itself, which will take only about 3 to 5 minutes.

NOTE: Usually, the interviews questions will focus on the purpose of your travel (w hy do you want to go to the US? ), your job ( what do you do? ), and your earning capacity ( how much do you make? ). So as long as you can answer these questions, the interview should be fine. However, answering these questions properly may not guarantee you getting a US visa as it is still subject to approval by the embassy.

For more information about applying for a US visa, you may contact the US Embassy through the following:

Address: Corner Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Seef Road Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE Telephone Number: + 971 4 309 4000 Website: https://ae.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/dubai/

Applying for a US tourist visa may seem like a daunting task. But if you have all the requirements and are ready to be interviewed, then you should be okay. Once you get your visa, then all you have to think about is packing your backs and preparing for your trip!

For added reference and information, you can check out the following blog experience from bloggers in Dubai who have applied for tourist visas to the United States. Please be guided and learn from their experiences to also help you gain knowledge and awareness based on their own situations.

• The Moment Keepers – How to Apply a US Tourist Visa for Filipinos from Dubai
• ABandMe –  US Visa Application for Filipinos in Dubai
• Mrs. Pinkihan – How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa in Dubai

The links above are based on our findings after going through other websites and personal experiences of bloggers who have gone through the application process. We hope you find their articles helpful.

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Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

Who is a tourist visa for, who can apply for your tourist visa, related eservices.

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

Related online services

• Issue family group multiple entry long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP
• Issue multiple entries long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP

Tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults, can get a  free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

• Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

• Tourist visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Tourist visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Tourist visa from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Tourist visa from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

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UAE Visa and Passport Requirements:

• US citizens with a US passport that is valid for more than six months do not need to obtain a UAE visa prior to traveling to the UAE if the duration of their visit will be less than one month.
• This includes US citizens with visas or entry stamps from other countries in their passports.
• UAE visa and passport requirements for US citizens traveling to the UAE, including those who are traveling on diplomatic or official visas, or plan to stay in the UAE longer than one month, can be found  here .
• UAE visa and passport requirements for non-US citizens who are traveling to the UAE can be found  here .
• UAE travel information for non-US diplomatic and official visas for non-US citizens traveling to the UAE can be found  here .
• For United Nations visa requirements for travel to the UAE, please click  here .
• To learn more about UAE student visa requirements and the application process, click  here .

US Citizens:

Visa Requirements for US Citizens (Tourist Passport) to visit the UAE:

No visas are required for American citizens (holder of regular passports) before arrival in the UAE, including US Citizens with visas or entry stamps from other countries in their passports.

To ensure entry, please be sure you have the following:

• Original passport signed by the bearer, should not expire within six (6) months from the expected time of arrival in the UAE. 
• Confirmed round-trip airline ticket or airline ticket to other destination(s). 

Visas are available upon arrival at the airport and they are valid for one (1) month stay in the UAE.

If you plan to stay longer, you can request more time from the immigration officer at the airport or contact the local immigration office in the UAE and request an extension.

Requirements for U.S. Diplomatic and Official Visas:

1) Two (2) completed application forms [PDF]. All application forms must be typed.

• The Particulars of Sponsor / Host in the UAE (e.g., U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, U.S. Consulate in Dubai, etc.)
• Residence Address in UAE (e.g., Hotel, Family or friend’s house, etc.).

2) Original passport signed by the bearer, should not expire within six (6) months from the expected time of arrival in the UAE.

3) A copy of your passport and a copy of the application. (Please print in color)

4) Two(2) original passport-sized photos.

5) An original letter from one of the following concerned U.S. Departments (e.g., Dept. of State, Dept. of the Army, Dept. of the Navy, etc.) The letter must include:

• Your position ( e.g., Colonel, Engineer, etc.)  and the purpose of your visit.
• Name and phone number of your point of contact in the UAE and confirm your sponsor during your stay in the UAE.

6) If you are sending the visa application through the mail please include a prepaid, self-addressed envelope with a tracking number (e.g., US Express mail, UPS, or FedEx, etc.).

• Visas requires prior approval from the UAE authorities and the Embassy requires a minimum of two (2) business days to issue the visa.
• This application will result in a multiple-entry visa, valid for five (5) years, with a maximum stay of (180) days in the UAE each time.

