For Immediate Release
March 16, 2020
As of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the United States Consulate General in Dubai are cancelling routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible, but we are unable to provide a specific date at this time. The MRV fee is valid and may be used for a visa application in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment.
Non Immigrant Visa applicants with a need for emergency travel may request an expedited visa appointment. To request an expedited appointment, follow these steps:
- Schedule a regular visa appointment for the closest available date.
- Sign into your account. Click Continue, select ‘Request Expedite,’ and follow the instructions.
- In the request, include the date and purpose of travel.
*If applicable, include a copy of any U.S. Customs and Border Protection messages regarding ESTA status, and why ESTA was denied.
For emergency issues pertaining to Immigrant Visas, email AbuDhabiIV@state.gov.
American Citizen Services will operate emergency appointments to ensure the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad. U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain should contact the American Citizen Services team at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi at +971-2-414-2200 or AbuDhabiACS@state.gov. U.S. citizens in Dubai or other emirates should contact the U.S. Consulate Dubai at +971-4-309-4000 or DubaiACS@state.gov. Please visit this link for updated information.
Please note there are travel restrictions for certain countries. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html and read the section “Presidential Proclamations Regarding Novel Coronavirus” for more information.