United States | FIFA World Cup 26 visa updates: New FIFA PASS FAQ page

The State Department released additional information on the previously announced FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), which gives those who purchase FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets directly from FIFA and who opt in to FIFA PASS the chance to interview for a U.S. visa before the tournament begins.

Key Points:

• The FAQ page includes step-by-step instructions for ticket holders to schedule a visa interview appointment before the tournament begins. However, the FAQ states, “Scheduling an interview appointment via FIFA PASS does not guarantee the visa will be issued. Like all visa applicants, ticket holders undergo thorough security screening and vetting, and they must demonstrate they qualify for a visa.”
• In addition to addressing procedural issues regarding ticket purchase and interview appointments, the FAQ provides the following guidance and clarification on certain immigration policies:
• • Nationals from the 39 countries identified in presidential proclamation 10998 are still subject to entry restrictions, absent individually qualifying for an exception. According to the FAQ, the exception for athletes and members of the athletic team “does not apply to fans or spectators, regardless of whether they are eligible for FIFA PASS. Applicants who are subject to presidential proclamation 10998 may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.”
  • Nationals from countries subject to a visa bond must still abide by the visa bond pilot program requirements. As per the FAQ, “Nationals of visa bond pilot program countries who are found otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa must post a bond when instructed to do so by the consular officer before the visa can be issued. This requirement applies regardless of place of application and regardless of an applicant’s FIFA PASS eligibility.”
  • The pause on issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of the 75 identified countries does not apply to tourists. The FAQ clarifies that “the pause announced on Jan. 14, 2026, applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only. It does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals.”
• The complete FAQ can be viewed here.

Additional Information: BAL previously noted that the State Department advises “all visitors traveling to the U.S. are required to be in possession of passports that are valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay in the United States, unless they are a citizen of an exempt country” and that Canadian and Bermudan passport holders do not require any additional authorization for U.S. entry as tourists.

Foreign visitors from any of the 42 countries who participate in the Visa Waiver Program can apply using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Visitors from all other countries are required to have a valid B-1/B-2 visitor visa.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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