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New US visa rules: Will UAE residents face delays? Embassy responds
This change reflects a move back to pre-pandemic visa procedures, when in-person interviews were conducted and waivers were only given in very limited cases
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi has urged UAE-based visa applicants to plan ahead for possible delays in processing as new rules requiring in-person interviews for most applicants take effect from September 2.
When asked about the expected rise in interview demand, a spokesperson for the embassy told Khaleej Times that consular staff are “working diligently to ensure an efficient, smooth, and effective visa process” despite the changes. “All visa decisions are national security decisions and we will take the time needed to get these decisions right,” the spokesperson said.
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When asked what the embassy had to say to families or students in the UAE preparing to travel to the US in the coming months, the spokesperson said: “In every case, we will take the time necessary to ensure an applicant does not pose a risk to the safety and security of the United States and that he or she has credibly established his or her eligibility for the visa sought,” the spokesperson said.
Under the new policy, almost all non-immigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, will need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. Exemptions will remain only for certain temporary visitors under the B visa category and for some official government travellers.
When asked whether pending applications submitted before September 2 would still be processed under the old rules, the embassy did not confirm any exemptions, instead directing applicants to embassy and consulate websites for detailed information. The same response was given when asked about a potential grace period for those who had applied earlier.
When asked about urgent cases such as medical, educational or humanitarian travel, the embassy said applicants may request expedited appointments through its system, with requests considered on a case-by-case basis.
“The Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process. Effective September 2, 2025, the Department of State will update the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview,” the spokesperson added.
This change reflects a move back to pre-pandemic visa procedures, when in-person interviews were conducted and waivers were only given in very limited cases. During the Covid-19 period, waiver eligibility had been expanded to reduce the number of visitors to embassies and consulates.
Now that children under 14 and adults over 79 must also attend interviews, more people will be trying to book appointment slots. With these additional applicants joining the queues, this could lead to longer wait periods for travellers across all visa categories.
Applicants are advised to regularly check the websites of the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate in Dubai for the latest information on required documents, procedures and available appointments.
Those who need to travel urgently for medical, educational or humanitarian reasons can ask for an expedited appointment. To do so, they must first complete the DS-160 form, pay the standard visa fee and schedule the earliest available regular appointment. Only then can they use the ‘emergency request’ feature on their dashboard to upload documents proving the urgency of their travel. If approved, they will be given a designated emergency appointment slot and if denied, their scheduled appointment will remain unchanged.
Given the expected rise of in-person interview demand and the return to stricter screening, travellers are encouraged to start the visa application process early and be prepared for more detailed evaluation under the new security-first system.
SM Ayaz Zakir
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
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