iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Today, cruise ships have become elegant floating citadels that offer a taste of the good life on the waves…
KT APPDOWNLOAD
UAE travel: US visa appointments available only after 1 year; experts suggest alternative procedure
The closest available date in Dubai is October 18, 2024 and in Abu Dhabi is only in November 2024
File photo
UAE residents heading to the US are advised to carefully plan their trips as visa appointments will be available only after a year, travel industry experts said.
“There is an unprecedented demand among UAE residents to travel to the US. And the closest available date in Dubai is October 18, 2024; and in Abu Dhabi, it is only in November 2024,” Dhas Antony, general manager of Rejoice Tourism LLC, told Khaleej Times.
Industry experts said the slots for visa appointments in the UAE are being booked out every day as many eager residents got their appointments six to eight months ago. As the slots are getting booked, some experts said appointments will not be available until March 2025 in the coming days.
“We are receiving over a hundred inquiries every day, which shows UAE residents' eagerness to travel to the US. The slots after a year are getting filled out fast and in the coming days, we can expect the availability of the appointments in 2025,” said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager for inbound and outbound operations at Regal Tours Worldwide.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Get an appointment in any GCC state
There is an alternative, though. Expert said UAE residents are privileged to request a US visa appointment in any GCC nation and can be availed of within just a few days to a month.
“Many residents are opting to travel to neighbouring countries for the appointment, for which UAE residents are privileged,” said Subair.
“The appointment is available in Saudi Arabia in a week’s time, and in Kuwait and Oman next month,” said Subair.
How to apply for a US visit visa:
There are two types of US visit visas:
B1 Visa: One should apply for a US Business visa if traveling for business purposes. This visa is also known as the B1 Visa.
B2 Visa: A tourist visa for tourism is also known as the B2 Visa. 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.
Procedure to apply for the visit visa:
• 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
ALSO READ:
More news from Travel
Trends are shifting away from experiences to sleep as people want to switch off and spend time away from gadgets
Survey reveals names of top cities residents want to visit this year, with 97% keen to explore new places
Entry permit applications for the 27 EU countries can be submitted up to 180 days before the intended travel date
Both the South Asian passports have weakened in the past ten years, dropping from respective positions
Tbilisi’s babel of building styles is a product of its complicated past
Creating content constantly is often challenging, especially for their mental health, said one speaker at 1 Billion Followers Summit
Mongolians who hold diplomatic, official, and regular passports are also exempted from a visa to enter the Emirates
