Residents who are planning to travel to the United States from the UAE will face significant challenges as the wait times for visa appointments continue to stretch. The next available appointments are available in October next year, travel industry experts have said to Khaleej Times.

“The demand for applications for US visas among UAE residents has reached unprecedented levels, with the earliest available slots for appointments can be scheduled for October 2024,” said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager for inbound and outbound operations at Regal Tours Worldwide, adding that they receive over 20 calls daily inquiring about the visit visas to US.

Visa experts in the UAE believe that the wait time may increase in the coming days. “Currently, the wait time for B1 and B2 US visit visas is after September 2024. However, it may increase in the coming days,” said Dhas Anthony, general manager at Rejoice Travel and Tourism, who is specialised in visas worldwide.

There are two types of US visit visas:

“One should apply for US Business visa if travelling for business purposes. This visa is also known as the B1 Visa. And a tourist visa for tourism and also known as the B2 Visa,” said Anthony.

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.