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Travel to the United States for United Arab Emirates citizenship

Visa Visa required

Language English

Car traffic Right-hand

Phone code +1

Currency US Dollar

Covid There are no COVID restrictions

Health Online passenger form

Insurance policy Insurance policy recommended

Rules of entry and stay

Transit rules

Entry with pets

Customs regulations

Contacts

Information for motorists

What visa do Emiratis need to visit the USA?

Emirati citizens travelling to the United States as tourists generally need a B-2 visitor visa or a B-1/B-2 visa.

These visas are intended for temporary stays. A B-2 visa can be used for tourism, holidays, visiting friends or family, receiving medical treatment, and similar short visits.

Neither a B-2 nor a B-1/B-2 visa allows the traveller to take up employment, enroll in full-time studies, or use the visa as a way to settle permanently in the U.S.

For official guidance, see the U.S. Department of State Visitor Visa page.

Is travel insurance required for Emirati citizens visiting the United States?

Travel health insurance is generally not a mandatory condition for obtaining a B-1/B-2 visa or entering the United States.

Still, healthcare in the U.S. can be very expensive. For this reason, Emirati citizens are strongly advised to arrange suitable medical insurance before travelling.

Depending on the policy, coverage may include:

emergency medical assistance;
treatment for illness or injury;
hospital stays;
emergency medical transport;
medical evacuation or repatriation.

How do Emiratis apply for a U.S. tourist visa?

The B-1/B-2 visa process usually includes several main stages.

1. Fill out the DS-160 form

Applicants must complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online through the official Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

The form is completed in English and usually requires personal and passport details, information about previous travel to the United States, employment and education history, contact information, and details of the planned trip.

Applicants should make sure that the information entered in the form is accurate and matches the information in their passport and supporting documents.

After submitting the DS-160, save and print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode. The full application normally does not need to be printed.

Before starting, applicants can also review the official U.S. Department of State instructions for Form DS-160.

2. Follow the instructions of the Embassy or Consulate

After submitting the DS-160, applicants should review the rules of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they plan to apply.

The local procedure may require the applicant to:

create an online applicant profile;
enter the DS-160 confirmation number;
select the appropriate visa category;
choose a passport delivery or collection method;
pay the visa application fee;
schedule an interview.

The exact steps can vary between diplomatic missions, so applicants should follow the instructions published for the specific Embassy or Consulate handling their application.

3. Pay the visa fee

The standard B-1/B-2 application fee is USD 185. The current amount can be checked on the U.S. Department of State visa fees page.

Applicants should pay the fee using the method accepted by the relevant Embassy or Consulate and keep the payment receipt or confirmation if required.

The fee is charged for processing the application. It is non-refundable if the application is refused and does not guarantee that the visa will be approved.

Depending on nationality, an additional visa issuance or reciprocity fee may also apply after approval.

4. Book the interview

After completing the payment process, applicants can schedule a visa interview according to the procedure of the relevant Embassy or Consulate.

Approximate waiting times are available on the Global Visa Wait Times page.

Appointment availability may vary depending on the location, visa category, season, and current workload of the diplomatic mission.

Most applicants are generally required to attend an interview in person. Some people renewing a B-1/B-2 visa may qualify for an interview waiver if they meet the relevant conditions.

Current rules are published on the official Interview Waiver Update page.

Even when an applicant appears to qualify for a waiver, a consular officer may still request an in-person interview.

5. Prepare the required documents

Before the appointment, applicants should gather all mandatory documents and any additional supporting evidence that may be relevant to their case.

The basic set normally includes:

a valid passport;
the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode;
proof of payment of the visa fee, if required;
a visa photograph if the online upload was unsuccessful;
any additional documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate.

Applicants should also be prepared to provide supporting evidence related to the purpose of the trip, accommodation, finances, employment or studies, family circumstances, and ties to the country of residence.

The consular officer may not request every supporting document, but applicants should be ready to provide additional information if necessary.

