The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) gives World Cup 2026 ticket holders priority access to a US visa interview appointment ahead of the tournament’s 11 June 2026 kickoff. Here’s everything you need to know about booking your FIFA Pass visa appointment — from eligibility and required documents to scheduling tips for fans in Dubai, New Delhi, Riyadh, and beyond.
What Is FIFA PASS and Who Needs It?
FIFA PASS is a free, voluntary system created by FIFA and the US Department of State. It allows ticket holders who need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to schedule a priority interview appointment — bypassing the regular queue, where wait times can stretch to over a year in some countries.
Do You Need FIFA PASS?
You do not need FIFA PASS if you already hold a valid US visa or if your country participates in the US Visa Waiver Programme (ESTA). The 42 ESTA-eligible countries include most EU nations, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Qatar.
If you hold a passport from India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, or most other non-ESTA countries, you will need a B-1/B-2 visa — and FIFA PASS is your fast track to an interview slot.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply for a FIFA Pass Visa Appointment?
To access FIFA PASS, you must meet two conditions:
- You purchased a FIFA World Cup 2026 match ticket directly from FIFA (resale or third-party tickets do not qualify).
- You hold a passport from a country that requires a US visa (i.e., not an ESTA-eligible nation).
Family Members
Spouses and minor children of ticket holders can also access FIFA PASS appointments — but only if they accompany the ticket holder to the same interview. Family members cannot book separate FIFA PASS slots independently.
How to Book Your FIFA Pass Visa Appointment
The FIFA Pass visa application process has three stages. Your name and passport number must match exactly across your passport, DS-160 form, and visa appointment profile — a mismatch will lock you out of priority scheduling.
Opt In via FIFA.com
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.
Complete Your US Visa Application
After opting in, complete the standard US visa process:
- Select your country of nationality or residence.
- Fill out the DS-160 online visa application form.
- Upload a qualifying passport-style photo.
- Pay the visa application fee (US$160 for a B-1/B-2 visa through 29 May 2026; rising to US$185 from 30 May 2026). Note that a separate US$250 Visa Integrity Fee applies at the time of visa issuance under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Schedule Your Priority Interview
Wait at least one hour after submitting the opt-in form, then schedule your interview. When asked if you are a FIFA ticket holder, answer “Yes.” If your information matches the opt-in form, you will unlock FIFA PASS appointment slots at your chosen embassy or consulate.
FIFA Pass Visa Appointment Tips by Country
Standard B-1/B-2 visa wait times vary wildly across embassies — FIFA PASS exists precisely to cut through these delays. Here’s a snapshot of where Wego’s core audience stands.
| Country | Embassy / Consulate | Typical B-1/B-2 Wait |
|---|---|---|
| India | New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata | 3–12+ months |
| UAE | Abu Dhabi, Dubai | 5–10 months |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran | Varies; check embassy |
| Pakistan | Islamabad | 6–12+ months |
| Bangladesh | Dhaka | 6–12+ months |
| Philippines | Manila | Varies; check embassy |
These are standard queue estimates — FIFA PASS holders skip ahead of them. Always confirm the latest wait times on the US State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times tool.
Key Tips for a Smooth Appointment
- Apply early. Even with FIFA PASS, you need time for visa processing and potential administrative delays.
- Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly across your FIFA opt-in, DS-160, and visa profile. Mismatches are the most common reason fans cannot access FIFA PASS slots.
- Bring all standard B-1/B-2 supporting documents to your interview: passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, photo, proof of ties to your home country, and financial evidence.
- FIFA PASS does not waive any visa requirements. You must still qualify for a US visa on your own merit.
What FIFA PASS Does Not Cover
FIFA PASS only applies to the US visa. If your World Cup 2026 travel itinerary includes matches in Canada or Mexico, you will need to arrange those visas or entry permits separately.
FIFA PASS also does not guarantee your visa will be approved. It is strictly a scheduling priority — you still need to pass the standard interview, security screening, and eligibility checks.
Visa Bond Waiver
The US has waived the visa bond for nationals of competing countries who purchased tickets by 15 April and opted into FIFA PASS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reschedule or cancel my FIFA Pass visa appointment?
Yes. You can reschedule or cancel your appointment through the same US visa scheduling portal you used to book it. However, rebooking a FIFA PASS slot depends on availability — slots are limited, so avoid canceling unless necessary.
Is there a separate biometrics appointment for FIFA PASS?
No. FIFA PASS does not create a separate biometrics step. Biometrics (fingerprinting) are collected during your standard visa interview at the US embassy or consulate — the same process as any B-1/B-2 applicant.
What if I sell my ticket after getting a FIFA PASS visa?
Your visa remains valid. The US visa is tied to you as a person, not to a specific match ticket. Selling your ticket does not invalidate any visa obtained through the FIFA PASS process.
I don’t have a match ticket. Can I still use FIFA PASS?
No. FIFA PASS is exclusively for fans who purchased tickets directly from FIFA. If you plan to attend without a ticket or bought from a reseller, you must apply for a US visa through the standard appointment queue.
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Sources
- FIFA Collect — FIFA Pass Frequently Asked Questions
- US Department of State — FIFA World Cup 26 Visas
- US Department of State — FIFA World Cup 26 Visas Pass FAQ
- FIFA — Travel, Visas, and FIFA PASS
- US State Department — Global Visa Wait Times
- Inside FIFA — FIFA PASS Application Process Now Open
- VisaGrader — Current US Visa Appointment Wait Times by Country 2026
- US Embassy Saudi Arabia — FIFA World Cup 2026
- US State Department — Fees for Visa Services
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
