Priority Visa Appointments for 2026 World Cup Ticket Holders: Concerns Persist

Introduction of Fifa Pass

Ticket holders for the 2026 World Cup can now take advantage of priority visa appointments for travel to the United States. However, there remain uncertainties regarding the ability of fans from all qualifying nations to enter the country.

The Fifa Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, known as Fifa Pass, was officially launched on Tuesday, following its announcement by former US President Donald Trump in November.

Purpose of the Fifa Pass

The initiative was created in part to assist citizens from certain countries whose teams will be competing in the 2026 World Cup. Without this system, these fans might struggle to secure visa appointments in time for the event.

Despite this new procedure, the US State Department has made it clear that obtaining a Fifa Pass appointment does not guarantee that a visa will be granted. All ticket holders must undergo a comprehensive security review and vetting process.

Visa Waiver and Electronic Authorization

Most citizens from countries participating in the US visa waiver program, which includes much of Europe, the UK, Japan, Australia, and several others, are generally allowed to travel without a visa for up to 90 days. As a result, they will not need to utilize the Fifa Pass system. Instead, these travelers must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta).

Impact on Wait Times

A senior official from the State Department remarked that the Fifa Pass system is expected to significantly reduce waiting times. Individuals in more than 80% of countries can now schedule a visa appointment within 60 days.

The official emphasized, “During the visa appointment, applicants must demonstrate that they meet the visa requirements and intend to abide by our laws, leaving at the conclusion of the tournament. The safety of the United States and the security of our borders will always be our top priority.”