6. Attend the visa interview

During the interview, the consular officer assesses whether the applicant qualifies for a B-1/B-2 visa and whether the planned trip is consistent with the visitor visa category.

Questions may cover:

the reason for travelling;
the planned itinerary and length of stay;
accommodation in the United States;
previous visits to the U.S.;
current work, business, or studies;
who will pay for the trip;
the applicant’s financial situation;
family and other ties to the country of residence;
plans to leave the United States after the authorised stay.

The officer may also compare the applicant’s answers with the information provided in the DS-160 and may request additional documents or clarification.

Applicants should answer the questions clearly and accurately.

7. Wait for the result

After the interview, the application may be:

approved;
refused;
sent for additional administrative processing.

If the visa is approved, the passport is generally kept temporarily so that the visa can be placed inside it. The applicant then receives the passport according to the delivery or collection procedure of the relevant diplomatic mission.

If additional administrative processing is required, the applicant may need to provide further documents or wait for additional checks to be completed.

If the application is refused, the applicant will normally receive information about the legal basis for the refusal and whether any further action is possible.

Even if the visa is issued, entry to the United States is not guaranteed. The visa allows the traveller to arrive at a U.S. port of entry and request admission.

The final decision on entry and the authorised period of stay is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.

What documents do Emiratis need for a U.S. visitor visa?

For a B-1/B-2 visa application, Emirati citizens are usually expected to prepare:

a valid passport;
the DS-160 confirmation page;
proof of visa fee payment, if the consulate requests it;
a visa photo if the online upload was not successful;
any additional paperwork required by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The photo must follow the official U.S. visa photo requirements.

As a general rule, the passport should remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay in the United States, unless a nationality-specific exemption applies.

The consular officer may also ask for evidence of:

the reason for the trip;
the planned itinerary and place of stay;
sufficient funds;
the intention to leave the United States after the visit;
employment, education, business, family, or other ties to the country of residence.

An invitation letter from relatives or friends in the U.S. is not a standard requirement for a tourist visa. The same applies to an Affidavit of Support, and neither document guarantees approval.

How much is a U.S. tourist visa for Emirati citizens?

The standard application fee for a B-1/B-2 visa is USD 185.

The latest fee information is available on the official U.S. Department of State visa fees page.

Depending on nationality, Emirati citizens may also be subject to an additional visa issuance or reciprocity fee.

Nationality can also affect the number of permitted entries and the standard validity period of the visa.

What is the validity period of a U.S. tourist visa for Emiratis?

There is no single validity period that applies to all Emirati citizens.

A B-1/B-2 visa may be valid for different lengths of time depending on the applicant’s nationality and the reciprocity arrangements between the United States and that country.

It may also be issued for either single or multiple entries.

The expiration date on the visa does not show how long the traveller can stay during each visit. That period is set separately when entering the U.S. and is recorded in the electronic I-94.

Can Emirati citizens extend their stay in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa?

In some cases, yes. If a Emirati citizen needs to remain in the United States beyond the date shown in the I-94 record, they may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of nonimmigrant status.

The request should generally be filed before the current authorised stay expires and is usually submitted using Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

It is important to understand that extending status is different from extending the visa itself.

A B-1/B-2 visa cannot be extended while the traveller is in the United States. If the visa later expires, a new visa will generally need to be obtained through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before another trip.

Remaining in the U.S. beyond the authorised period can lead to loss of status, visa cancellation, and difficulties with future travel.

For travel through the United States to another country.

Transit Visa C

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country, with few exceptions. Immediate and continuous transit is defined as a reasonably expeditious departure of the traveler in the normal course of travel as the elements permit and assumes a prearranged itinerary without any unreasonable layover privileges. If the traveler seeks layover privileges for purposes other than for transit through the United States, such as to visit friends or engage in sightseeing, the traveler will have to qualify for the type of visa required for that purpose.

If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the Visa Waiver Program.

