FIFA Pass Launched: Get Your World Cup 2026 Visa Faster

Synopsis Football fans heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States can now benefit from a new visa program. FIFA Pass offers priority interview appointments for confirmed ticket holders. This initiative aims to ease travel for millions of international visitors. The program helps fans secure visas faster for the tournament. Listen to this article in summarized format The United States has begun rolling out a new visa initiative called FIFA Pass to help international football fans travel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The programme is aimed at fast-tracking visa interview appointments for confirmed ticket holders, as the country prepares to host millions of visitors for the tournament starting in June. The US Department of State said the system is meant to reduce long waiting times for non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2 visitor visas. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will feature 48 teams and 78 matches across 16 host cities. The United States will host matches in 11 cities, with the final scheduled at the MetLife Stadium. How FIFA Pass works According to Inside FIFA, FIFA Pass gives confirmed World Cup ticket holders access to prioritised visa interview appointments at US embassies and consulates worldwide. The system went live on January 20 and participation is voluntary. It is introduced for applicants in countries where regular visa interview wait times can extend for several months. Ticket holders will receive instructions from FIFA on how to enrol in the programme. The priority slots are intended to help fans secure interview appointments before the tournament begins on June 11. Visa approval not guaranteed US officials have said that FIFA Pass only speeds up interview scheduling and does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants must meet standard eligibility rules, attend interviews, complete background checks and show that they plan to follow U.S. laws and return home after their visit. The State Department said the programme does not change immigration standards or security procedures. Visa officers will continue to apply the same vetting process to all applicants. Who needs a visa Travel requirements depend on nationality. Citizens of countries covered under the US Visa Waiver Programme can travel using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and do not need a visa. Fans from other countries must apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa and may benefit from FIFA Pass priority appointments. The State Department also said that current adjustments to immigrant visa policies for certain nationalities do not affect short-term visitor visas used by World Cup fans. To handle higher demand, the State Department has deployed additional consular staff. As reported by Inside FIFA, more than 400 to 500 extra officers have been assigned to key embassies and consulates worldwide to support the new system and reduce overall wait times. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. ...more