Secrets to Obtaining a U.S. Visa

How to Obtain a Visit Visa to the United States from Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia in 2025

If you are planning to visit the United States for tourism or business for a short period, the B‑1/B‑2 visa is the appropriate option. In this article, we outline the detailed application steps and provide the latest information on visa fees and new procedures starting from September 2025.

Step 1: Complete the DS‑160 Form Online

• Go to the official application website and be prepared in advance with personal and travel information.
• The form requests travel data, employment, social ties, and contact information. It must be filled out accurately and read carefully before the electronic signature.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee

The applicant pays a fee of 185 US dollars for the B‑1/B‑2 application. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied.

Step 3: Schedule a Consular Interview Appointment

Begin by booking an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country via the official websites of the U.S. Department of State.

Step 4: Attend the Personal Interview

• Starting September 2, 2025, the personal interview has become mandatory for all applicants, except for diplomatic categories and a few special cases.
• It is advised to attend professionally and calmly, and to clearly explain the purpose of the visit and ties to the home country.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents

• A valid passport (preferably valid for 6 months beyond the travel period).
• Confirmation page of the DS‑160 form and the interview.
• Flight and hotel reservations.
• Proof of financial, family, and employment stability.

Step 6: Biometric Verification (Fingerprint and Photo)

During the same visit appointment, a digital fingerprint and photo of the applicant will be taken for customs verification purposes.

Recent Updates and Additions

• Near implementation of an "Integrity Fee" of an additional 250 dollars for most applicants after October 1, 2025. It will apply to B, F, J, H, and other visas, with citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries exempt.
• A new pilot program may require some applicants to pay a financial bond ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 dollars, refundable later if visa laws are complied with.

Smart Tips to Ensure Approval

• Book the interview appointment early (preferably six weeks before holiday or summer travel).
• Use clear information about ties to the home country: work, loans, family, property.
• Do not show intent for permanent immigration, and avoid vague answers.
• Improve your social media profile, as your personal accounts may be reviewed as part of the security screening for some categories.

If Applying from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE

• Egypt: The U.S. Embassy in Cairo provides detailed steps on the USEmbassy website.
• UAE: You can apply from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and you must plan to stay for at least 10 days to complete interviews and paperwork if necessary.
• Saudi Arabia: Applications are made through the Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulates in Jeddah, and visa trial services are available without the need to submit hard-to-retrieve documents.

Conclusion

Obtaining a visitor visa to the United States now requires better preparation and stronger documentation, especially after the recent updates regarding interviews, the new fee, and possibly a financial bond. With good planning and honesty in providing information, the traveler can ensure a smooth journey and tangible benefit from the file preparation steps.