U.S. Visa & Entry Guide for 2026 World Cup Fans
Complete immigration information for international visitors attending FIFA World Cup 2026
Do You Need a Visa?
Your entry requirements depend on your country of citizenship. Review the options below to determine which applies to you.
ESTA (No Visa Required)
For Visa Waiver Program countries:
- UK, EU nations, Japan, Australia, South Korea
- Apply online at ESTA portal
- Valid for 90 days
- $21 application fee
- Approval typically within 72 hours
B-2 Tourist Visa (Required)
For most other countries:
- Colombia, Brazil, India, Nigeria, Turkey
- Complete DS-160 application form
- Schedule embassy interview
- $185 application fee
- Processing: 30-700 days (country dependent)
No Documentation Needed
Canadian & Bermudian citizens:
- Canadian passport holders
- Bermudian passport holders
- No visa or ESTA required
- Present valid passport at port of entry
- Simplest entry process
Check Your Specific Requirements
Visit official U.S. government resources to verify your eligibility:
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Determine Your Visa Type
Check if you need ESTA or B-2 visa. Visit USA.gov tourist visa page for guidance.
Complete Online Application
ESTA: esta.cbp.dhs.gov
B-2 Visa: DS-160 Form
Pay Application Fee
$21 for ESTA | $185 for B-2 Visa. Keep payment receipt for your records.
Schedule Interview (B-2 Only)
Book appointment at nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Apply immediately due to long wait times.
Gather Required Documents
Passport (6+ months validity), photos, financial documents, travel itinerary, proof of ties to home country.
Attend Interview & Biometrics
Bring all documents organized. Answer questions honestly and confidently about your trip.
Wait for Processing
ESTA: 72 hours typical | B-2: Weeks to months after interview. Track status online.
Current Visa Processing Times
Approximate wait times for visa interview appointments (October 2024). Times vary by embassy location.
| Country/Region | Wait Time | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Colombia | 670-700 days | Critical |
| Turkey | 560 days | Critical |
| Mexico | 400-458 days | Critical |
| India | 300-404 days | Critical |
| Ecuador, Morocco, Honduras | 200-300 days | Urgent |
| Nigeria | 300+ days | Critical |
| Brazil, Argentina | 30-50 days | Good |
| Egypt, Saudi Arabia | 40-50 days | Good |
| VWP Countries (ESTA) | 72 hours | Excellent |
Important Notice
The U.S. State Department recommends all international fans apply for visas immediately. Do not wait for ticket sales or team qualifications. Unlike previous World Cups, there is currently no fast-track process for World Cup ticket holders.
Required Documents
Essential Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Completed DS-160 or ESTA application
- Passport-style photo (2×2 inches)
- Application fee payment receipt
- Interview confirmation (B-2 only)
Supporting Documents
- Proof of employment or enrollment
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
- Property ownership documents
- Family ties documentation
- Previous U.S. travel history
World Cup Specific
- Match tickets (if available)
- Hotel reservations
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Return flight confirmation
- Letter explaining visit purpose
Pro Tips
- Organize in clear folder
- Bring originals and copies
- Keep digital backups
- Translate non-English docs
- Prepare to explain your trip
What to Expect at U.S. Customs
At the Airport
- Present passport and visa/ESTA
- Answer CBP officer questions honestly
- Provide fingerprints and photo
- Declare all items on customs form
- Receive Form I-94 (arrival record)
Common Questions
- “What is the purpose of your visit?”
- “How long will you stay?”
- “Where are you staying?”
- “What do you do for work?”
- “Do you have return tickets?”
Mobile Passport Control: U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors can use the Mobile Passport Control app. International visitors should check CBP’s website for current entry procedures.
Essential Travel Tips
Before Travel
- Apply 6-12 months in advance
- Make digital copies of documents
- Register with your embassy
- Get travel insurance
- Download offline maps
Emergency Contacts
- Embassy/consulate number
- CBP: 1-877-227-5511
- U.S. emergencies: 911
- Share itinerary with family
- Register for STEP program
Financial Prep
- Notify bank of travel
- Carry cash and cards
- Budget all expenses
- Use official exchange locations
- Keep ATM receipts
Accommodation
- Book hotels early
- Use FIFA partners
- Research local transport
- Download ride-share apps
- Plan for match day traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I apply before buying tickets?
Yes, absolutely. Do not wait for tickets or team qualifications. Visa processing takes 300-700 days in many countries. Start immediately. You can apply for a B-2 tourist visa without tickets.
Can my visa be denied even with tickets?
Yes. Tickets don’t guarantee approval. Officers evaluate your home country ties, financial stability, and overall eligibility. There is no special “fan visa” or fast-track process.
How long can I stay?
ESTA: Up to 90 days, no extensions. B-2 Visa: Typically up to 6 months, but the CBP officer determines actual length shown on Form I-94.
What about Canada or Mexico matches?
You need separate visas for each country. A U.S. visa does not grant entry to Canada or Mexico. Check requirements for each country separately.
Can I work during the World Cup?
No. Tourist visas (B-2) and ESTA prohibit employment. FIFA staff, media, or team personnel need different visa categories.
What if my visa is denied?
You can reapply after addressing denial reasons. Review USA.gov visa information. Consider consulting an immigration attorney.
Official Resources
Always use official government websites for accurate information
U.S. State Department
Official FIFA World Cup 26 visa information
USA.gov
Nonimmigrant visas overview
USA.gov Tourist Visa
Complete application guide
ESTA Application
Visa Waiver Program portal
Visitor Visa Details
B-1/B-2 visa information
U.S. Customs & Border Protection
Entry requirements and procedures
Check Visa Status
Track your application
Visa Wait Times
Current processing times by country
U.S. Host Cities
Matches will be played across 11 U.S. cities, including the final on July 19, 2026
New York/New Jersey
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Including the Final
Miami
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Philadelphia
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Dallas
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Houston
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
San Francisco Bay Area
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Seattle
Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
Boston
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Ready to Experience the 2026 World Cup?
Join thousands of fans preparing for the biggest World Cup in history
Time is Running Out
If you’re from Colombia, Turkey, India, Nigeria, Mexico, Ecuador, Morocco, or any country with long visa wait times, you must apply immediately. The tournament starts June 11, 2026. With wait times of 300-700 days, delays could mean missing the World Cup entirely.
Don’t let visa processing keep you from the greatest sporting event in history.