Travelers from the UAE who wish to travel to the United States will face significant challenges as visa appointment wait times continue to increase. Travel industry experts have told Khaleej Times that the next available appointment will be in October of next year.

“According to Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager for inbound and outbound operations at Regal Tours Worldwide, the demand for US visa applications among UAE residents has reached unprecedented levels, with the earliest appointments scheduled for October 2024." They receive more than 20 calls a day inquiring about visit visas.

UAE visa experts believe the wait time may increase in the near future. The wait time for B1 and B2 US visit visas is currently after September 2024. According to Dhas Anthony, general manager of Rejoice Travel and Tourism, a company that specializes in visas worldwide, the number may increase in the coming days.

Post-Covid, travel demand is high

This unprecedented wait time has been attributed to many factors, including "a very high number of visa applications post-Covid and a very high travel demand post-Covid," according to Subair.

“People want to travel now. Post-Covid, travel demand has increased massively prompting residents to visit different countries and experience different cultures and traditions,” said Anthony.

Experts also mentioned it's not just UAE that is facing extended wait time for appointments, but its worldwide.

Post-Covid, more applications

According to experts, there is very high demand for travel to the US, and the number of applications has increased since the Covid era.

“People are ready to pay double to get appointments early. It is not in our hands at all. We can apply for visas, help and guide our clients,” said Subair.

US visa application

US visit visas come in two types:

"If traveling for business, one should apply for a US Business visa. Alternatively, this visa is called a B1. A tourist visa is also known as a B2 visa and is used for tourism.

The visit visa enables one to enter the US and remain there for up to six months and can be obtained by completing the DS-160 online form.

Anthony explains how to apply for a visa for a visit:

Check what type of visa you need

Find out where you should submit your application in the UAE

Complete the application form online

Pay the visa fee

Obtain an appointment for a US visa interview

Gather the documents required for the visa

Attend the visa interview