Travel purposes which require a Transit (C) Visa - Examples:

1) A foreign citizen traveling to another country who will have a brief layover in the United States when the only reason for entering the United States is to transit.

2) A passenger embarking from a foreign port on a cruise ship or other vessel which is proceeding to another country, other than the United States, but during the course of the journey, the vessel makes port in the United States with no intention of landing in the United States.

3) A crewmember traveling to the United States as a passenger to join a ship or aircraft you will work on, providing services for operation. You will also need a crewmember D visa, most often issued as a combination C-1/D visa.

4) A foreign citizen proceeding in immediate and continuous transit through the United States to or from the United Nations Headquarters District, under provisions of the Headquarters agreement with the United Nations, requires a diplomatic transit (C-2) visa. Travel within the United States will be limited to the immediate New York City vicinity.

Travel purposes not permitted on a Transit (C) Visa - Examples:

1) A foreign citizen whose layover in the United States is for a primary purpose other than to transit, for example to visit friends or sightsee, requires a visitor (B) visa.

2)A coasting officer seeking to enter the United States generally requires a visitor (B) visa. Coasting officers are employed temporarily when an officer of a foreign ship is granted home leave while the vessel is in U.S. ports, provided the vessel does not remain in U.S. waters for more than 29 days. The coasting officer may then repeat the process with another vessel of the same foreign line.

3)A crewmember on a private yacht sailing out of a foreign port which will be cruising in U.S. waters for more than 29 days is generally required to have a visitor (B) visa.

4) An officer or employee of a designated international organization assigned to the United States may pass in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on an International Organization (G-4) visa.

How to apply

You must take several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. Please consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

1) Complete the Online Visa Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 - Learn more about completing the DS-160.

You must:

- complete the online visa application and

- print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

2) Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

3) Schedule an Interview

While interviews are generally not required for applicants of certain ages, consular officers have the discretion to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

4) Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

5) Prepare for Your Interview

6) Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. When your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality.

Fee information is provided below:

Application Fee: 160$

7) Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

- Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.

- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page

- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview

- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified.

For example, additional requested documents may include evidence that shows:

1. Your purpose of entry into the United States is to transit while traveling onward to another country and that you intend to depart the United States;

2. Your ability to pay all costs while in the United States; and/or

3. Residence in your home country and your intent to return there.

4. Proof of your onward travel arrangements and/or permission to enter another country after departing the United States may be sufficient evidence that your purpose for entering the United States is transit.

5. Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may also be sufficient to show the purpose of your entry to the United States is transit only and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all costs while in the United States, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs of your trip.

8) Attend Your Visa Interview

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

Additional Information

We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.

Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Travel with dogs

The rules for bringing your dog into the United States depend on where the dog has been in the past 6 months.

All dogs must appear healthy upon arrival. Dogs that arrive sick or injured will be required to undergo veterinary examination and testing at the importer’s expense to rule out diseases that can spread to people.

Documents Required in English

1) Written statements and any documents must be in English or have a certified English translation.

2) A certified translation is a signed statement on professional letterhead issued by a licensed translator declaring that the translation is an accurate and true representation of the original document. The translation must include the name, address, and contact information of the translator and have a signatory stamp or elevated seal with the translator’s license number included. A certified translation service provider can be found online.

Dog from Countries Without High Risk of Dog Rabies

Dogs that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months may enter the United States through any port of entry, and importers are NOT required by CDC to present rabies vaccination documentation. However, when your dog enters the United States, you must provide a written or verbal statement your dog has only been in a country NOT at high risk for at least 6 months or since birth if under 6 months of age. There is no limit to the number of dogs.

Dogs from High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies

Starting on June 10, 2022, options for bringing dogs from a high-risk country for rabies in the past 6 months will depend on where the dogs’ rabies vaccinations were administered, and the number of dogs being imported.

All dogs from high-risk countries must:

- Be at least 6 months old.

