Washington: The United States has unveiled a new fast-track visa initiative to accommodate the millions of global football fans expected for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Describing the event as the "largest and greatest" in history, the Trump Administration announced the launch of the FIFA Priority Appointment Schedule System (FIFA PASS) to streamline entry for international visitors.
Launched on January 20, the programme is designed specifically for confirmed World Cup ticket holders. According to a senior State Department official, the system allows these applicants to access prioritised visa interview appointments, ensuring they can secure travel documents well in advance of the tournament.
While the initiative aims to expedite processing, officials emphasised that US immigration laws will not be relaxed. Applicants are still required to prove their eligibility and intent to depart the country following the event. "America’s safety and the security of our borders will always come first," the official stated, noting that the programme balances efficiency with strict border enforcement.
To manage the anticipated surge, the State Department is deploying over 500 additional consular staff to process World Cup visa applications. This expansion comes alongside a broader reduction in wait times; in over 80 per cent of countries, the wait for a visitor visa interview is now under 60 days.
Prospective travellers have been urged to apply as early as possible through the dedicated portal on the official State Department website.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 11, will be the first to be jointly hosted by three nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Featuring an expanded 48-team format, the tournament will see 11 US cities host 78 matches, including the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
(Inputs from IANS)