FIFA PASS: Your Guide to U.S. Visa Appointments for the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to bring millions of visitors to the United States, creating a significant demand for travel documents. For fans who have secured tickets directly from FIFA, the U.S. government has introduced a program called FIFA PASS. This system is designed to help ticket holders navigate the U.S. visa application process more efficiently, particularly by offering priority access to interview appointments. Understanding how FIFA PASS works is key for any international fan planning to attend the tournament.

What is FIFA PASS?

FIFA PASS, officially known as the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, is a special program created by the U.S. Department of State. Its main purpose is to connect verified FIFA World Cup ticket holders with priority slots for their B1/B2 visitor visa interviews. This system aims to address potential visa interview backlogs that could arise due to the large influx of expected visitors for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The program is voluntary and free to join for eligible ticket holders.

It is important to understand that FIFA PASS is a scheduling tool, not a visa category itself. It routes applicants to earlier interview times but does not alter the standard visa application requirements. Applicants still need to complete the DS-160 form, pay the required fees, and undergo the same security screening and interview process as any other visitor. The system’s goal is to expedite the appointment process for genuine fans, not to lower the standards for visa approval.

Who Should Use FIFA PASS?

FIFA PASS is specifically designed for fans who need a B1/B2 visitor visa to enter the United States and do not already possess a valid visa that covers their travel dates. There are several groups of travelers who will not need to use this system. If you already have a valid U.S. visa, you can simply use that for your travel. Citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries can apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is a simpler and less expensive process than a full visa application. Additionally, citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not require advance authorization to enter the U.S.

Therefore, FIFA PASS is most relevant for fans from countries that require a visa for entry and who do not currently hold one. This program offers a way for these fans to potentially secure their interview appointments more quickly, given the expected high demand.

How to Opt Into FIFA PASS

The process for opting into FIFA PASS involves several steps that link your FIFA ticket information to your visa application. It is crucial to follow the sequence correctly to ensure your priority status is maintained.

Stage 1: Submit the Opt-In Form

The first step is to log into your FIFA.com account. Within your account, you will find the FIFA PASS opt-in form. You must complete this form, ensuring it is accurately tied to the World Cup ticket you purchased. This action signals your intent to use the priority scheduling system.

Stage 2: Complete the DS-160 and Pay Fees

After opting in through your FIFA account, you must proceed with the standard U.S. visa application by completing the online DS-160 form. During this stage, you will need to upload a compliant photograph and pay the $185 visa application fee. It is critical that the name and passport number you use on the DS-160 form are identical to those associated with your FIFA ticket and opt-in submission. Any discrepancies can lead to the loss of your priority flag.

Stage 3: Schedule Your Interview

The final step is to schedule your visa interview through your country’s designated U.S. embassy or consulate appointment system. When prompted during the scheduling process, you must answer “Yes” to the question asking if you are a FIFA World Cup ticket holder. This confirmation, along with the prior steps, officially places you in the FIFA PASS queue for a priority appointment.

The Visa Bond Waiver: A Significant Financial Perk

One of the most substantial benefits associated with FIFA PASS is the potential for a visa bond waiver. For citizens of certain countries identified as having a high risk of overstaying their visas, the U.S. government has historically required a refundable bond, which can be as high as $15,000. This bond requirement can be a significant financial barrier for many fans.

However, for the 2026 World Cup, five specific countries whose national teams qualified for the tournament were identified as eligible for this bond waiver: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia. To qualify for this waiver, fans from these countries needed to purchase a World Cup ticket and opt into FIFA PASS by April 15, 2026. Even with the waiver, these fans must still meet all other requirements for a visitor visa. Missing the deadline or failing to meet other visa criteria means the bond requirement could still apply.

What FIFA PASS Does Not Do

While FIFA PASS offers a valuable advantage in securing interview appointments, it is essential to understand its limitations. The program does not guarantee visa approval. Every applicant, regardless of using FIFA PASS, must still pass the standard security screening and vetting process. A consular officer will assess each application based on established criteria, including demonstrating strong ties to their home country, which indicate an intention to return after the tournament. Therefore, a visa can still be refused if the applicant does not meet these requirements.

Furthermore, FIFA PASS does not waive any of the associated fees. Applicants are still responsible for the $185 MRV application fee. Additionally, a $250 Visa Integrity Fee is typically applied upon visa issuance for most nonimmigrant visas, bringing the realistic total cost to around $435. It is also important to note that a U.S. visa obtained through this process does not grant entry into Canada or Mexico, which are also hosting World Cup matches and have their own separate entry regulations.

Family Members and Accompanying Relatives

The FIFA PASS priority scheduling can extend to close family members, such as spouses and minor children, but with a specific condition. These family members can only receive priority appointments if they attend the same interview as the primary ticket holder. They cannot book separate FIFA PASS slots on their own. This means that families traveling together must coordinate their applications and interview schedules carefully. It is advisable to plan to interview as a group and ensure that each family member’s DS-160 application clearly reflects the shared travel plans and connection to the ticket holder. Bringing the ticket holder’s purchase confirmation to the interview will also be important.

Next Steps for World Cup Fans

If you have purchased a ticket directly from FIFA and require a U.S. visa for the 2026 World Cup, it is advisable to opt into FIFA PASS as soon as possible. Following this, you should begin the DS-160 application process within the same week. With the tournament’s opening date approaching, the value of a priority appointment increases as wait times in some regions, like India where waits can reach 14 months, are already substantial.

Crucially, you must prepare for your visa interview as if the FIFA PASS priority had no bearing on the outcome. This means gathering all necessary documents, including your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipts, your match ticket, proof of sufficient funds for your trip, and evidence of strong ties to your home country. While the priority lane helps you secure the appointment, thorough preparation is what ultimately helps you obtain the visa.

Frequently Asked Questions