US Embassy Offers Key Visa Guidance to UAE Residents Planning 2026 World Cup Trip

As football supporters across the UAE begin planning their trips to the United States for the Fifa World Cup in June and July 2026, the US Embassy has issued important guidance to help travellers avoid visa-related complications and last-minute delays.

With thousands of fans expected to attend the tournament, embassy officials stressed that careful preparation will be essential. According to the Embassy, errors on visa application forms and incomplete documentation continue to be among the most common reasons applications are delayed or rejected. In written comments shared with insider18, an embassy spokesperson encouraged applicants to pay close attention to every detail of the process.

“Our advice to UAE residents is to carefully review the visa application requirements and ensure that all forms are completed accurately,” the spokesperson said. “Applicants should gather and organise all required documents well in advance to minimise the risk of delays.”

This advice is particularly relevant for families travelling together. Applications involving children often require additional paperwork, such as consent letters, birth certificates, and supporting documents from parents or guardians. Embassy officials noted that families should allow extra time for preparation and avoid assuming that children’s applications will be automatically processed alongside those of adults.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, the US government is developing a special Fifa Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS). This system is designed to help confirmed match ticket holders secure earlier visa interview appointments. While the initiative aims to make the process more efficient for football fans, embassy officials made it clear that priority access will not bypass standard visa requirements.

Applicants using the PASS system will still be subject to the same screening and eligibility checks as all other visa applicants. This includes demonstrating the purpose of travel, presenting evidence of sufficient financial resources, and showing strong ties to their home country. “Priority scheduling does not mean relaxed rules,” the Embassy emphasised, adding that all applicants must meet the usual criteria to qualify for a visa.

At present, several aspects of the priority system remain under development. Embassy officials confirmed that details are still being finalised and will be announced publicly once the framework is complete. As a result, there are unanswered questions that many prospective travellers are closely watching.

Among the points yet to be clarified are whether applicants who already have visa interview appointments scheduled far in the future will be able to switch to priority slots, how Fifa match tickets will be verified within the system, and how many priority appointments will be made available overall. There is also uncertainty about whether families will be able to book linked or bundled interview appointments to ensure they are processed together.

Despite these open questions, US officials said the Department of State is designing the system with fairness and accessibility in mind. The goal, they explained, is to ensure that all Fifa World Cup ticket holders who require a visa have a realistic opportunity to complete their interviews and receive decisions before the tournament begins.

In the meantime, the Embassy is urging UAE residents not to delay preparations while waiting for further announcements. Fans planning to attend the World Cup are advised to start reviewing visa requirements now, gather supporting documents early, and ensure their passports meet validity rules.

Applicants should also rely only on official sources for information and be cautious of unofficial claims or third-party promises regarding priority access. The Embassy noted that comprehensive guidance on the Fifa PASS system is expected to be released in early 2026, providing clarity on procedures and timelines.

Until then, the message from officials is clear: preparation is key. By submitting accurate applications, planning ahead, and staying informed through official channels, UAE football fans can reduce the risk of stress and uncertainty as they prepare to travel to the US for one of the world’s biggest sporting events.