Archive · 17 Jan 2026
FIFA World Cup Exemption: 15 Countries Get Visa Relief
The U.S. government has said that 15 countries will not have to follow the new rules that make it harder to get immigrant visas.
This is because of the FIFA World Cup.
The rules don't apply to people who are going to the World Cup as tourists, athletes, their families, or media professionals.
The State Department explained that the new rules are only for immigrant visas, not for other types of visas like those for tourists and athletes.
15 countries get relief from Trump's immigrant visa pause for the FIFA World Cup.
The freeze does not apply to tourists, athletes, their families, or media professionals.
The exemption is specifically for immigrant visas, not nonimmigrant visas.
The State Department clarified the exemption to ensure World Cup participation.
The exemption aims to facilitate the smooth conduct of the World Cup.
- Who
- 15 countries and FIFA World Cup participants
- What
- Exemption from Trump's immigrant visa pause
- When
- During the FIFA World Cup
- Where
- Worldwide, with focus on World Cup destinations
- Why
- To allow participation in the World Cup without immigrant visa restrictions
- Affected Countries
- 15
- Visa Type
- Immigrant visas
- Exemptions
- Tourists, athletes, families, media professionals
- Event
- FIFA World Cup
- Source
- State Department