Faced with lengthy wait times for US visa appointments in the UAE, some residents are opting to apply in neighboring Gulf countries for quicker processing.
Travel agents report that UAE applicants must wait at least a year for US visa appointments due to a high volume of applications. In contrast, shorter wait times in countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain are attracting those in urgent need of visas.
Indian expatriate Anshil Ponthuveetil Thekkumpurath chose to apply in Saudi Arabia instead of waiting in the UAE. “In the UAE, it was taking 10-12 months. I went to the US Consulate General in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and the entire process took just seven days,” he said in a Khaleej Times report, noting that it was the easiest visa he had obtained compared to Schengen or Canadian visas.
Travel consultants like Shamsheed CV of Wisefox Tourism suggest applicants consider neighboring Gulf countries. “In Oman, the waiting time is only three months, and in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, it’s around 2-3 weeks. After clearing the interview, passports are typically returned within five days,” Shamsheed said.
Both individuals and families from the UAE are increasingly seeking US visas in other Gulf countries, added TP Sudheesh of Deira Travel and Tourist Agency. Mir Wasim Raja from Galadari International Travel Services also confirmed the trend, stating that those needing to travel to the US urgently prefer this option.
The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi advises applicants to arrive at the Consular Section no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment and notes that children under 14 generally do not need to attend visa interviews unless specifically instructed.
