United Arab Emirates
United States
United States visa for Emirati citizens
Entry requirement
Emirati citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
- Where to apply
- 3 missions
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at ae.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
For the tourist visa, the United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in the United Arab Emirates
- Embassy of the United States in Abu Dhabi Island and Internal Islands City
Embassies District, Plot 38, Sector W59-02, Street No. 4, Abu Dhabi
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All missions of the United States in the United Arab Emirates
The United States has 3 missions in the United Arab Emirates, with its embassy in Abu Dhabi Island and Internal Islands City. Consulates: Sharjah city.
US visas issued to citizens of the United Arab Emirates
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 16,695 | 12,007 |
| Student (F, M) | 1,013 | 632 |
| Exchange (J) | 122 | 56 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 22 | 22 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 223 | 188 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 1,689 | 1,868 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 19,765 | 14,773 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 1.5% | 2.2% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 14,773 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of the United Arab Emirates, the 65th highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 81%, diplomatic and official visas 13% and student visas 4%. That is 25% fewer than in fiscal year 2024 (19,765).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of the United Arab Emirates received 4,934, 12% fewer than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 2.2% for citizens of the United Arab Emirates in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 1.5%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of the United Arab Emirates anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in the United Arab Emirates.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to the United Arab Emirates
United StatesUnited Arab Emirates Visa-free, 90 days United Arab Emirates visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Emirati citizens planning a trip to the United States can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Emirati citizens can stay in the United States
How long Emirati citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Emirati citizens apply
In the United Arab Emirates, applications go to the US embassy in Abu Dhabi Island and Internal Islands City and the consulate in Sharjah city, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Emirati citizens
Mexico and Cuba admit Emirati citizens visa-free.
US citizens travelling to the United Arab Emirates
No visa is needed by US citizens for the United Arab Emirates, for stays of up to 90 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Emirati citizens need a visa for the United States?
Emirati citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the United States.
Where is the US embassy in the United Arab Emirates?
The US embassy in the United Arab Emirates is in Abu Dhabi Island and Internal Islands City; there is also a consulate in Sharjah city.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for the United Arab Emirates?
No visa is needed by US citizens for the United Arab Emirates, for stays of up to 90 days.
Can Emirati citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Emirati citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.