Introduction
Starting in early 2025 the United States unveiled a sweeping visa reform that pairs a mandatory biometric entry‑exit system with tighter eligibility checks. The change, announced by the Department of State, targets visitors from more than a dozen nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Oman, Qatar and Turkey. As the new rules roll out, travel agents, airlines and tourists are bracing for longer processing times, additional documentation requirements and possible entry bottlenecks. This article unpacks the policy details, examines how the ripple effect is reshaping travel plans across the Gulf and surrounding regions, and offers practical guidance for anyone hoping to cross the Atlantic in the coming months.
New US visa policy and biometric system
The State Department’s 2025 visa reform introduces two core components:
- Biometric entry‑exit tracking: All non‑immigrant visa holders will be required to submit fingerprints and facial scans at both arrival and departure, feeding a real‑time database managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Enhanced eligibility screening: Applicants from designated “high‑risk” regions must provide additional proof of financial stability, employment and travel purpose, extending the average processing window from 7‑10 days to 21‑30 days.
The policy classifies Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Qatar and Turkey as priority jurisdictions due to recent diplomatic shifts and a surge in short‑term business travel. The reform is slated to become fully operational on January 15, 2026, giving consulates a six‑month window to adjust their workflows.
Ripple effect on Saudi Arabia and regional allies
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued an advisory warning its citizens about the upcoming delays. Similar notices have appeared from the tourism boards of the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Qatar and Turkey. The common thread is a call for travelers to apply for U.S. visas at least three months before departure, a significant increase from the previous one‑month recommendation.
Airlines operating between the Gulf and North America are revising their ticketing policies. Emirates, Qatar Airways and Saudia have added a “visa‑status check” step during online booking, prompting passengers to upload their visa receipt or DS‑160 confirmation number.
Potential delays and practical implications for travelers
Below is a snapshot of the projected processing times for the affected countries, based on data released by the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh as of December 2025:
| Country | Standard processing (days) | New estimate (days) | Typical visa type affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 7‑10 | 21‑30 | B‑1/B‑2, F‑1 |
| United Arab Emirates | 7‑10 | 22‑32 | B‑1/B‑2, J‑1 |
| Egypt | 8‑12 | 24‑35 | B‑1/B‑2, H‑1B |
| Oman | 7‑10 | 20‑28 | B‑1/B‑2, L‑1 |
| Qatar | 7‑9 | 21‑29 | B‑1/B‑2, F‑1 |
| Turkey | 8‑11 | 23‑34 | B‑1/B‑2, O‑1 |
Travelers should also anticipate additional on‑site verification at U.S. airports, where biometric kiosks will replace traditional passport stamping. For frequent flyers, enrolling in the Trusted Traveler Programs (e.g., Global Entry) may mitigate some of the friction, although eligibility now requires a clean biometric record.
Strategic responses from airlines and tourism boards
Air carriers are collaborating with consulates to streamline document exchange. Emirates has launched a “Visa‑Ready” badge on its mobile app, alerting users when their visa status meets the new criteria. Qatar Airways is offering complimentary visa‑processing assistance for premium cabin passengers.
Tourism ministries across the region are launching awareness campaigns. Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Commission for Tourism and Heritage has published multilingual guides detailing the new steps, while the UAE’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is hosting webinars for travel agencies.
Collectively, these measures aim to reduce the risk of last‑minute cancellations and protect the lucrative Gulf‑to‑U.S. tourism corridor, which generated over $12 billion in 2024.
Conclusion
The United States’ biometric visa overhaul marks a decisive shift in how Gulf and neighboring travelers will access the American market. By extending processing times, demanding richer documentation and introducing real‑time biometric checks, the policy creates a cascade of operational challenges for Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Qatar and Turkey. Airlines, tourism boards and travelers themselves are already adapting—through early applications, digital verification tools and targeted outreach—to preserve the flow of business and leisure traffic. For anyone planning a U.S. visit from the region, the safest strategy now is to start the visa journey well ahead of the intended departure date, stay informed about biometric requirements, and leverage trusted‑traveler programs wherever possible.
Image by: Lübna Abdullah
https://www.pexels.com/@lubna
