UAE Residents Face New U.S. Visa Challenges

Numerous UAE Residents Face Longer Waiting Times Due to New U.S. Visa Rules

Significant changes will take effect from September 2, 2025, in the visa application process for the United States, affecting all applicants residing in the UAE. The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi has officially announced a return to pre-pandemic practices: a personal interview will once again be mandatory for almost all non-immigrant visa categories.

What exactly is changing?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States temporarily relaxed visa interview requirements, allowing certain applicants—such as students, business travelers, and family visitors—to be exempt from in-person consular appearances. This helped speed up processing and reduced the burden on embassies and consulates.

However, from the September date, this exemption will almost entirely be withdrawn. Even children under 14 and seniors over 79 will need to appear in person for a visa interview. Exceptions will only be made for some official government travelers and certain B visa category applicants.

What does this mean for UAE residents?

The new regulations are expected to increase the number of applicants for visa interviews, leading to longer waiting times—especially before school starts, university semesters, and holiday periods. The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi emphasizes that applicants should start the process early, as scheduling an interview can take weeks, particularly during peak periods.

Every visa procedure decision is a matter of national security, emphasized the embassy's spokesperson, and consular staff conduct thorough checks in every case. Applicants must credibly prove their eligibility for the visa and that they do not pose a risk to the United States.

What can those with urgent travel needs do?

Those who urgently wish to travel for medical, educational, or humanitarian reasons can request an expedited appointment. The procedure is as follows:

1. Complete the DS-160 form

2. Pay the visa fee

3. Book the earliest available appointment

4. Use the 'Emergency Request' function on the portal

5. Upload documents that confirm the urgent travel purpose

If the U.S. side accepts the request, a special urgent interview slot will be provided. If rejected, the original appointment remains valid.

Pending applications: what about submissions before September 2?

The embassy's official response is that those affected should always follow the current embassy and consular website, as it has not been confirmed that any prior application will automatically be processed under previous rules. There is also no information on any grace period for previously submitted applications.

Expected impacts and recommendations

The personal interview requirement redefines the time commitment and preparations of the application process. While in the past many obtained their visa within one to two weeks, now longer processing times should be expected. Document verification, scheduling of interview appointments, and heightened national security checks can significantly increase processing time.

Applicants should be proactive, especially:

Students who have been admitted to universities planning to start the fall semester

Family visitors planning to travel during holidays

Business travelers who cannot postpone their trip

Where to get information?

Both the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai regularly update information regarding visa applications. Available on these platforms:

List of necessary documents

Current waiting times

Appointment booking system availability

Detailed description of interview exemption exceptions

In summary

The new U.S. visa rules from September 2 bring significant changes for UAE residents as well. The return to personal interviews and stricter evaluation can result in longer processing times. U.S. authorities aim to make the safest decision possible for every applicant—even if it means a slower process.

Thus, those wishing to travel need to start the visa application process early and with thorough preparation. Although expedited procedures for urgent cases can provide assistance, they are not guaranteed, so the best strategy is planning—and patience.

(Source: U.S. Embassy's statement.)