Archive · 21 Jan 2026
US Launches FIFA PASS for 2026 World Cup Visa Fast-Track
The US has started a special program called FIFA PASS to help football fans who have tickets for the 2026 World Cup get visas faster.
This program lets ticket holders schedule priority visa interviews, which means they can get their visas quicker.
The US government says this will help fans from many countries get their visas in less than 60 days.
However, having a priority interview does not guarantee visa approval.
Fans still need to go through security checks and prove they qualify for the visa.
Countries that are part of the US Visa Waiver Program, like many European countries, the UK, Japan, and Australia, do not need to use FIFA PASS because their citizens can travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days.
The US is also pausing the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries, but this does not affect non-immigrant visas for World Cup fans.
The US launched the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) on January 20 to fast-track visas for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders.
FIFA PASS allows confirmed ticket holders to access priority visa interview slots, reducing waiting times for non-immigrant visas like B1/B2 visitor visas.
Priority scheduling does not guarantee visa approval; applicants must still undergo security screening and prove they qualify for the visa.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can travel visa-free for up to 90 days with an ESTA and do not need to use FIFA PASS.
The US is suspending immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, but this does not affect non-immigrant visas for World Cup fans.
- Who
- Confirmed 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders requiring US visas
- What
- Launch of the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) for priority visa interview slots
- When
- Program launched on January 20
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To ease travel for international football fans and reduce long waiting times for non-immigrant visas
- Program Name
- FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS)
- Launch Date
- January 20
- Target Group
- Confirmed 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders requiring US visas
- Visa Types
- Non-immigrant visas such as B1/B2 visitor visas
- Processing Time
- Less than 60 days for 80% of countries
- Visa Waiver Program
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (e.g., Europe, UK, Japan, Australia) can travel visa-free for up to 90 days with ESTA
- Immigrant Visa Suspension
- Suspension of immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, effective January 21, does not affect non-immigrant visas
- Qualified Nations Affected
- Algeria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, Uzbekistan
- Nations in Qualification Contention
- Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, Kosovo, North Macedonia
