Different Types of US Tourist Visas Explained

Types of US Tourist Visas

Travelling to the United States or any part of the UAE? Among the initial steps, there should be learning about the various US tourist visa types. Be it leisure, visiting family or a business meeting, it is best to know where to apply under the right visa category, and that may be B1, B2 or ESTA, as this may make your application a lot easier and increase your chances of success.

In this guide, we’ll explain the main types of US tourist visas for UAE residents, their purposes, validity, and requirements. If you need step-by-step assistance, our US visa services in Dubai can help you prepare documents, choose the right visa, and apply without hassle.

Types of US Tourist Visa

1. B-2 Tourist Visa

B-2 visa is the most prevalent US tourist visa to the residents of the UAE.

Purpose: Tourism, leisure, family/friends visit, medical treatment.
Period: Typically not longer than 6 months, and may be extended.
Eligibility: Evidence of finances, close connections with UAE, and the desire to come back.
Best suited: Holidays, sightseeing, visiting family or paying a doctor.

This is the visa that you need in case you are visiting the country on leisure or visiting family and friends.

2. B-1 Business Visa

The B-1 visa is used when making a short business visit.

Purpose: Conferences, meetings, seminars or negotiations of the contract.
Period: 1-6 months, no possibility of extension.
Eligibility: Evidence of business purpose and non-immigrant intent.
Perfect Fit: People in the business world who have to go to business event in the US.

3. B1/B2 Combination Visa

Majority of candidates who apply in Dubai are given a B1/B2 mixed visa.

Purpose: Both tourism and business purposes.
Period: Up to 10 years (with multiple entries) duration of stay per visit up to 6 months.
Perfect Fit: Travellers who can combine business with leisure during the same trip.

4. ESTA (Electronic System of Travel Authorization)

Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the ESTA is offered.

Purpose: Short business, tourism and transit.
Duration: Up to 90 days
Conditions: It is only accessible to VWP countries nationals.
Perfect: People traveling to the country on short trips and of eligible countries.

UAE citizens are not eligible to receive ESTA, however, this might be applicable in case you are a second passport holder of a VWP nation.

How to know which US Tourist Visa is Best for you?

B2 Visa: This visa is used when you are traveling on leisure, sightseeing or family visits.
B1 Visa: In case your visit is only because of business meetings or conferences.
B1/B2 Combination Visa: Recommended to people who have both purposes.
ESTA: You must only be of Visa Waiver Program country.