ESTA vs. B1/B2 Visa: Understanding Your Entry Requirements for the 2026 World Cup

Planning to attend the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico? Your nationality will determine whether you need an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or a B1/B2 visitor visa to enter the U.S. Understanding these requirements and associated costs is key to a smooth travel experience. This analysis breaks down the differences between ESTA and the B1/B2 visa, focusing on the financial implications for fans attending the global tournament.

The Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

For citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the process is generally simpler and more affordable. ESTA is an online system that allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days. The application fee for an ESTA is $40 and covers two years of travel, allowing for multiple entries. This fee is paid online at the time of application and is non-refundable. While ESTA denials are rare, it’s important to apply well in advance of your travel dates.

The B1/B2 Visitor Visa

If your nationality does not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa. This visa allows for stays of up to 10 years, with each stay not exceeding six months. However, the cost for this visa has recently increased. As of October 2025, a new $250 Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee was added to the existing $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee. This brings the total cost for a B1/B2 visa to $435 if it is issued.

Understanding the B1/B2 Visa Fees

The B1/B2 visa fee structure involves two main components:

• MRV Application Fee: This is a non-refundable fee of $185, paid when you submit your DS-160 application. You pay this regardless of whether your visa is approved or denied.
• Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee: This is a new, non-refundable fee of $250. It is collected only when your visa is approved and issued. If your visa application is denied, you will not have to pay this $250 fee, but you will still lose the $185 application fee.

It is important to note that the $250 integrity fee is non-refundable even if you use the visa legally and depart the U.S. on time. This fee was enacted as part of a broader immigration reform bill aimed at funding border security operations.

Costs for Travel to Canada and Mexico

If your World Cup plans include attending matches in Canada and Mexico, you’ll need to consider their entry requirements and fees as well.

Canada Entry Fees

• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): For citizens of VWP countries traveling to Canada, an eTA is required. This costs CAD 16 (approximately $12 USD) and is valid for two years, allowing multiple entries.
• TRV (Temporary Resident Visa): Citizens of countries that require a visa for Canada will need to apply for a TRV. The processing fee is CAD 100 (about $75 USD), plus potential biometric fees. This fee is paid at the time of application and is non-refundable if denied.

Mexico Entry Fees

• FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple): For air travel to Mexico, a tourist card, known as the FMM, costs MXN 983 (about $57 USD). This fee is typically added to your airline ticket. Entry by land is free for stays of seven days or less.

Total Entry Cost Scenarios

The total cost for entry authorization can vary significantly based on your nationality and travel plans.

• Fan from the UK (VWP) attending only U.S. matches: You would need an ESTA, costing $40.
• Fan from Brazil (requires B1/B2 visa) attending only U.S. matches: You would need a B1/B2 visa, costing $435 ($185 application fee + $250 integrity fee).
• Fan from India (requires B1/B2 and Canada TRV) attending matches in the U.S. and Canada: This would cost approximately $435 for the U.S. B1/B2 visa plus about $75 for the Canada TRV, totaling around $510.
• Fan from Spain (VWP, eTA, FMM) attending matches in all three countries: This scenario would cost $40 for ESTA + $12 for Canada eTA + $57 for Mexico FMM, totaling $109.

These figures highlight the substantial difference in entry costs for fans depending on their visa requirements. Non-VWP fans should prepare for significantly higher expenses solely for entry authorizations, even before factoring in travel, accommodation, and match tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions