Fast Track: UAE Resident Receives US Visa in 7 Days

Some UAE residents have discovered a quicker way to obtain US visas by applying in neighboring Gulf countries, bypassing the lengthy wait times in the UAE. Due to a high volume of applications, US visa appointments in the UAE often take 10-12 months or more.

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Indian expat Anshil Ponthuveetil Thekkumpurath shared his experience of avoiding the long wait by applying for his visa at the US Consulate General Al Khobar in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. "In the UAE, it was taking 10-12 months, maybe even more. I needed the visa urgently, so I went to Saudi Arabia. I completed the entire process in just 7 days and received my stamped passport within a week," he said. Thekkumpurath added that obtaining the US visa was simpler compared to Schengen or Canadian visas.

Travel consultants are advising clients to consider neighboring GCC countries for faster visa processing. Shamsheed CV, senior consultant at Wisefox Tourism, noted that waiting times for US visa appointments in the UAE could extend as late as July 2025. He recommended applying in nearby countries like Oman, where the wait is three months, Bahrain with a 2-3 week wait, and Saudi Arabia, where processing times are similar. "If the interview goes well, applicants can get their passports back in five days and return to the UAE. Many are unaware of this faster option," he said.

TP Sudheesh, general manager of Deira Travel and Tourist Agency, confirmed that earlier appointments are available in GCC countries like Muscat and Saudi Arabia, making them popular choices for those needing urgent travel. Mir Wasim Raja, manager for MICE and holidays at Galadari International Travel Services, also noted that individuals seeking prompt US travel are opting to apply in GCC countries.

The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi has advised applicants to arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment. Children under 14 are not required to attend visa interviews unless specifically instructed by the embassy.