US Visitor Visa Rules for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: What Fans Should Know

The 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives amid rapidly evolving US immigration and security policies driven by a series of executive actions, expanded travel bans and tightening visa rules. While many of these restrictions primarily affect immigrant visas or long‑term entry, some directly impact short‑term visitors, including potential World Cup attendees, particularly those from countries subject to bans or partial suspensions.

ESTA/Visa Waiver: Valid for World Cup Attendance

Travelers from certain countries may not require a visa to attend the matches this summer, as the visa waiver program permits entry for up to 90 days for tourism purposes using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).  Country eligibility changes over time, and travelers should consult the current list of participating countries on the State Department’s travel website.

B1/B2 Visitor Visa Appointment Scheduling: Time is of the Essence

Many intending travelers must account for updated rules and possible restrictions, but one important element of visa applications remains unchanged: scheduling appointments for B1/B2 visa applications. Depending on the consular post, appointment wait times can range from just a few days to more than a year.  Applicants may also face additional processing, which can further delay visa issuance.

FIFA PASS: What It Does (and Does Not) Change

Fortunately, the US Department of State recently introduced FIFA PASS, a priority-scheduling tool for individuals who purchased World Cup tickets directly through the FIFA ticketing website.  The program is designed to provide B1/B2 visa appointments to ticket holders, though it is too early to know how much of an advantage will be gained through the tool.

While FIFA PASS may improve access to appointment calendars, it does not change visa eligibility requirements or exempt applicants from travel restrictions, fees or processing suspensions. Individuals who purchased tickets through third-party sellers individual or non-FIFA platforms may not qualify to use FIFA PASS, as applicants must opt in through the official FIFA ticketing system.

Bottom line: attendees who require a B1/B2 visa should begin the application process as early as possible to improve their chances of receiving a visa in time for the tournament.

Travel Bans and Visa Impact: Who May Be Unable to Attend the World Cup

On January 1, 2026, the US expanded its visa restrictions from 19 to 39 countries.  Currently, these 39 countries are subject to varying degrees of visa suspension, including full visa restrictions in 19 countries, and partial restrictions in another 20.  Nearly all affected countries have suspended issuance of B1/B2 visitor visas, which most individuals will need to attend World Cup matches in the United States.

Full Visa Suspension: Countries Barred From Entry

The following countries are subject to full visa suspension:

• • • Afghanistan
    • Burkina Faso
    •  Burma
    • Chad
    • Republic of the Congo
    • Equatorial Guinea
    • Eritrea
    • Haiti
    • Iran
    • Laos
    • Libya
    • Mali
    • Niger
    • Sierra Leone
    • Somalia
    • South Sudan
    • Sudan
    • Syria
    •  Yemen

The suspension also applies to individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.

Citizens of these countries cannot obtain B1/B2 visitor visas and are barred from entering unless they hold dual nationality with a country not included in the travel bans.

Partial Visa Suspension: No B1/B2 Visitor Visas Issued

Citizens of 19 additional countries face a partial travel ban that prohibits issuance of B1/B2 visitor visas. These countries include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Individuals from these countries cannot obtain a visitor visa unless they hold citizenship from another country not subject to visa restrictions.

World Cup–Qualified Countries Affected by Visa Restrictions

• • • Haiti
    • Iran
    • Senegal
    • Ivory Coast

The US State Department has extended an exemption from the travel restrictions to officials, teams and support staff for the national football teams from these nations, but it has not granted an exemption to fans or other visitors from those countries.

Visa Bonds: A New Financial Requirement for Some Visitors
 

The US Department of State has expanded its Visa Bond Pilot Program, imposing new financial obligations on certain visa applicants, many from countries whose fans are likely to travel for the 2026 World Cup.

Under the program, consular officers may require certain B1/B2 applicants to post a refundable bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance.  The bond encourages travelers to comply with visa restrictions and depart the US before the expiration of their admission.  Travelers who comply with their visa terms and depart the US on time will receive a refund of the full bond amount.

The countries subject to the expanded visa bond program can be found on the US State Department website.

Applicants do not need to take any steps prior to their visa appointments.  Once the consular officer determines that the visa can be issued, they will provide instructions for making the bond payment online. Applicants can make the bond payment themselves, or have other parties, such as family, friends or employers, pay on their behalf using their identifying details.

Need to know more?

Fragomen is tracking the rapidly evolving visa landscape and can assist individuals in obtaining the necessary travel documents, whether through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or visitor visas.

For questions related to the FIFA World Cup 2026, please contact [email protected].

This blog was published on February 3, 2026, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.