- Have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Rules vary depending on whether the dog was vaccinated in the United States or in a foreign country (see below).

- Have an ISO-compatible microchip for identification listed on their rabies vaccination certificate.

- Meet the requirements of either Option A, B, or C below.

Option A:

1) A valid US-Issued rabies vaccination certificate (RVC). There is no limit to the number of dogs with valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificates. Your dog must:

a) Appear healthy on arrival

b) Be at least 6 months old

c) Have an ISO-compatible microchip number listed on their rabies vaccination certificate

d) Be accompanied by a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate upon arrival

e) The rabies vaccine must be administered by a US-licensed veterinarian in the United States on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s first vaccination.

f) Booster rabies vaccines administered in the United States after 15 months of age are valid immediately.

g) Arrive at one of the 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station:

Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD).

Important Note: Expired US rabies vaccination certificates will NOT be accepted. If the US-issued rabies vaccination certificate has expired, you must enter using Option B or C (see below).

Option B: Apply for and obtain a valid CDC Dog Import Permit before arrival. CDC will only issue permits for 2 dogs per person during the suspension.

You must apply online for a CDC Dog Import Permit. It is recommended to apply at least 6 weeks before intended travel.

Before beginning the process, your dog must:

- Be at least 6 months old

- Have a microchip

- Have a valid foreign rabies vaccination certificate

- Have a valid rabies serologic titer from an approved laboratory

- Arrive at one of the 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station:

Important Note: Permits will not be issued at ports of entry. Appeals are not permitted.

Option C: For dogs without a US-issued rabies vaccination certificate or a CDC Dog Import Permit.

Please note: This is the only option for persons importing 3 or more dogs into the United States.

1) Appear healthy on arrival

2) Be at least 6 months old

3) Have an ISO-compatible microchip number listed on their rabies vaccination certificate

4) Be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate upon arrival

a) The rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s first vaccination.

b) Booster rabies vaccines administered after 15 months of age are valid immediately.

5) Make a reservation at one of the CDC-approved animal care facilities with necessary follow-up services* at importer’s (owner’s) expense.

6) The CDC-approved animal care facility will determine if the dog has a valid foreign-issued RVC and serology titer.

a) If invalid foreign-issued RVC: dog will be denied entry.

b) If valid foreign-issued RVC: CDC-approved facility will determine if the dog has a valid rabies serology titer

c) If valid titer: Each dog must be examined and re-vaccinated with a US-licensed rabies vaccine by a USDA-accredited veterinarian at a CDC-approved animal care facility upon arrival at the importer’s (owner’s) expense.

d) If invalid titer or no titer: Each dog must have a reservation to quarantine at a CDC-approved animal care facility for 28 days after the exam and re-vaccination at the importer’s (owner’s) expense.

Travel with cats

Pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry.

A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of pet cats into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them. However, pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. If a cat appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required at the port of entry.

Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, some states require vaccination of cats for rabies, so it is a good idea to check with state and local health authorities at your final destination.

All pet cats arriving in the state of Hawaii and the territory of Guam , even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements.

What cannot be imported into the United States?

Anyone can familiarize themselves with the list of prohibited goods on the website of the US Customs and Border Protection Service.

Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to import:

- absinthe (due to its content of the narcotic substance thujone, banned in the USA);

- narcotic and potent drugs (including over-the-counter medicines);

- pornographic materials (magazines available for free sale are not taken into account);

- lottery tickets;

- soil;

- materials (in printed and electronic form) of extremist content;

- objects that may pose a danger (fireworks, dangerous toys, toxic or poisonous substances);

- weapons or ammunition - automatic, semi-automatic, assault weapons, special equipment (silencers, night vision devices), grenades, explosives;

- spring knives;

- some goods from countries subject to sanctions (Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, North Korea);

- a number of animals: primates, most species of parrots and turtles;

- meat of wild animals, eggs, feathers, skins, fangs of wild animals;

- some plants, cuttings and seeds are not prohibited, but require special permission from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

What can't be carried in hand luggage?

