USA Visa Requirements for World Cup 2026 Fans

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across 11 US cities — including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Miami — millions of international fans need to understand US entry rules before booking flights and hotels. Your requirements depend entirely on your passport. This guide covers every scenario: ESTA, B1/B2 visa, and FIFA Fan ID visa waiver.

3 Ways International Fans Enter the USA for the World Cup

What Is the ESTA & Who Qualifies?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a mandatory pre-travel authorisation for citizens of the 42 countries in the US Visa Waiver Program. If your country is on the VWP list, you do not need a visa — but you must have an approved ESTA before boarding a US-bound flight.

• Cost: $21 USD per application
• Validity: 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
• Max stay per visit: 90 days
• Apply at: esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official US government site — beware of third-party sites charging extra fees)
• Processing: Usually approved within minutes; can take up to 72 hours

VWP countries include: UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Chile, and others. Check our Visa Checker tool for your specific passport.

B1/B2 Tourist Visa: Who Needs It & How to Apply

If your country is not in the Visa Waiver Program, you need a B1/B2 tourist visa to enter the USA. This is the standard tourist/business visa. Citizens of India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and many African and Asian nations fall into this category.

How to Apply for a US B1/B2 Visa

1. Complete the DS-160 form online at ceac.state.gov — this is the US nonimmigrant visa application form.
2. Pay the $185 MRV fee through the official US visa portal for your country.
3. Schedule a consulate interview — required for most applicants aged 14–79. Appointment wait times vary enormously by location.
4. Attend your interview with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents (bank statements, employment letter, proof of ties to home country).
5. Wait for visa issuance — typically 3–10 business days after a successful interview.

FIFA Fan ID as a US Entry Waiver

For qualifying nationalities, the FIFA Fan ID may replace the need for a B1/B2 visa or ESTA during the World Cup 2026 period. FIFA has historically negotiated these arrangements with host governments. However, eligibility is country-specific and subject to final US government confirmation. Do not plan to travel to the USA solely on a Fan ID without first verifying your nationality is eligible.

US Entry Requirements by Nationality

⚠️ Always confirm your specific requirements with the US Embassy in your country before travelling. Use our Visa Checker tool for an instant check.

Apply Now — Critical Timeline

The tournament opens June 11, 2026. Here is the action plan by entry type:

• Need a B1/B2 visa: Apply today. Appointment wait times at major US consulates (Mumbai, Lagos, Beijing, Brasilia) are running 2–6+ months.
• Need an ESTA: Apply at least 72 hours before your flight. Most are approved within minutes, but allow buffer time.
• Relying on Fan ID waiver: Wait for official confirmation from the US government for your nationality, then apply for your Fan ID immediately.

Once your entry documents are sorted, lock in your hotel near the stadium and your flights before prices surge further.