US Visa Fees from Dubai: Complete Cost Breakdown by Visa Type 2026
How much does a US visa cost from Dubai?
The US B1/B2 visitor visa application fee is USD 185 (approximately AED 680). This is non-refundable. Some nationalities pay an additional visa issuance (reciprocity) fee. ESTA for eligible nationalities (including UAE nationals) costs USD 21. Total out-of-pocket cost including photos and document preparation is typically AED 700-1,000.
Key Takeaway
- The US B1/B2 visitor visa application fee is USD 185 (approximately AED 680). This is non-refundable. Some nationalities...
- B1/B2 Fee: USD 185
- ESTA Fee: USD 21
- Validity (B1/B2): Up to 10 years
- Total Estimate: AED 700-1,000
The US visa is one of the more expensive visa applications from Dubai, but it also offers one of the best value propositions — a B1/B2 visa can be valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries. Understanding the complete fee structure helps you budget accurately.
This guide breaks down every cost involved in obtaining a US visa from Dubai in 2026, including the application fee, reciprocity fees for specific nationalities, ESTA costs for eligible passport holders, and ancillary expenses.
US Visa Application Fees (MRV Fee)
The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is the standard application fee charged by the US government. This fee must be paid before you can book an interview appointment and is non-refundable regardless of the visa decision.
US Visa Fees by Category
| Visa Category | Description | Fee (USD) | Fee (AED approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 | Business & Tourism | USD 185 | ~AED 680 |
| F1/M1 | Student | USD 185 | ~AED 680 |
| J1 | Exchange Visitor | USD 185 | ~AED 680 |
| H/L/O/P/Q | Temporary Workers | USD 205 | ~AED 750 |
| K | Fiancé(e) | USD 265 | ~AED 975 |
| E1/E2 | Treaty Trader/Investor | USD 315 | ~AED 1,160 |
| ESTA | Visa Waiver (eligible nationalities) | USD 21 | ~AED 77 |
B1/B2
- Description
- Business & Tourism
- Fee (USD)
- USD 185
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 680
F1/M1
- Description
- Student
- Fee (USD)
- USD 185
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 680
J1
- Description
- Exchange Visitor
- Fee (USD)
- USD 185
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 680
H/L/O/P/Q
- Description
- Temporary Workers
- Fee (USD)
- USD 205
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 750
K
- Description
- Fiancé(e)
- Fee (USD)
- USD 265
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 975
E1/E2
- Description
- Treaty Trader/Investor
- Fee (USD)
- USD 315
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 1,160
ESTA
- Description
- Visa Waiver (eligible nationalities)
- Fee (USD)
- USD 21
- Fee (AED approx.)
- ~AED 77
MRV fees are set by the US Department of State and subject to change. Amounts in AED are approximate.
Visa Issuance (Reciprocity) Fees
In addition to the MRV application fee, some nationalities are charged a visa issuance fee (also called a reciprocity fee). This fee is based on the fees that those countries charge US citizens for similar visas. It is paid only if your visa is approved.
Reciprocity Fees for Common Nationalities in Dubai
| Nationality | B1/B2 Reciprocity Fee | Visa Validity Typically Granted |
|---|---|---|
| Indian | None | 10 years, multiple entry |
| Pakistani | None | 5 years (varies) |
| Filipino | None | 10 years, multiple entry |
| Egyptian | None | 5 years (varies) |
| Bangladeshi | None | 5 years (varies) |
| UAE (Emirati) | Not applicable (ESTA eligible) | 2 years via ESTA |
| British | Not applicable (ESTA eligible) | 2 years via ESTA |
Indian
- B1/B2 Reciprocity Fee
- None
- Visa Validity Typically Granted
- 10 years, multiple entry
Pakistani
- B1/B2 Reciprocity Fee
- None
- Visa Validity Typically Granted
- 5 years (varies)
Filipino
- B1/B2 Reciprocity Fee
- None
- Visa Validity Typically Granted
- 10 years, multiple entry
Egyptian
- B1/B2 Reciprocity Fee
- None
- Visa Validity Typically Granted
- 5 years (varies)
Bangladeshi
- B1/B2 Reciprocity Fee
- None
- Visa Validity Typically Granted
- 5 years (varies)
UAE (Emirati)
- B1/B2 Reciprocity Fee
- Not applicable (ESTA eligible)
- Visa Validity Typically Granted
- 2 years via ESTA
British
- B1/B2 Reciprocity Fee
- Not applicable (ESTA eligible)
- Visa Validity Typically Granted
- 2 years via ESTA
Reciprocity fees change periodically. Check the US State Department reciprocity tables for the latest information for your nationality.
OraVisa will verify the current reciprocity fee for your specific nationality during our free consultation. We ensure you know the exact total cost before you begin your application.