Non-US Citizens Visa Requirements for Non-US Citizens (Tourist Passports)

• Original Passport (Not a travel Document), should not expire within six (6) months from the expected date of arrival in the UAE.
• Confirm round-trip airline ticket or airline ticket to other destination.
• If you are a citizen of one of the following countries: Andorra Argentina Australia Austria Bahamas Bahrain Barbados Belgium Bulgaria Brazil Brunei Canada Chile China Costa Rica Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark El Salvador Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Kazakhstan Kuwait Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia Malta Mexico Monaco Montenegro Nauru New Zealand Norway Oman Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia San Marino Saudi Arabia Seychelles Slovakia Slovenia Singapore Solomon Islands South Korea Spain Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sweden Switzerland The Netherlands Ukraine United Kingdom and Northern Ireland (Except the British overseas citizens) Uruguay Vatican
• Visas are available upon arrival to UAE airports. This includes those who hold visas in their passports or entry stamps from other countries and visa is valid for a one (1) month stay in the UAE. If you plan to stay longer, you may contact the local immigration office while you are in the UAE and request an extension.
• Indian citizens holding regular passports with U.S. visas, green cards, U.K Resident Permits, or EU resident permits are allowed to receive entry visa upon arrival to UAE valid for 14 days and can be extended only once for a similar period.
• The Indian Passport, U.S. visa, the green card,the U.K Resident Permit and the EU resident permit must be valid for at least six months.
• The entry permit will cost AED100, renewable for only one time at a cost of AED250.

If you are not one of the above nationalities:

1- Visit Visa sponsored by the private sector, friends, family and relatives

You need to request the visa through your sponsor (host) by sending a copy of your passport (not a travel document) and a copy of your immigration status in the USA (e.g., green card, J visa, F1 visa, etc.) to your sponsor (host) to process your visa from the local immigration office in the UAE. This process will take about four (4) working days. Then, make sure to receive a copy of your visa by fax or email from the sponsor (host) before your departure. Original visas will be collected at the airport in the United Arab Emirates on your arrival. 2- Tourist Visa

The Embassy does not issue Tourist Visas. Hotels in the UAE can sponsor their clients and apply for their visas to come to the UAE, but be sure to get a copy of this visa from the hotel before traveling to the United Arab Emirates. 3- Transit Visa (96 hours)

The Embassy does not issue Transit Visas. You should contact the airline company that will fly you to the UAE and enquire about the possibility of traveling to the UAE without a prior visa. 4- Visas sponsored by one of the UAE Government sectors, applicants should do the following: 1) Two (2) completed application forms .  All applications must be typed.

• The Particulars of Sponsor / Host in the UAE (UAE Government sectors)
• Residence Address in UAE (e.g., hotel, family or friend’s house, etc.)

3) A copy of your passport and a copy of the application. (Please print in color.) 4) Two (2) original passport-sized photos.

5) An invitation letter from your sponsor in the UAE (Government sectors) which must include:

• The length of the visit and type of visa
• The purpose of your visit

6) A letter from your employer or a cover letter to include the following:

• Your position and the reason for the visit
• The type of visa that you need for the visit
• Name and phone number of your point of contact in the UAE

7) A copy of your immigration status in the USA (e.g., green card, J visa, F1 visa, etc.)

8 )  If you are sending the visa application through the mail please include a prepaid, self-addressed envelope with a tracking number (e.g., US Express mail, UPS, FedEx, etc.).

9) The appropriate fee for the visa you are seeking (money order only):

• Short stay visa (Single Entry): $60 non refundable (Valid for two (2) months, maximum stay is 30 days).
• Long stay visa (Single Entry): $165 non refundable (Valid for two (2) months, maximum stay is 90 days).
• Multiple visa: $630 non refundable (Valid for six (6) months from the date of issue, maximum stay is thirty (30) days for each entry).

10) Visas require prior approval from the UAE authorities. The length of the visa is subject to UAE authorities' judgment and the Embassy requires a minimum of four (4) business days to issue the visa. 

Non-U.S. Diplomatic & Official Visas

Requirements for Non-U.S. Diplomatic and Official Visas

If you have questions about the requirements for non-U.S. Diplomatic and Official Visas, please reach out to the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC using the  Contact Us  form.

United Nations Visas

Requirements for United Nations Visas

To apply for a United Nations diplomatic visa, you must provide the following:

1- Two (2) completed application forms.  All application forms must be typed.

