Something significant happened in Saudi Arabia that directly affects every football fan in the Gulf planning to attend the 2026 World Cup. The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia officially opened FIFA World Cup 2026 visitor visa applications for eligible ticket holders through FIFA PASS — the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System. Fans in the Kingdom who purchased match tickets directly from FIFA can now schedule a B1/B2 visa interview in Jeddah, cutting through the months-long queues that normally stand between Gulf travellers and a US entry stamp. For fans in Dubai and the UAE, the same pathway is available through US missions locally.
What Is FIFA PASS and Why Gulf Fans Should Care
FIFA PASS stands for FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System. It is a voluntary, opt-in programme that FIFA created in collaboration with the US Department of State, designed to give genuine World Cup 2026 ticket holders a priority path to a visa interview — ahead of regular applicants who face long wait times.
The programme was unveiled at the White House in a high-profile event attended by President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. At the event, Infantino put it plainly: "If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have prioritized appointments to get your visa." The US has also deployed more than 400 additional consular officers globally to handle the expected surge in demand.
The tournament kicks off on 11 June 2026 and runs until 19 July 2026, played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Who Can Use FIFA PASS
Eligibility is specific. To qualify, you must have purchased your FIFA World Cup 2026 match ticket directly from FIFA through official channels. Tickets from resellers or third-party platforms do not qualify — no exceptions.
Fans who already hold a valid US visa do not need FIFA PASS. Neither do nationals of countries in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), who can apply for ESTA authorisation directly online.
Spouses and minor children of ticket holders can access FIFA PASS appointments, but only if they attend the same interview as the ticket holder. Separate FIFA PASS slots for family members are not available.
For Dubai and UAE-based fans, the FIFA PASS programme is global. Apply through the US Consulate General in Dubai or the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi for your priority appointment.
B1/B2 Visa Fee: What Changed on 30 May 2026
The B1/B2 US visa application fee was US$160 at the time this article was published. On 30 May 2026, the US State Department raised that fee to US$185 — a US$25 increase, the first hike in nearly a decade. The rule was designed to recover the full cost of consular processing and fund enhanced security vetting infrastructure globally. Applicants who paid before 30 May locked in the lower rate; anyone paying on or after that date pays $185.
How to Apply: Three Steps
The FIFA PASS application runs in three steps.
Step 1: Log into your FIFA.com account and submit the FIFA PASS opt-in form. Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Any mismatch between your FIFA opt-in, DS-160 form, and visa appointment profile will lock you out of priority scheduling.
Step 2: Fill out the DS-160 online visa application form, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the visa application fee.
Step 3: Schedule your visa interview. When asked whether you are a FIFA ticket holder, answer "Yes." If your FIFA PASS opt-in details match your visa application, you gain access to a priority appointment slot.
A Priority Slot Is Not the Same as a Visa
Getting a FIFA PASS appointment does not mean the visa is automatically yours. The US Department of State has confirmed that all applicants — including World Cup ticket holders — must still go through thorough security screening and vetting. You need to demonstrate you qualify for a visitor visa on your own merit, including proof of ties to your home country and intent to return after the tournament closes on 19 July 2026.
For full programme guidelines and requirements, visit the official US State Department page: https://www.state.gov/fifa-world-cup-26-visas-pass-faq
Act Now
FIFA PASS slots are first come, first served. With millions of fans planning trips to the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the tournament, slots fill fast. The tournament starts on 11 June 2026. If you have your ticket and need a US visa, there is no good reason to wait.
