DUBAI – For UAE residents planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, there’s good news: the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Arab Emirates has reportedly confirmed to Khaleej Times that priority visa interview appointments will soon be made available for holders of valid World Cup tickets. With standard interview wait times in Abu Dhabi and Dubai stretching well into 2026 and 2027, the new arrangement offers much-needed relief.
Under the new scheme – the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) – fans who have already secured match tickets can fast-track their visa interview appointment after submitting their visa application. The move is expected to significantly reduce delays and uncertainty for those aiming to travel for the global tournament.
Officials emphasise that while visa approval is not guaranteed, the priority-interview option aims to ensure that “no ticket holder will miss the tournament” due to backlog or prolonged waiting times for consular interviews.
For many UAE-based fans, who might otherwise face scheduling conflicts or very late-year interview dates, the new PASS option comes as a much-anticipated measure – offering hope that their World Cup travel plans can stay on track.
As preparations advance for FIFA World Cup 2026, this development becomes one of the key enablers for international fans from UAE hoping to witness the world’s biggest football spectacle.
