Applying for a US Visa in UAE? Some Nationalities Are Barred

The US Embassy in the UAE has announced new rules about applying for US visas. Starting Monday, June 9, 2025, at 8:01 am UAE time, a Presidential Proclamation takes effect that suspends or limits visa issuance for nationals from 19 countries.

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This move aims to boost national security and public safety through stricter screening, according to the US Department of State.

What Does This Mean for UAE Residents?

If you live in the UAE and are from one of these countries, even if you apply for a US visa and attend your interview, you might not be eligible for a visa or entry into the US. This new rule applies to people who did not have a valid US visa before June 9.

If you already have a valid US visa issued before that date, it will not be canceled or revoked.

Which Countries Are Affected?

The visa restrictions fall into two categories: full suspension and partial suspension.

Full Suspension

No US visas will be issued for any visa type (tourist, student, immigrant, etc.) to nationals of these 12 countries:

1. Afghanistan
2. Burma (Myanmar)
3. Chad
4. Republic of the Congo
5. Equatorial Guinea
6. Eritrea
7. Haiti
8. Iran
9. Libya
10. Somalia
11. Sudan
12. Yemen

Partial Suspension

Visa issuance is limited for certain visa types (business, tourism, student, exchange visitor, and immigrant visas) for nationals of these 7 countries:

1. Burundi
2. Cuba
3. Laos
4. Sierra Leone
5. Togo
6. Turkmenistan
7. Venezuela

Are There Exceptions?

Yes. Some exceptions include:

• Immediate relatives (spouses, children, parents) of US citizens
• Adoptions by US citizens
• Immigrant visas for persecuted ethnic and religious minorities in Iran
• Dual nationals applying with a passport of a country not affected
• Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for US government employees
• Participants in major sports events
• Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)

What About the Impact?

Travel experts warn these visa restrictions could seriously hurt tourism. The US is one of 184 countries expected to see a drop in international travel spending this year.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reports the US economy could lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending in 2025, down from $181 billion in 2024 to under $169 billion. This 22.5% drop could impact jobs, businesses, and communities across the US.