Archive · 24 Jun 2025
Indian Fans Face Long US Visa Waits for FIFA World Cup 2026
If you're an Indian fan hoping to see the FIFA World Cup in the US in 2026, there's a problem: getting a visa takes a long time.
You need a B1/B2 visa to visit the US, but the wait can be up to 14 months depending on where you live in India.
Chennai has the longest wait, while Kolkata has the shortest.
This means some fans might not get their visas in time for the tournament.
To avoid this, some people are looking at getting visas from other countries that have shorter wait times, so they can go to the World Cup.
Indian fans face long wait times for US visas, potentially missing the FIFA World Cup 2026.
B1/B2 visitor visa wait times in India range from 6 to 14 months, varying by city.
Chennai has the longest wait time at 14 months, while Kolkata offers the shortest at 6 months.
Some fans consider applying from nearby countries like Colombo (no wait) and Bangkok (~1 month).
The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins June 11 and the final will be on July 19, in US stadiums.
- Who
- Indian football fans and the US State Department.
- What
- Indian fans face long wait times for US visas, potentially preventing them from attending the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- When
- The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts June 11, 2026.
- Where
- The United States and several cities in India.
- Why
- Due to lengthy visa processing times for the B1/B2 visitor visa.
- Event
- FIFA World Cup 2026
- Visa Type
- B1/B2 visitor visa
- Chennai Wait Time
- 14 months
- Kolkata Wait Time
- 6 months
- Colombo Wait Time
- No wait
- Bangkok Wait Time
- ~1 month
- US Visa Fee
- USD 185