1. Fifa Pass: Priority Visa Program
Official Name: Fifa Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Fifa Pass).
Purpose: To give confirmed World Cup ticket holders priority access to visa interview slots, reducing wait times for non-immigrant visas (e.g., B1/B2 visitor visas).
Launch: Announced in November by President Trump; went live Tuesday.
Scope: Mainly targets countries where visa appointment backlogs could prevent fans from attending.
Important: Priority scheduling does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants still undergo full security screening and vetting.
State Department statement highlights:
Applicants in 80% of countries can now secure interviews in less than 60 days.
At the appointment, applicants must prove eligibility and intent to follow US laws.
2. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Countries
Fans from VWP countries (e.g., UK, Japan, Australia, much of Europe) do not need Fifa Pass.
They can travel visa-free for up to 90 days but must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
3. Immigrant Visa Suspension
Effective Date: January 21.
Scope: Suspension applies only to immigrant visas from 75 countries.
Impact: Non-immigrant visas (tourists, athletes, media, family members) are not affected.
Implication: Fans from affected countries can still apply for visitor visas to attend the World Cup.
4. Countries Affected
Qualified for 2026 World Cup (and on the 75-country immigrant visa pause list):
Algeria, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Uruguay, Uzbekistan
Still in qualification contention:
Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, DR Congo, Iraq, Jamaica, Kosovo, North Macedonia
5. Key Takeaways
The Fifa Pass eases logistical hurdles for international fans but does not compromise security.
Non-immigrant travel for the World Cup is safe even for countries affected by the immigrant visa pause.
Fans from VWP countries have a simpler, faster process via ESTA.
Family Dramas Dominate Sankranthi Box Office
There is no doubt that seasoned star Venkatesh scored a massive Sankranthi 2025 hit with Sankranthiki Vasthunam. However, few anticipated that a similar family drama-driven template would continue to dominate the following Sankranthi season as well.
In Sankranthiki Vasthunam, Venkatesh played a dutiful husband leading a seemingly happy married life with his wife, portrayed by Aishwarya Rajesh. The narrative takes an engaging turn when his ex-girlfriend, played by Meenakshi Chaudhary, re-enters his life, creating chaos. The entire conflict is narrated in a light-hearted and humorous tone, which strongly connected with family audiences.
This Sankranthi, Megastar Chiranjeevi also appeared in a similar avatar, portraying a soft-spoken husband who silently endures a few insults from his strong-willed wife, played by Nayanthara. The film revolves around an estranged couple attempting to mend their relationship, with their children adding emotional depth to the story. Chiranjeevi’s character even sidelines his National Security Guard duties in an effort to reconcile with his wife, and the film went on to emerge as a blockbuster.
Similarly, Ravi Teja, who has been going through a rough phase at the box office, played a responsible husband in Bharta Mahasayulaku Vignapthi. The film begins with a stable married life alongside Dimple Hayathi, before his character gets involved in an extramarital affair with Ashika Ranganath, leading to predictable conflicts and resolutions.
Meanwhile, Sharwanand’s Naari Naari Naduma Murari places the actor between his present lover (Sakshi Vaidya) and his ex-girlfriend (Samyuktha Menon). He is portrayed as a humble and accommodating man trying to justify his dual choices, with the narrative again relying heavily on humour.
Responding to the similarities between these films and Sankranthiki Vasthunam, producer D Suresh Babu said, “I do agree that a few films were inspired by Sankranthiki Vasthunam, but there is nothing wrong with it. When a film becomes a massive success, it is natural for others to attempt similar themes because audiences have liked that particular kind of storytelling. Filmmaking is a business at the end of the day, and people pick up anything that works.”
He further pointed out that even action star Chiranjeevi explored husband-wife conflict in his latest release Mana Sankara Vara Prasad Garu. “Probably, Chiranjeevi wanted to do something different this time and entertained audiences with his comic timing amid action roles, which received an overwhelming response,” Suresh Babu added.