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Last reviewed: August 30, 2026

How to Pay the U.S. Visa Fee in the UAE

The DS-160 itself has no submission fee. Applicants in the United Arab Emirates pay the separate nonimmigrant visa application (consular) fee through the official U.S. visa appointment service before an interview in Abu Dhabi or Dubai can be scheduled.

Payment methods in the UAE

The official UAE payment options page currently lists three methods:

  • Cash at VFS Visa Application Center (VAC) locations: print the U.S. Visa Deposit slip from your profile, bring valid government-issued ID, and pay the exact AED amount before the slip's expiration date. Cheques are not accepted, and expired slips are refused.
  • Credit/debit card online in local currency (AED): through the payment portal in your profile.
  • USD credit/debit card via Elavon: U.S.-issued Mastercard only — other cards are declined and refunds can take days to release.

Official reference: the UAE bank and payment options page lists VFS VAC cash, AED card payment, and USD Mastercard, and states receipts activate within one business day. Check the live page before paying.

Step-by-step payment process

  1. Submit the DS-160 and save the confirmation page.
  2. Create a profile on the official UAE visa service and select Start Application (visa type, post, category, class).
  3. On the payment options screen, verify the number of applicants, visa category, and AED amount (set at the consular exchange rate).
  4. Pay cash at a VFS VAC with the printed slip, by card in AED online, or by U.S.-issued Mastercard in USD.
  5. Keep the CGI reference/receipt number safe — it cannot be replaced if lost, and you cannot schedule without it.
  6. Allow up to one business day for activation, then schedule the interview from your profile.

UAE-specific payment rules

  • The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, whether or not a visa is issued, and can be used for scheduling for one year from payment.
  • If a payment appears to fail, do not pay again — email support-uae@usvisascheduling.com with your reference. Duplicates are not refunded.
  • The AED amount follows the State Department's consular exchange rate.
  • Paying the wrong amount for your visa class can block scheduling.
  • F, M, and J students and exchange visitors also owe a separate SEVIS fee on fmjfee.com — the consular fee does not cover it.

Questions commonly searched in the UAE

How much is the U.S. visa fee in dirhams?

The fee is set in U.S. dollars — $185 for B visitor and F/M/J student visas, higher for petition-based categories — and the AED amount follows the consular exchange rate at checkout. Confirm the current amount on the Department of State fee schedule.

Can I pay with a UAE-issued card?

Yes — use the local-currency (AED) card option. The USD option accepts U.S.-issued Mastercard only.

Can UAE residents who aren't citizens apply here?

Yes — residents generally apply where they live. Schedule at Abu Dhabi or Dubai through the same profile; the fee is tied to applying in the UAE.

I lost my receipt. Can I get another?

No — the receipt cannot be replaced, and its number is required for scheduling. Photograph it as soon as you pay.

Can I use a fee paid in the UAE for an interview in another country?

No. A fee paid through the UAE system is tied to applying in the UAE. If you switch countries, expect to create a profile in that country's system and pay again.

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