Residents of the UAE planning to visit the United States for the 2026 Fifa World Cup can now secure priority visa interview appointments, as confirmed by the US Embassy to Khaleej Times. This initiative comes in response to extended wait times for interviews in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which extend into 2026 and 2027, causing anxiety for fans who have already secured match tickets and travel arrangements.
The US Department of State has implemented a new Fifa Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS), enabling ticket holders to secure expedited interview dates after submitting their visa applications.
“This new system allows Fifa World Cup ticket holders requiring a US visa to schedule a prioritized interview,” the Embassy stated in a written reply to Khaleej Times.
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“All Fifa World Cup ticket holders needing a visa will have the opportunity to schedule an interview in time for the tournament.”
This assurance is crucial for UAE residents, particularly those from nations requiring B1/B2 visitor visas. Currently, non-priority appointment wait times exceed a year, with many applicants receiving dates after the tournament.
The Embassy emphasized that while interview slots are prioritized, visa approval is not guaranteed.
“Possessing a World Cup ticket does not ensure a US visa,” the Embassy stated. “Applicants must fulfill all eligibility criteria under US law, with each application reviewed individually.”
Although PASS will officially launch in early 2026, officials assure that the system is designed to prevent ticket holders from missing the event due to interview delays.
