US Embassy in UAE Halts Visa Appointments, Payments Temporarily

US Visa Services Paused in UAE from May 15–29 for System Upgrade

Do not proceed with your plan to apply for a US visa in the UAE in May. From May 15 to May 29, 2025, all visa appointment scheduling and payment services will be temporarily suspended by the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai while they switch to a new visa service provider.

Why the Pause?

The visa processing system at the US diplomatic posts in the United Arab Emirates is being upgraded. From May 30, a new contractor will take over, bringing with them new protocols for fee payments, arranging interviews, accessing visa-related data, and submitting and delivering documents.

This upgrade means the existing system will stop accepting new appointments and payments for about two weeks in May.

Already Booked or Paid? Here’s What to Do

If you have a scheduled visa interview before May 19, your appointment will proceed as planned.

If you have paid your visa fee but haven’t booked an appointment, schedule your interview using the current portal at https://ais.usvisa-info.com before May 19.

If you haven’t started the process, you’ll either need to act before May 15 or wait until the new system launches on May 30.

Drop-Offs of Documents and Critical Cases

Please drop off paperwork by May 24 if instructed to do so. During the system transition, drop-offs will not be allowed.

During the blackout time, you can still email the following to request an accelerated appointment in the event of an emergency, such as a medical necessity, an urgent trip, or an academic deadline:

ADNIVExpedite@state.gov in Abu Dhabi
DUBNIVExpedite@state.gov in Dubai

The pause is short but important. If your plans include applying for a US visa in May from the UAE, act now to avoid delays. Stay informed through official channels, and be ready for a smoother, updated system starting May 30.