•    The Particulars of Sponsor / Host in the UAE (e.g., UN, IMF, World Bank Representative in UAE, etc.).
•    Residence Address in UAE (e.g., hotel, family or friend’s house, etc.)

2- An original passport signed by the bearer (Laissez Passer), should not expire within six (6) months from the expected time of arrival in the UAE. 3- A colored copy of original nationality passport (e.g. Russia, Nigeria, etc. ). 4- A copy of your passport and a copy of the application. (Please print in color.) 5- Two (2) original passport-sized photos. 6- An invitation letter from your sponsor in the UAE. 7- An original letter written in English and Arabic from one of the following concerned United Nations offices in the U.S.A. (e.g., UNICEF, IMF, the World Bank, etc.). The letter must include:

•    Your position (e.g., colonel, engineer, etc.) and the purpose of your visit.
•    Name and phone number of your point of contact in the UAE and confirmation of your sponsor during your stay in the UAE.

8- If you are sending the visa application through the mail please include a prepaid, self-addressed envelope with a tracking number (e.g., US Express mail, UPS, FedEx, etc.). Note:

•    This application will result in a single-entry visa valid for two months, with a maximum of stay one month.
•    Visas require prior approval from the UAE authorities and the Embassy requires a minimum of two (2) business days to issue the visa.

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Overstay fines: All the costs you need to keep in mind

Living in uae.

Dh50 per day overstay fines, service charges and other costs you should know about

Dubai: If you have not been able to leave the UAE before your visa expires – whether it is a visit, tourist or residence visa – you need to be aware of the overstay fines that you would need to pay.

While the fines have been standardised to Dh50 per day, there are some additional fees that you should keep in mind as well.

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Total cost of clearing overstay fines

According to Adnan Khan, operations manager at Siddique Haider Corporate Services Provider, this is the breakdown of the standard fees that you should keep in mind:

• Overstay fine: Dh50 per day • E-services fee: Dh28 + Dh1.40 VAT • ICP fees: Dh122 • Electronic payment fees: Dh2.62 + Dh1.53 VAT • Smart services fee (for online payment): Dh100

• UAE Digital Government issues advisory for expats on residence visa cancellation

Other fines you need to consider

However, if there are other violations on your file, like an absconding case, you would also need to pay for clearing those violations.

“The cost can be a lot higher if, for example, you paid a travel agent for the visa and then overstayed. This is because there would be an absconding case that gets filed. You would need to first pay the fee that is with the absconding case, after which the file will be cleared in the system,” Khan added.

How can I pay the fees?

According to Shafiq Muhammad, Chief Supervisor at Horizon Gate Government Transactions Centre, people who are leaving the country can pay the fines through different methods:

1. Amer centre or registered typing centres. 2. Online, through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) - https://beta.smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/leavePermit/588/step1?administrativeRegionId=1&withException=false. 3. Through the travel agent who applied for your visa initially. 4. At the immigration department, at the airport, when you are leaving the country.

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• Visa and Immigration in UAE

Dubai: How to apply for Golden Visa as a student; process explained

A detailed guide on where to apply, the steps involved, and criteria for eligibility, by poojaraj maniyeri.

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Last updated: Sun 28 Apr 2024, 4:17 PM

Are you a student who recently graduated from the UAE and is looking to sponsor your visa based on your academics? The Golden Visa issued by UAE is a long-term, renewable residence visa that enables you to stay in the country for a duration of 5 or 10 years, depending on the application category.

Students or graduates who excel in academics can apply for this visa. Khaleej Times spoke to an Amer agent to outline the application process for applicants in the UAE.

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Am I eligible?

Applicants must apply for the Golden visa within the same emirate where their current visa was issued.

University graduates

Outstanding graduates of universities in the UAE

According to the UAE’s government portal, students of universities in the UAE may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 10 years, if:

• It has not been more than 2 years since graduation
• The university must be rated either A or B class by Ministry of Education
• A recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or an accredited academic record stating that the student’s cumulative GPA (CGPA) is no less than 3.5 for class A universities and no less than 3.8 for class B universities is submitted.

Outstanding graduates of foreign universities

According to the UAE’s government portal, students in foreign universities may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 10 years, if:

• Graduation certificate is accredited by the Ministry of Education
• The university is rated among the best 100 universities global according to the rating system recognized by Ministry of Education
• The student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5

High school students

High school students are eligible for a Golden Visa of 5 years, if:

• The student is a national-level topper (with a minimum grade of 95 per cent in public or private secondary school)
• A recommendation letter from Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment) is submitted.

