The United States has opened a priority visa appointment system for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders, aiming to ease travel arrangements ahead of the tournament co-hosted with Canada and Mexico.
The new scheme, known as the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA Pass), went live on Tuesday.
It was first announced in November by US President Donald Trump amid concerns that fans from some qualified countries could face long visa delays.
Under the system, World Cup ticket holders can request expedited visa interview appointments at US embassies and consulates.
US officials say the initiative is designed to reduce waiting times, particularly for applicants from countries where visa backlogs are common.
A senior State Department official said applicants in “over 80%” of countries can now book appointments in “less than 60 days”.
However, the department stressed that the system only accelerates scheduling and does not guarantee visa approval.
“At the visa appointment, the applicant must show they qualify for the visa and plan to follow our laws and leave at the end of the tournament,” the official said. “America’s safety and the security of our borders will always come first.”
The State Department made clear that all applicants must still undergo full security screening and vetting. A FIFA Pass appointment “does not allow people who are otherwise not eligible” to receive a visa.
Fans from countries covered by the US Visa Waiver Programme – including the UK, most of Europe, Japan and Australia, do not need a visa and can instead apply for an ESTA travel authorisation.
Uncertainty remains for supporters from several qualified nations. The US recently announced an indefinite pause on processing immigrant visas from 75 countries, 15 of which have already qualified for the World Cup, including Brazil, Ghana, Senegal and Morocco.
The State Department clarified that the pause applies only to immigrant visas and not to non-immigrant categories such as tourist visas.
However, some countries, including Haiti and Iran, are subject to full travel restrictions, while others face partial limits.
While exemptions apply to players, coaches and team officials, the department confirmed these exceptions “do not apply to fans or spectators”.
The 2026 World Cup will run from 11 June to 19 July, with the US hosting 78 of the 104 matches, including the final in New Jersey.