ESTA vs Visa: Cost Comparison
If your nationality is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you have the choice between ESTA and a full B1/B2 visa. Here is the cost comparison.
ESTA vs B1/B2 Visa Cost Comparison
| Factor | ESTA | B1/B2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | USD 21 | USD 185 |
| Processing | Minutes to 72 hours | 2-8 weeks |
| Validity | 2 years | Up to 10 years |
| Max Stay Per Visit | 90 days | Up to 6 months |
| Interview Required | No | Yes |
| Cost Per Year (amortised) | ~USD 10.50/year | ~USD 18.50/year |
Application Fee
- ESTA
- USD 21
- B1/B2 Visa
- USD 185
Processing
- ESTA
- Minutes to 72 hours
- B1/B2 Visa
- 2-8 weeks
Validity
- ESTA
- 2 years
- B1/B2 Visa
- Up to 10 years
Max Stay Per Visit
- ESTA
- 90 days
- B1/B2 Visa
- Up to 6 months
Interview Required
- ESTA
- No
- B1/B2 Visa
- Yes
Cost Per Year (amortised)
- ESTA
- ~USD 10.50/year
- B1/B2 Visa
- ~USD 18.50/year
ESTA is only available to nationals of Visa Waiver Program member countries.
For eligible nationalities like UAE and British passport holders, ESTA is significantly cheaper and faster. However, if you need to stay longer than 90 days per visit or travel for certain purposes not covered by ESTA, a B1/B2 visa may be necessary.
Additional Costs
Beyond the government fees, there are several additional costs to factor into your US visa budget from Dubai.
Additional US Visa Costs
| Item | Cost (AED approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport photos (US spec) | AED 25-50 | 51x51mm, white background — different from Schengen size |
| Document photocopies | AED 10-30 | Multiple copies of passport, ID, and supporting documents |
| Courier/passport delivery | AED 40-80 | Optional — collect in person or have delivered |
| Document translation | AED 100-300 | If any documents are not in English or Arabic |
| OraVisa professional services | Varies | DS-160 filling, document review, interview coaching |
Passport photos (US spec)
- Cost (AED approx.)
- AED 25-50
- Notes
- 51x51mm, white background — different from Schengen size
Document photocopies
- Cost (AED approx.)
- AED 10-30
- Notes
- Multiple copies of passport, ID, and supporting documents
Courier/passport delivery
- Cost (AED approx.)
- AED 40-80
- Notes
- Optional — collect in person or have delivered
Document translation
- Cost (AED approx.)
- AED 100-300
- Notes
- If any documents are not in English or Arabic
OraVisa professional services
- Cost (AED approx.)
- Varies
- Notes
- DS-160 filling, document review, interview coaching
Total Budget Summary
- Minimum cost (self-prepared): AED 700-750 (visa fee + photos)
- Standard cost: AED 800-900 (with courier and copies)
- With professional assistance: Contact OraVisa for a personalised quote (including all services)
- Remember: the visa fee is NON-REFUNDABLE if denied — professional preparation protects your investment
Payment Methods
The US visa MRV fee can be paid through several methods available in the UAE.
- Online payment — credit or debit card through the US visa payment portal
- Bank deposit — cash payment at designated bank branches in the UAE
- The fee receipt is valid for one year — you must schedule and attend your interview within this period
- Keep your receipt number safe — you cannot book an appointment without it
Get an Exact Quote for Your US Visa
OraVisa provides transparent pricing for US visa assistance. Know your total cost upfront with no surprises.
Get Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Is the US visa fee refundable if denied?
No. The USD 185 MRV fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa decision. If your visa is denied, you lose the fee. This makes it crucial to submit a strong application the first time.
Can I pay the US visa fee in AED?
The fee is denominated in USD but can be paid in AED equivalent through the payment portal or designated bank branches in the UAE. The conversion rate is applied at the time of payment.
Do children pay the same US visa fee?
Yes. The MRV fee of USD 185 applies to all B1/B2 applicants regardless of age. There is no reduced fee for children.
How long is the US visa fee valid after payment?
Your fee receipt is valid for 12 months from the date of payment. You must schedule and attend your interview within this period, or the fee expires and you must pay again.
Is the US visa worth the cost compared to other visas?
A 10-year multiple-entry US visa at USD 185 works out to approximately USD 18.50 per year — making it one of the best value long-term visas available. By comparison, a Schengen visa costs EUR 80 and is typically valid for only 15-90 days.
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Written by
Sarah Khan
Content Manager & Visa Research Specialist
Content Manager creating accurate visa guides based on daily research across 100+ country policies. Former travel editor with a journalism background.
Expert reviewed by Ahmed Al Rashid
Senior Visa Consultant
Last updated: · 12+ years of visa consultancy experience
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