The Golden Visa is for a duration of 5 years, but may be extended if the student is enrolled in one of the majors or colleges in the country that requires a study period of more than 5 years.

How do I know if my university is rated A or B?

To know the university's classification, the applicant can access the university website, or contact their admin department.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, a Technical Support Specialist at Amer247 messaging platform said:

However, for applications through Amer, the classification is "specifically contingent upon the governing authority under which the educational institution" is based.

This classification can significantly influence the documents required.

The support specialist added: "Notably, for outstanding university students under KHDA, the school must liaise with KHDA for certificate attestation, followed by MOFA attestation, and the issuance of an equivalency certificate to conform with the mandatory Ministerial grading system, typically graded out of 4 or 5."

How do I apply?

Students can expect a faster process if they first receive ICP nomination approval and then visit an Amer centre. According to the Amer agent, the application process can indeed be "expedited and made more efficient" if the student obtains a UAE ICP nomination approval prior to visiting Amer, or utilises the GDRFA platform.

The agent said that the GPA threshold is set at 3.8 to "facilitate a seamless application process." However, certain universities in the UAE are categorized by ICP as exempt from the 3.8 benchmark.

Graduates from these universities can apply for the Golden visa with a GPA of 3.5 if they secure a nomination from ICP, he added.

To apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai, visit icp.com

• On the homepage, stay logged out. Scroll until you see the left side menu, and click on “Golden Visa” under Services.
• Click on “start service” under “high school students/college students”
• Then, go to “Visa – Golden Residence – Nomination Request for Golden Residence – New Request” and click on “Start Service”
• Fill in the application form, attach the required documents and pay the application fees.
• Once you receive ICP approval for the nomination request, take a screenshot of the approval email and head to your nearest Amer service centre, with the required documents. Alternatively, you can apply through the GDRFA website, smart application or Customer Happiness Centres.

According to Amer's technical support specialist, students holding the Golden Visa can "extend the visa to their parents, spouses, and children without any prejudice."

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New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels

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Statement from President Joe   Biden on Iran   Sanctions

Less than a week ago, Iran launched one of the largest missile and drone attacks the world has ever seen against Israel. Together with our allies and partners, the United States defended Israel. We helped defeat this attack. And today, we are holding Iran accountable—imposing new sanctions and export controls on Iran.   The sanctions target leaders and entities connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s Defense Ministry, and the Iranian government’s missile and drone program that enabled this brazen assault. As I discussed with my fellow G7 leaders the morning after the attack, we are committed to acting collectively to increase economic pressure on Iran. And our allies and partners have or will issue additional sanctions and measures to restrict Iran’s destabilizing military programs.   During my Administration, the United States has sanctioned over 600 individuals and entities—including Iran and its proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Kataib Hezbollah. And we will keep at it. I’ve directed my team, including the Department of the Treasury, to continue to impose sanctions that further degrade Iran’s military industries.   Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran’s attacks: The United States is committed to Israel’s security. We are committed to the security of our personnel and partners in the region. And we will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable.

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Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

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U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - ABD

Please follow the steps below before your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Step 1: Register your appointment online

You need to register your appointment online. Registering your appointment provides us with the information we need to return your passport to you after your interview. Registration is free. Click the “Register” button below to register.

If you want to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you will be able to do so after you register your appointment.

Register >>

Step 2: Get a medical exam in United Arab Emirates

As soon as you receive your appointment date, you must schedule a medical exam in UAE. (Applicants from Iraq have the option to schedule a medical exam in Iraq.) Click the “Medical Exam Instructions” button below for a list of designated doctors’ offices in UAE (and Iraq). Please schedule and attend a medical exam with one of these doctors before your interview.

Medical Exam Instructions >>

Step 3: Complete your pre-interview checklist

It is important that you bring all required original documents, as well as one photocopy of each, to your interview. We’ve created a checklist that will tell you what to bring. Please print the checklist below and bring it to your interview along with the listed documents.

Pre-Interview Checklist >>

Step 4: Review interview guidelines

Read our interview guidelines to learn about any special actions that you need to take before your visa interview.

Interview Guidelines >>

Medical Exam Instructions

All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, require a medical examination prior to the issuance of a visa. Only a physician accredited by the U.S. Embassy can perform this exam. It is your responsibility to schedule a medical exam at one of the clinics listed below before your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy. Medical examination results from other clinics will not be accepted.

