UAE nationals travelling to Mexico for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will now be able to use electronic gates at selected airports, allowing them to complete arrival procedures more quickly and with reduced waiting times, according to an announcement from the UAE embassy in Mexico.
The facility, which comes into effect from June 11, 2026, is designed to streamline entry for Emirati passport holders arriving in the World Cup host nation. Under the new arrangement, travellers will be issued a QR-coded ticket linked to the Multiple Digital Migration Form (FMMD), which must be retained throughout their stay as proof of legal entry.
The embassy said the move reflects strengthening bilateral ties between the United Arab Emirates and Mexico, while also supporting the expected surge in travel linked to the global football tournament, which is being jointly hosted across North America.
With Mexico scheduled to stage 13 World Cup matches, a significant number of UAE citizens are expected to travel for the event, prompting efforts to ease border processing at key airports.
However, authorities clarified that the electronic gate system will not apply to all categories of travellers. It excludes temporary and permanent residents of Mexico, as well as holders of diplomatic, special, and mission passports. The facility is available only to UAE nationals holding ordinary passports.
Eligible travellers must also meet certain conditions, including being 18 years of age or older. Officials advised passengers to ensure that the QR-linked FMMD form remains accessible throughout their stay, as it may be required for verification purposes.
The UAE embassy encouraged travellers to consult official guidance before departure, referring them to the Travel Requirements section available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and its mobile application for updated information.
The introduction of the system is expected to ease congestion at arrival points during the high-traffic tournament period, when Mexico is likely to experience a sharp increase in international visitors.
Preparations for the World Cup have already begun to shape travel patterns, with many UAE nationals finalising plans to attend matches and related events across host cities.
The announcement adds to a broader set of travel facilitation measures being introduced in connection with the tournament, as host countries prepare for one of the largest global sporting events, drawing millions of fans from around the world.
As excitement builds ahead of kickoff, the new entry arrangements are expected to make travel more convenient for Emirati supporters heading to Mexico, while reinforcing cooperation between the two nations in managing large-scale international tourism flows.
