Something significant just happened in Saudi Arabia, and if you are a football fan anywhere in the Gulf, this directly affects your World Cup 2026 plans. The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has 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 in the way. For fans in Dubai and the UAE, the same pathway is available through US missions locally. And here is the part that matters right now: the B1/B2 visa application fee is currently US$160. On 30 May 2026, nine days from today, it goes up to US$185.
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 expected demand.
The tournament kicks off on 11 June 2026 and runs until 19 July 2026, played in 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 authorization directly online.
Spouses and minor children of ticket holders can access FIFA PASS appointments too, but only if they attend the same interview as the ticket holder. Separate FIFA PASS slots for family members are not an option.
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.
Nine Days to Lock In the Lower Fee
Here is what Gulf fans need to act on immediately. The B1/B2 US visa application fee is US$160 right now. On 30 May 2026, nine days from today, that fee goes up to US$185. If you have your World Cup ticket and need a US visa, applying now means you pay the lower rate.
The 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. At US$160 today, it is US$25 cheaper than it will be on 30 May. That window is short.
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 get 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 will not last. The fee goes up in nine days. The tournament starts in three weeks. If you have your ticket and need a US visa, there is no good reason to wait.
Cover Image: AI-Generated for Illustration Purposes