Approved Clinics in UAE (for all applicants)

New Medical Center Zayed the First Street (Electra Street), Building 1, Mezzanine Floor Abu Dhabi, UAE TEL. NO: +971-(0) 2-6332255

New Medical Center Opp. Abu Hail Metro Station New Al-Safia Building Deira - Dubai, UAE TEL. NO: +971-(0) 4-2683131

Approved clinics in Iraq (only for applicants from Iraq)

IOM Baghdad

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday–Thursday Telephone: +964-772-990-0525, +964-772-990-0535, +964-772-990-0545 or +964-782-782-4146;

Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sunday–Thursday Telephone: +964-772-173-9254, +964-773-090-1643, +964-773-090-1645, +964-773-090-1647

Items to bring to your medical examination

You should bring the following items to your medical exam:

• Your visa interview letter,
• Your passport,
• Four (4) recently taken passport-sized color photographs,
• A copy of your immunization records, and
• DS-260 confirmation page.

You must pay all medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, directly to the examining physician.

During the medical exam

The medical examination will include a medical history review, physical examination, and chest X-ray, gonorrhea test, and blood tests (for applicants 15 years of age or older). The United States also requires tuberculosis (TB) testing for all applicants two years of age and older. Please be prepared to discuss your medical history, medications you are taking, and current treatments you are undergoing. More information on general medical requirements for U.S. immigrants is available at  cdc.gov .

U.S. immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of a visa. Current immigrant visa vaccination requirements are available at  cdc.gov . You can also read Frequently Asked Questions about our medical examination requirements at  travel.state.gov .

After the medical exam

When your examination is completed, the doctor will provide you with exam results in a sealed envelope or send them directly to the U.S. Embassy. IF GIVEN AN ENVELOPE TO CARRY TO YOUR INTERVIEW: DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE . Instead, bring it to your visa interview.

If the doctor cannot finalize your medical exam due to additional tuberculosis (TB) screening and tests, DO NOT ATTEND YOUR SCHEDULED INTERVIEW.  Please email [email protected] for guidance on next steps and future scheduling.

Any x-rays taken will be given to you. You DO NOT need to bring the x-rays to your visa interview unless you suffer from tuberculosis (TB). However, you must carry the x-rays with you when you travel to the United States for the first time. The medical report must be less than six months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant.

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Pre-Interview checklist

Please use the list below to determine the items that every applicant must bring to the immigrant visa interview. Any documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation:

• A copy of your NVC interview letter (does not apply to Diversity Visa, fiancé(e), adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).
• Unexpired passport valid for six months beyond your intended date of entry to the United States and a photocopy of the biographic page (where your name and photo are located).
• Two (2) color photographs of each person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm, or 2 inch x 2 inch). Please review our online photo requirements.
• Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa you submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv .
• Your original birth certificate, English translation, and a photocopy.
• Medical examination results in a sealed envelope ( if the physician gives you these results ).
• Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying).

Applicants who fall into any category listed in italics below should bring these additional documents:

For family-based visa applications:

• The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript or most recent U.S. federal income tax return, and any relevant W-2s.
• Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card).
• Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and visa applicant (such as photographs, letters, or emails).

If you are married: Your original marriage certificate, English translation, and a photocopy.

If you were previously married: Your original divorce or spouse’s death certificate, English translation, and a photocopy.

If you are older than 16 years of age: The original police certificate from your country of current residence and countries of previous residence. If these three items are all true, you must bring a more recent police certificate to the interview:

• You are older than 16 years;
• You obtained a police certificate and submitted it to NVC more than one year ago; and
• You still live in the country that issued the police certificate.

For employment-based visa applications: Letter from your U.S. employer dated less than one month ago.

If you have ever been convicted of a crime: Court and criminal records, English translation, and a photocopy.

If you have served in any country’s military: Military records, English translation, and a photocopy. If you were exempted from a country’s military, your exemption record, English translation, and a photocopy.

If you are adopted: Adoption papers or custody documents, English translation, and a photocopy.

If you are the petitioner’s stepchild: The original marriage certificate of the petitioner and your biological parent, English translation, and a photocopy along with divorce records for any previous marriages of either parent.  

