The United States introduced an expedited visa process for fans holding tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, AFP reported. The initiative, called the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), gives ticket holders access to prioritised US visa interview appointments, easing travel ahead of the tournament.
For UAE-based travellers, especially expatriates who require a US visitor visa and are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Programme, the announcement raises an important question: what does the current visa appointment situation look like?
Long waiting times remain a challenge
Despite the new initiative, waiting times for standard US visa appointments in the UAE remain lengthy. According to Hadi Umer, visa consultant at The Visa Guy.
“Dubai’s waiting time runs until late 2026, and Abu Dhabi’s until early 2027. Under the updated policy, applicants from the UAE can only book their appointments within the UAE or in their home country, as nearby countries now require applicants to hold residency there to schedule an appointment for a US visa.”
As per the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website (Travel.State.Gov) notice from October 10, 2025, applicants for US non-immigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
Umer notes that even with priority access, applicants must be fully prepared before attempting to secure an appointment. “If you do secure an early appointment with your FIFA ticket, applicants must have the completed DS-160, the visa fee paid, and correct passport details and DS-160 confirmation number before booking.”
Under the updated policy, applicants from the UAE can only book their appointments within the UAE or in their home country, as nearby countries now require applicants to hold residency there to schedule an appointment for a US visa.
