How to Apply for a USA Tourist Visa (B1/B2) from Dubai: 2025 Step-by-Step Guide for Non-US Citizens

USA tourist visa (B1/B2) from Dubai: Application process for non- US citizen in UAE

If you are living in the UAE and planning a visit to the U.S- whether it is for a road trip through California, a business meeting in New York, or just catching up with family in Texas- you’ll need a B1/B2 visa. And if you are not a U.S. citizen, getting it means following a process that can feel a bit official.

The good news is that it is manageable once you know what you are dealing with. And even the better news is that you don't have to figure it out alone.

Let’s walk through what you’ll need to take care of in 2025, especially before your consulate interview in Dubai.

First, What Exactly Is a B1/B2 Visa?

Whether you are traveling to the United States for business (B1) or pleasure (B2), this visa is essentially your ticket. A combined B1/B2 visa, which allows you to do both and is normally valid for up to 10 years with stays of up to 6 months per entrance, is what most candidates ultimately obtain.

But remember: it’s not a guarantee. The key to approval is proving that you don’t plan to stay in the U.S. forever. You're just visiting.

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form

This is where your application begins.

The DS-160 is a digital form every U.S. visa applicant must fill out. It asks for a lot- passport details, employment history, travel plans, past visits, and more. You’ll also upload a photo that meets U.S. visa standards.

Pro tip: Don’t rush it. Make sure every detail is accurate and matches your documents. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation with a barcode. That page should be treated like gold. You will need it to schedule your appointment.

the barcode on your DS-160 has to match the one you use when booking your appointment. If it doesn’t line up, they might cancel it. Yes, even if you show up on time with perfect documents.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

The B1/B2 visa fee comes to roughly $185, which is about AED 680. You can usually pay through Emirates NBD or online- it depends on what the consulate’s currently accepting. Just make sure to hang on to the receipt since you’ll need to show it at your interview.

Step 3: Book Your Appointments

In Dubai, you’ll have two appointments:

VAC appointment: This is where your photo and fingerprints are taken.
Interview at the U.S. Consulate: This is the big one- where you talk to a consular officer.

You’ll book both online. Depending on availability, they might be on the same day or several days apart. The earlier you schedule, the better.

What Documents You’ll Need for the Interview

This part often stresses people out. But the trick is to be organized, not overwhelmed. Here’s what you should bring:

Your valid passport (with at least 6 months left after your planned U.S. return date)

DS-160 confirmation page (with the barcode)

Appointment confirmation

Visa fee receipt

Bring a recent passport photo- even though they’ll take one at the VAC, it’s smart to carry a spare.

If you’re employed, a letter from your company helps. If you run your own business, your license will do.

Documents like your lease, utility bills, or anything showing you actually live in the UAE can come in handy.

If you’ve been to the U.S. before or have an invitation for a business visit, carry those too- just in case they ask.

Usually, you won’t need to hand over a huge file. But if the officer asks, you should be able to show them what they need.

The Interview: What to Expect

Let’s admit that this is the part that makes most people nervous. You walk in, passport in hand, and get a few minutes with a consular officer behind a glass window.

Here’s the thing: It’s not about fancy answers. It is about being clear, honest, and confident.

They’ll likely ask:

“What’s the purpose of your trip?”

“Where will you stay in the U.S.?”

“Do you have family there?”

“What do you do for a living in the UAE?”

“How long have you been living here?”

Answer naturally as you are not being interrogated. The officer just wants to know that you have a legitimate reason to visit and that you’ll come back.

Proving Ties to the UAE

This is the deciding factor, especially since you're applying in a third country- not your home country.

So how do you prove strong ties to the UAE?

You’ve lived and worked in Dubai for years

You have a full-time job, a business, or dependents here

You rent or own property in the UAE

Your immediate family is based here

No need to list everything out unless they ask-but keep your papers handy, just in case they want a look.

Instead of any perfection, they just want to get a clear idea that are you visiting for a bit and heading back, or is there more to it? If it’s just a short trip, make that obvious.

What Happens After the Interview?

If it’s approved, your passport usually comes back with the visa in it after a few working days—three to five, most of the time.

If your application needs “administrative processing” (which happens rarely), it might take longer, but you’ll be informed.

And in case, if it’s rejected, they’ll tell you why. You can apply again, but it’s best to understand what went wrong before you try.

For better experience, follow some additional tips like-

Double-check your DS-160 barcode before booking your appointment

Dress neat but comfortable- no need for a suit

Practice your answers out loud- it helps more than you think

Don’t memorize a script. Just know your story, and stick to it

Be polite and keep it short. No need to over-explain

Conclusion

Applying for a USA tourist visa from Dubai as a non-U.S. citizen is a process, but not a mystery. Just be upfront, have your things in order, and make it clear you’re coming back to the UAE when the trip’s done.

If you’re not sure about any part of it or just want it to go more smoothly, we’re here to help.

Need help getting started?

At ezee Visa, we help people in Dubai make their U.S. visa process easier- from DS-160 support to interview guidance. If you want someone to look over your docs, prep with you, or just take the pressure off, we’re here for that.

Reach out today. Let’s get your travel plans moving.