Interview Guidelines

Sending documents to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi

If during your interview the consular officer asked you to submit additional documents, please follow the instructions the officer gave you on the blue refusal sheet after the interview. (If your case is pending review of documents, the consular officer will issue a temporary refusal until he/she receives the documents.) This is the only way to submit documents to the embassy in support of an immigrant visa case.

Rescheduling or cancelling your interview

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please go to ais.usvisa-info.com to select a new appointment date. There may be a significant wait before the next available appointment, so please attempt to attend the date already assigned. For some family-based and employment preference visa categories, a visa became available within the month you have been scheduled by NVC. DV applicants should be aware that visas are numerically limited and must be issued by September 30 of the program year. There is no guarantee that a visa will still be available on the date of your rescheduled interview. Please carefully consult the Visa Bulletin before you decide to reschedule your interview.

Please note: You need to register your original NVC/KCC appointment online (see Step 1 ) before you can reschedule it. Rescheduling is only possible on a date after your assigned appointment.

Security screening procedures

All visitors to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi must follow certain security procedures. Any visitor who declines to be screened by U.S. Embassy security personnel will be unable to enter the embassy. To avoid delaying your entry and that of those in line behind you, please bring only what is required for your interview. No bags are allowed other than items required for baby or hygiene care; please carry the papers you need for your interview in a clear plastic bag. Cell phones and other electronics, including battery-operated items, are not allowed in the embassy.

Accompanying persons

Attorneys are not permitted to accompany clients into the waiting room or to their interview. The following persons may accompany a visa applicant to their interview:

• Nationals from Iraq:   The Consular Section authorizes an Arabic and/or Kurdish interpreter to accompany the applicant(s).  
• Special Needs Visitors: Applicants may bring ONE person to help if they are elderly, disabled, or a minor child.

Immigrant Visa Fees

If you have not paid all required fees to either the National Visa Center or via the appointment website, please be prepared to pay these fees on the day of your interview. All fees may be paid in either U.S. dollars or the UAE dollar equivalent in dirhams. We accept cash and credit cards only. Please note that if you are found ineligible to receive a visa, the application fee cannot be refunded . A complete list of fees can be found at  travel.state.gov .

Do not make travel plans outside of UAE

If your visa is approved, we will keep your passport at the embassy while we prepare your immigration packet and print a visa for your passport. We will return your passport to you later via courier services only ( Step 1 ) within 3-5 days. If you have to travel within UAE while your passport is still with us, please make sure you have a valid picture ID other than your passport.  If you have to depart the UAE prior to visa issuance, your passport will be returned to you and the consular officer will issue a temporary refusal until he/she receives the passport; you may return your passport to the embassy later via courier services (Step 1) only.

After Your Visa Interview

A consular officer can make a decision on a visa application only after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not sell your house, car or property, resign from your job or make non-refundable flight or other travel arrangements until you have received your immigrant visa.

If more information is needed

Sometimes a consular officer is unable to make a decision on a visa application because he/she needs to review additional documents or the case requires further administrative processing. When additional documents are requested, the consular officer will give you a refusal letter that asks you to submit additional documents. The letter will include instructions on how to send those documents to the embassy.

Administrative processing takes additional time after the interview. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days. However, the timing varies based on the circumstances of each case. Before inquiring about the status of administrative processing, please wait at least 90 days after your interview.

What happens after visa approval

Passport, Visa, and Sealed Immigrant Packet – We will place your immigrant visa on a page in your passport. Please review your visa to make sure there are no spelling errors. We may also give you a sealed envelope containing documents that you must give to U.S. immigration authorities when you arrive in the United States for the first time.  Do not open this envelope. You must carry it with you. Do not put it in your checked luggage. If your visa is annotated “IV DOCS IN CCD” then you will not receive a sealed envelope.  If you receive X-rays during your medical examination, carry those with you and give them to the U.S. immigration authorities.

USCIS Immigrant Fee – All individuals who are issued immigrant visas overseas must pay an Immigrant Fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to traveling to the United States. This fee is for processing your residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. The only people exempt from paying this fee are: residency status and printing your Permanent Resident Card. The only people exempt from paying this fee are: children entering the United States under the Hague Process, returning residents (SB-1), Iraqi and Afghan special immigrants, other Afghan nationals (through September 30, 2023) and people traveling on a fiancé(e) (K) visa. 

