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Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington DC
www.uae-embassy.org
THE VISAS-PASSPORTS section

US Citizens

Visa Requirements for US Citizens

Stays of Less than 1 Month

If you meet all three of the following conditions, you do not need a visa:

  1. Citizen of the United States, and
  2. Staying in the UAE for less than one month, and
  3. Have a round-trip airline ticket, and
  4. Passport is valid for more than 6 months

This includes US citizens with visas or entry stamps from other countries.

Please note: If you are not a US citizen, even if you are traveling with a US citizen or are the spouse/child of a US citizen, you may need to apply for a visa. Check our Non US Citizens information page to learn more.

Stays of More than 1 Month

If you are a US Citizen and wish to stay in the UAE for more than one month, you need to have a visa issued from the UAE Embasy before you depart. You can either Apply Online or Apply in Person:

To Apply Online

The Online Visa application will ask you all the information that is required for your visa application. You will be asked to upload digital versions of documents required to review your visa application.

You may attach text files or scanned images of documents. For your convenience, we accept the following file formats:

  • Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
  • Adobe Acrobat PDF (.pdf)
  • Plain Text files (.txt)
  • Rich Text files (.rtf)
  • Image files (.png, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .bmp, .tif, .tiff)

Once you receive email notification of interim approval, you will need to mail in the original documents, along with the processing fee, two (2) signed copies of your application forms  [printed at the completion of the online application], your passport, two (2) original passport-sized photos, and a prepaid, self-addressed envelope with a tracking number (US Express mail, UPS, or FedEx). 

To Apply At the Embassy

You must provide the following:

1

Two (2) completed application forms, including the Particulars of your Sponsor / Host in the UAE and the Residence Address where you will stay in the UAE. US Citizens do not need to complete the "Accompanied By" section.

All applications must be typed.

Your Sponsor / Host must be based in the UAE.

  • If you will visit an individual, provide ALL information.
  • If you will visit an organization, use the following Sponsor / Host information:
    • Full name - list the Organization Name
    • Profession - list the industry
    • Address - list the Organization's address in the UAE
    • Telephone - list the Organization's phone number in the UAE
    • Passport Number & Nationality are not needed for organizations
2 An original passport, valid for at least six (6) months from expected time of arrival in the UAE, signed by the bearer.
3 A copy of your passport
4 Two (2) original passport-sized photos.
5 Invitation letter from your sponsor/host in the UAE.
If you are visiting an individual, the invitation letter must include:
  1. Clear invitation to visit
  2. Full name of your host (the person who invited you)
  3. Relationship between you and the host
  4. Residence address and phone number for your host
  5. Acceptance of responsibility for you while you are in the UAE
  6. Estimated visit duration and reason for staying that long
If you are visiting an organization, this letter must be on official company letterhead (e-mails are not accepted) and include:
  1. Clear invitation to visit
  2. Organization name
  3. Acceptance of responsibility for you while you are in the UAE
  4. Name and phone number of your point of contact within the organization
6 If you will visit an organization, copy of the organization's business license in the UAE.
7

If you will visit an individual, copy of:

  1. Your host's passport and
  2. Your host's residency permit in the UAE
8

An employment letter

If you are:

  • Employed - A letter from your employer, on company letterhead, stating your position
  • Self-employed - A copy of your business license
  • Retired, a home maker, a student - A letter from your bank testifying that your account is in good standing
9 A Cover letter that includes the following:
  1. Introduction - Name, who you are
  2. Reason for staying that long in the UAE
  3. Specific request for the visa
10The processing fee ($51, money order only).
11A prepaid, self-addressed envelope with a tracking number (US Express mail, UPS, or FedEx).

Note:

  • The Embassy requires a minimum of three (3) business days to process visa applications.
  • The decision on the length of the visa is subject to the Consul's judgment.
  • The visa validity is up to ten (10) years, for a maximum stay of six (6) months per entry.
  • When you arrive in the UAE, UAE Immigration officers have the right to change the visa, so check your passport when you go through the airport.
Created 04-Dec-2008. Last updated 08-Sep-2009.

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Consulate Services
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
ATTN: Visa Section
3522 International Court, NW
Suite 100
Washington, DC, 20008

Hours of Operation
Monday to Thursday
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM ET
Friday
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM ET

Main phone:
(202) 243–2400
Visa questions:
(202) 243-2415 or
(202) 243-2465
Legalization questions: (202) 243-2416


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