Will World Cup Ticket Holders Get Priority for US Visa Appointments?

The announcement from President Donald Trump regarding a prioritisation system for visa appointments at US embassies aims to assist foreign nationals planning to attend the 2026 World Cup. As part of the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (PASS), ticket holders can secure interviews for US tourist visas within six to eight weeks, a significant improvement over current wait times that can exceed a year for some applicants. However, it is essential to note that holding a ticket does not guarantee visa approval, as standard vetting procedures will still apply.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently outlined the new immigration policy aimed at facilitating entry for football fans attending the 2026 World Cup. This initiative is particularly important given the lengthy visa appointment wait times that many prospective visitors currently face. With the tournament set to take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico from June to July 2026, the US government is taking steps to ensure that ticket holders can attend without being hindered by bureaucratic delays.

Key takeaways

World Cup ticket holders can receive expedited visa appointment scheduling.
The FIFA PASS allows interviews within six to eight weeks.
Holding a ticket does not guarantee a visa; standard vetting applies.
Current visa wait times for some countries exceed nine months.
Citizens from visa waiver countries can travel to the US without a visa.

Timeline: how we got here

The announcement comes as part of ongoing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be the first to feature an expanded format with 48 teams. Here’s a brief timeline of significant developments:

June 2018: FIFA announces the United bid from the US, Canada, and Mexico to host the 2026 World Cup.
March 2023: Preparations ramp up as the host cities are finalised and logistics are discussed.
October 2023: President Trump announces the FIFA PASS system to expedite visa processes for ticket holders.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The new FIFA PASS system was introduced to allow specific prioritisation for World Cup ticket holders when applying for US visas. This aims to alleviate the long wait times faced by fans from countries with high demand for visas.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, many prospective visitors faced significant delays in obtaining US visas, with wait times ranging from nine to fourteen months in various regions. The general visa application process remained unchanged, with standard vetting protocols still in place.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK citizens, the FIFA PASS system presents a unique opportunity, as the UK is part of the US visa waiver programme. This means that most UK travellers can enter the US for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. However, for those planning to attend the World Cup, ensuring they have valid tickets and understanding the new appointment system will be crucial for a successful trip.

Businesses and jobs

The tourism sector in the US could see a significant boost from the influx of international visitors during the World Cup. This is expected to generate revenue for local businesses, hotels, and service providers, which could lead to job creation in the hospitality and service sectors. However, businesses must also ensure they can accommodate the expected increase in demand.

Policy and regulation

The announcement has prompted discussions on immigration policy and the effectiveness of the current visa application process. The US government may face pressure to further streamline procedures not only for World Cup visitors but for all travellers in the long term. Ongoing evaluations of the visa system may lead to additional reforms in the future.

Numbers that matter

Up to 10 million visitors are expected to come to the US for the World Cup.
Visa appointment wait times currently stand at approximately 11 months in Colombia and up to 14 months for non-Canadian citizens in Toronto.
Most UK citizens can travel to the US visa-free for up to 90 days under the waiver programme.
The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, a first in history.
Ticket holders will receive prioritised interview slots within 6-8 weeks of application submission.

Definitions and jargon buster

FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body for football.
PASS: Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, a new system to expedite visa appointments for World Cup ticket holders.
Visa Waiver Programme: A US government programme allowing citizens of certain countries to travel to the US without a visa for short stays.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Ticket holders should begin preparing their visa applications immediately. It's advisable to gather all necessary documentation, including proof of ticket purchase and financial stability.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the World Cup approaches, ticket holders may need to remain vigilant regarding any updates to visa processing times or changes in regulations. Keeping abreast of communications from US embassies will be essential.

Signals to watch

Updates on visa processing times from the US State Department.
Changes in travel regulations or visa requirements.
Announcements from FIFA regarding event logistics and ticketing.

Practical guidance

Do

Start your visa application as soon as possible if you plan to attend the World Cup.
Ensure you have all required documentation ready for submission.
Stay informed about updates from both FIFA and the US government regarding travel and visa policies.

Don’t

Don’t assume that holding a World Cup ticket guarantees you a visa.
Don’t delay in applying for your visa if you are from a country with long wait times.
Don’t overlook the importance of thorough vetting procedures during the application process.

Checklist

Confirm your World Cup ticket purchase.
Gather required documents: passport, proof of funds, ticket confirmation.
Apply for your visa as early as possible.
Check the latest visa processing times specific to your country.
Monitor communications from the US embassy regarding any changes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the FIFA PASS system offers a more efficient pathway for World Cup ticket holders, uncertainties remain regarding the actual processing times and the potential for changes in immigration policy as the event approaches. The situation could change based on global events, shifts in public policy, or unforeseen circumstances affecting travel and immigration.

Bottom line

The introduction of the FIFA PASS system is a significant development for international football fans looking to attend the 2026 World Cup in North America. While expedited visa appointments provide a promising solution to lengthy wait times, ticket holders must remain aware of the application process and understand that a ticket does not guarantee entry into the US. Preparation and vigilance will be essential for a successful trip.

FAQs

How does the FIFA PASS system work for World Cup ticket holders?

The FIFA PASS system allows ticket holders to secure prioritised visa appointment scheduling, enabling them to receive an interview within six to eight weeks of applying for a tourist visa.

Will having a World Cup ticket guarantee me a visa?

No, while the FIFA PASS system facilitates quicker appointments, having a ticket does not guarantee visa approval, as all applicants will undergo standard vetting procedures.

What are the current visa wait times for different countries?

Current visa wait times vary significantly; for example, applicants in Colombia may wait around 11 months, while non-Canadian residents in Toronto could face up to 14 months.