You cannot take with you on board:

- dangerous as well as safe razors (with a separate blade);

- any weapon, any means of self-defense;

- tools: any knives, scissors, axes, nippers, any tools longer than 7 inches (17.5 cm);

- sports equipment: bats, sticks, arrows, darts, skates, rollers, ski poles, rackets, fishing rods;

- combustible and explosive substances: fireworks, firecrackers, firecrackers, pistons, cartridges, gunpowder;

- acids, radioactive, toxic, flammable liquids and gels - paints, varnishes, solvents, cylinders for lighters;

- aerosols, fire extinguishers, other explosive containers under pressure;

- objects with a strong magnetic field.

even during the flight at any of the US international airports, flight attendants issue a customs declaration to passengers, in which the imported items, including money, should be indicated. This form should be given to the border guard after landing.

Restrictions on transportation of goods

Certain goods are restricted by US customs regulations, such as:

1) Alcohol and tobacco products. From the age of 21, up to 1 liter of alcohol and no more than 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 4.4 pounds (2 kg) of smoking tobacco can be imported into the United States. You will have to pay a tax for "excess".

2) Presents. Without paying tax, you can import gifts worth no more than $100 per person, no more than once every 6 months and provided that you stay in the country for at least 72 hours.

3) Animals To bring a pet to the United States, the owner must provide an international veterinary certificate.

4) Food. All of them must be indicated in the declaration, otherwise there is a risk of a fine.

5) Medicine. Medicines in liquid form are allowed in hand luggage of about 100 g. There is no need to place medically necessary liquids in a ziplock bag. However, such medications should be reported to the officer. Medically necessary liquids will be subject to additional screening, which may include a request to open the container.

6) Weapon. US customs regulations allow the importation of only hunting weapons and their ammunition.

7)Books and digital media. Books and CDs can be imported almost without hindrance, as long as they are not pirated copies.

8) Money. Customs regulations do not limit the total amount of imported funds, but if the amount exceeds $10,000, then a special form must be filled out. Cash includes bills and coins of the United States and other countries, traveler's checks, postal orders, and securities.

What is forbidden to export from the USA?

- All objects of national, cultural or historical value should be transported across the border only with the appropriate permission from the authorities.

- Printed photos, paintings and any other graphic materials whose authorship is unknown cannot be exported. Negatives and photographic film, and goods infringing copyright cannot be transported across the border.

Some numbers are reserved to provide a special use:

911 is the standardized number for emergency services (for example fire, police, and ambulance). You can normally call 911 for free from any phone (including cell/mobile phones) including pay phones (coins aren't necessary, just key in 911).

411 is used for telephone directory assistance. Fees are now almost universally charged for calling 411. As an alternative advertising-sponsored free directory assistance is available from a several providers including Free-411 ((800) 373-3411) and Google ((800) 466-4411), typically after providing the city and business or person's name you're looking for, you'll have to listen to a short recorded advertisement before being given your number.

"800" numbers (including 888, 877, 866, and 855) are "toll free" in that the user doesn't incur 'long distance' phone charges by calling the number. Callers should be aware that hotels and motels often charge fees for calling an 800 number and callers using cellular phones are charged for the "airtime" for the call following the same rate schedule as any other call. Callers to 800 numbers should also be aware that their telephone number is automatically being provided to the business paying for the 800 number even if the caller is blocking his/her caller ID.

Callers of "900" numbers are being charged either by the call or by the minute at a rate established by the company setting up the service. Legally, companies setting up 900 numbers are required to advise callers of the fee or 'per minute' rate for their call at the start of the phone call, with the caller being given the opportunity to end the call before the billing starts. Although originally intended as a method for companies to charge for informational services (weather, travel information, etc.) the use of 900 numbers has largely degenerated to "adult" services at the commencement of which call cost disclosures are sometimes omitted.

Note: These calls can be very expensive!!

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