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Non-Immigrant Visas

General Instructions

The U.S. Embassy interviews all persons applying to travel to the United States on a non-immigrant visa. All applicants must have an interview appointment. Depending on the number of clients on any particular day, applicants should expect to be at the Embassy for up to several hours to complete the entire application and interview process. 

This scheduling Web site is only for residents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Visa Processing

The visa issuance time is generally 2-3 days. However, visas sometimes require additional administrative processing which can take 1-6 weeks. You will be given an estimate at the time of interview.

Each applicant 14 years and above must appear for a personal interview. Applicants can make an online appointment only after completing and printing out the Electronic Visa Application DS-156 (EVAF). You can fill the electronic form and schedule an appointment by visiting our online appointment system 24 hours a day, any day of the week.

This scheduling Web site is only for residents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

To apply you must provide:

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of entry into the United States.
  • A copy of the passport -- the picture page and any amendments.
  • Fully completed and signed application forms. The forms must be signed by the applicant and, if prepared by someone else, the preparer. Everyone must bring an Electronic Visa Application Form DS 156.
  • Applicants above 16 also need to bring form DS 157.
  • One photograph that meets application guidelines.
  • A receipt of payment for the non-refundable application fee of 484.70 dirhams per applicant from an accepting branch of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi.
  • Supporting Documents: For the issuance of most types of non-immigrant visas,
    United States law requires that the applicant maintains a residence outside of the United States, and demonstrate sufficiently strong family, social and economic ties to that place of residence, i.e. the United Arab Emirates. You should be prepared to present evidence of your ties, if requested. Such ties may include proof of employment, proof of ownership of a business or property, and a bank statement. Please provide original documents and English translations. However, presentation of such documents will not ensure the issuance of a visa. Approval of a visa application is ultimately determined by a consular officer at the time of the interview.

Travelers Who Do Not Need a Visa

Travelers from certain countries do not need a visa to visit the United States for a temporary stay. To find out if you do not need a visa, see the Department of State's Web page on the Visa Waiver Program, which also includes information for Canadian travelers.

Visa Appointments

Visa Processing

Average visa processing time means the number of working days after a consular officer decision to issue a visa, for the passport with visa to be returned to applicants at the consular section.

All applicants should be aware that the times given above are AVERAGES, and that the processing time of a specific case can vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements.

Exiting the US

For information on which Port of Departure to use, or for more information on NSEERS requirements and registration, please visit: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/