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.
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