Some UAE residents seeking to visit the US for leisure or business have discovered a workaround to secure prompt visa appointments: applying in neighboring Gulf countries. Due to the lengthy wait times for US visa appointments in the UAE, which can extend up to a year, many are opting for this alternative, according to travel agents interviewed by Khaleej Times.

Anshil Ponthuveetil Thekkumpurath, an Indian expat, faced a similar predicament and decided to apply for a US visa in Saudi Arabia instead of the UAE. He recounted his experience, stating, "In the UAE, the wait was 10-12 months, possibly longer. I needed the visa urgently, so I went to the US Consulate General in Al Khobar, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The entire process took just 7 days, and I received my passport with the US visa in it after a week." Thekkumpurath also noted that the US visa process was notably simpler than those for Schengen or Canadian visas.

Ron Packowitz, the country consular coordinator at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi, previously mentioned that US visa appointments are available globally, allowing applicants to apply from any country. Shamsheed CV, a senior consultant for outbound travel at Wisefox Tourism, highlighted that some applicants in the UAE might wait until July 2025 for a US visa appointment. He suggested that travelers consider applying in nearby GCC countries where waiting times are significantly shorter, such as three months in Oman, 2-3 weeks in Bahrain, and a similar duration in Saudi Arabia.

Shamsheed CV further explained that both individual travelers and families from the UAE are increasingly applying for US visas in other Gulf countries. TP Sudheesh, the general manager of Deira Travel and Tourist Agency, confirmed that earlier appointments are accessible in GCC regions like Muscat and Saudi Arabia, making it a popular choice for those needing to travel to the US urgently. Mir Wasim Raja, manager for MICE and holidays at Galadari International Travel Services, also acknowledged the trend of UAE residents seeking faster visa processing in GCC countries.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi recommends that visa applicants arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment. Children under 14 do not need to attend the visa interview unless specifically instructed by parents or guardians.