Abu Dhabi Consular Appointments Cancelled
The United States Embassy in the United Arab Emirates has suspended routine visa services and cancelled several consular appointments because of security concerns.
According to the embassy, all consular appointments scheduled in Abu Dhabi from July 13 to July 15 have been cancelled. Applicants who had appointments during this period have been instructed not to visit the embassy.
The embassy said the decision was taken because of the prevailing security situation in the region. It did not provide specific details about the nature of the threat or the measures being implemented.
Applicants affected by the cancellations will be contacted directly by embassy officials. New appointment dates will be provided once normal consular operations resume.
Visa Services Suspended Until Further Notice
Routine US visa services in the UAE have been suspended until further notice. The suspension may affect people applying for tourist, business, student, employment and immigration-related visas.
The embassy has not announced a date for the restoration of normal visa processing. Applicants have been advised to wait for official communication before making new travel arrangements or visiting diplomatic facilities.
People with upcoming appointments should closely monitor messages sent to the email addresses and telephone numbers provided in their visa applications.
The embassy said applicants should not arrive at the Abu Dhabi mission without confirmation that their appointments remain valid.
Dubai Consular Operations Also Disrupted
Consular services at the US mission in Dubai are also expected to face disruptions because of the enhanced security measures.
Although the embassy specifically confirmed the cancellation of appointments in Abu Dhabi, it warned that services in Dubai would also be affected.
Applicants using the Dubai consular facility may experience appointment cancellations, processing delays or reduced access to routine services.
The embassy has not provided a complete schedule of the affected appointments in Dubai. Individuals with appointments have been advised to wait for direct instructions from consular officials.
Emergency Assistance Will Remain Available
Despite the suspension of routine operations, emergency consular assistance will continue to be provided where necessary.
The embassy said urgent passport services and other emergency support would be handled through email. US citizens requiring immediate assistance have been advised to contact the embassy through its official communication channels.
Emergency services may include assistance involving lost or stolen passports, serious medical situations, arrests, deaths or other urgent matters involving American citizens.
However, routine passport renewals and non-urgent consular requests may face delays while the security restrictions remain in place.
Non-Emergency US Personnel Relocated
The embassy also confirmed that non-emergency US government personnel had been relocated from the United Arab Emirates as a precautionary measure.
The relocation suggests that US authorities are taking additional steps to protect diplomatic staff during the current security situation.
Essential personnel are expected to continue supporting urgent diplomatic and consular operations. However, reduced staffing could result in further delays for visa applicants and people seeking routine services.
The embassy did not disclose where the relocated personnel had been moved or how long the precautionary arrangement would remain in effect.
Applicants to Receive New Appointment Dates
The US Embassy said applicants affected by the suspension would not need to visit the mission to request new appointment dates.
Consular officials will contact applicants directly once services resume. Rescheduled appointments will depend on security conditions and the availability of embassy staff.
Applicants should ensure that their contact details remain active and regularly check their email accounts, including spam or junk folders, for official updates.
The embassy advised people to rely only on official US government communications and avoid unofficial agents claiming they can arrange earlier appointments.
Further information about the resumption of visa and consular services is expected after authorities review the security situation.