When You Should Travel – You must enter the United States before the expiration date on your visa, which is usually six months from the date of printing. Your visa cannot be extended and all fees are nonrefundable. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Unless they are eligible for benefits under the Child Status Protection Act, children who are issued a visa before turning 21 years of age must enter the United States before their 21st birthday to avoid losing their immigrant status.

Getting a Green Card – Your Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, will be automatically mailed to the address in the United States that you write in your visa application form. This is a very important document that proves you have permission to reside in the United States. If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before your green card arrives: Please consult USCIS’s and CBP’s websites for rules about what documents you need to re-enter the country. We also recommend you check with the airline to ensure you are in compliance with their rules. Once your card is issued, you should not stay outside of the United States for more than one year. If you do, you may lose your status as a Lawful Permanent Resident.

Children’s Issues – In the United States, children are required to have certain vaccinations before they can enroll in school. We recommend that you bring your child’s complete vaccination records with you to the United States. If your child is adopted, you have full custody as a result of a divorce, or you share custody with another parent, you should bring a copy of all applicable adoption or custody papers from the authoritative court in your home country. You will need these papers (translated into English) for issues such as school enrollment, medical care, and eventual citizenship.

Information for New Immigrants – Please visit the USCIS web page for helpful information on moving to the United States. You can read their publication “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants” online.

Diversity Visa Applicants - Additional Information

If you are interviewing for a Diversity Visa (DV), all of the above instructions apply to you. Please schedule and attend a medical examination prior to your visa interview; enroll in the required courier service; and gather the required documents.

Below are additional instructions that apply only to DV applicants.

Bring to your interview

In addition to the documents listed on the Pre-Interview Checklist in this package, DV applicants should also bring the following items to your visa interview:

• Appointment information printed from the “Entrant Status Check” on the E-DV website .
• Documents showing that you have either a qualifying high school education OR two (2) years of qualifying work experience in the five (5) years immediately prior to application (for the principal applicant only; more information is available online ).
• Payment in cash of the $330 Diversity Visa Application Fee for each visa applicant.

Review your DV Lottery entry

Prior to your visa interview, we recommend that you review the data on your initial E-DV entry. On your initial E-DV application, you must have correctly entered your marital status. If you are legally married you must have listed your spouse, even if you are currently separated from him/her (unless your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident).

Additionally, you must have listed ALL of your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years old. This includes your natural children, your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the laws of your country.

Failure to have listed an existing spouse or children at the time of your entry in the Diversity Visa lottery will result in the denial of your visa and visas for your family. Any fees paid to the U.S. government in support of your visa application(s) are nonrefundable. If you failed to include a child who had already been born, or a spouse to whom you were married when you entered the lottery, you should not proceed with the visa application. You can review the eligibility requirements online.

Last Updated: 4/10/2023

Contact Information

Embassies District Plot 38, Sector W59-02 Street No. 4 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Other Links

Diversity Visa Instructions After Your Interview Frequently Asked Questions Civil Document Type

Interview Preparation Video

External Link

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Before you fly

Travelling to and from the United States

Electronic system for travel authorisation (esta).

Under the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), citizens of certain nations can apply for an ESTA. This allows you to stay in the United States for up to 90 days without applying for a visa.

How to get an ESTA

If you’re eligible for an ESTA, you need to apply before you travel to the US by air or sea. You can apply for an ESTA online at any time, but we recommend you submit the form no later than 72 hours before your flight.

If your application is denied you should apply for a non-immigrant visa at a US embassy or consulate before you arrive at the airport.

Find out more about VWP countries and apply for travel authorisation online

Fast track screening

We’ve teamed up with the Transport Security Administration (TSA) so you can enjoy fast track screening when you fly from the United States. You can speed through security in the US without having to remove your shoes, laptop, belt, or liquids.

The Department of Homeland Security charges USD 85 for the TSA Precheck service, which covers you for five years. You must meet TSA security regulations first and the process takes two to three weeks after you apply.

Enjoy TSA fast track screening when you depart from the following US airports:

• New York (JFK)
• Houston (IAH)
• Washington (IAD)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Seattle (SEA)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Orlando (MCO)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Boston (BOS)

To learn more about the service and to apply, please visit the TSA website .

Please see our terms and conditions . It’s your responsibility to obtain a visa if required and Emirates accepts no liability if you travel without one. An ESTA doesn’t guarantee entry to the US and is subject to immigration approval.

Discover more

• Before You Fly
• Visa and Passport
• Travelling to and from the US