There is a trip of a lifetime waiting for you in Kansas City and Dallas this June. Before you get there, you have to get through a process that has tripped up more Argentine football fans than any bad draw or hostile referee: the United States immigration system. Here is what every Argentine fan needs to know in one sentence: you need a B1/B2 US visa. You do not have ESTA access. You are not yet in the Visa Waiver Program — despite what you may have read in mid-2025 when the bilateral statement of intent was signed. That process is paused. Until it is formally completed and ESTA eligibility is officially extended to Argentina, the full B1/B2 tourist visa application is the only legal route to entering the United States. The good news: FIFA PASS — a joint initiative between FIFA, the US Department of State, and the White House Task Force, launched January 19, 2026 — gives World Cup ticket holders priority access to interview appointment slots at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires, bypassing the standard queue that currently stretches 200+ days. If you have a ticket and activate FIFA PASS today, you can secure your interview slot, clear your DS-160 application, and have a visa in hand within 4–8 weeks. Argentina plays three Group J matches across two US cities: June 16 vs. Algeria (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City), June 22 vs. Austria (AT&T Stadium, Dallas/Arlington), and June 27 vs. Jordan (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City again). Your visa covers all three. This guide covers every step in the exact order you need to complete them: US visa via FIFA PASS, the DS-160 process, the Embassy interview in Palermo, what to bring, and what happens next. It also covers two additional entry requirements that apply to Argentine fans planning a broader World Cup itinerary — the Canada eTA shortcut that most fans do not know about, and Mexico's FMM entry registration for overland arrivals. The whole trip is available to you. The visa is the first door. Here is how to open it. For the full Argentina World Cup 2026 travel guide including flights, accommodation, and match day logistics, see our [Argentina fans complete travel guide](/blog/world-cup-2026-argentina-fans-complete-travel-guide).
Standard B1/B2 tourist visa interview wait times at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires reached 200+ days in 2024–2025 due to post-pandemic backlogs. For Argentine fans without FIFA PASS, applying today without an official World Cup ticket means an interview likely falling in late 2026 — after the tournament has ended. FIFA PASS does not eliminate the interview or the standard vetting process, but it gives ticket holders access to a priority scheduling queue that can reduce wait times from months to weeks.
Source: US Embassy Buenos Aires published wait time data / State Department reports
Argentina's US Visa Status: What's True in 2026
Before anything else, it is essential to address what is almost certainly the most dangerous misconception circulating in the Argentine football fan community about World Cup 2026 travel: that Argentina is already in the US Visa Waiver Program and that Argentine fans can use ESTA.
The VWP Statement of Intent: What It Was and What It Isn't
On July 28, 2025, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Buenos Aires and, alongside Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, signed a joint statement of intent to explore Argentina's re-entry into the US Visa Waiver Program. This was significant news — Argentina had previously been in the VWP from 1996 to 2002, before being removed during the country's economic and political crisis. The statement received widespread coverage in Argentine media, with many outlets describing it as Argentina 'returning to' the Visa Waiver Program. It is not. A statement of intent is a diplomatic commitment to begin a process — not the completion of that process. Argentina must meet a defined set of criteria (refusal rate thresholds, biometric passport compliance, border security standards, and US Congressional approval for formal VWP designation) before ESTA access is extended. The DHS itself stated this process would require meeting benchmarks 'over the coming years.' As of early 2026, the accession process is paused due to US internal coordination issues. Argentine citizens are not yet eligible for ESTA. Any Argentine fan who travels to the USA in June 2026 relying on ESTA without a B1/B2 visa will be denied boarding or turned away at the port of entry.
- CURRENT STATUS (as of February 2026): Argentina is NOT in the US Visa Waiver Program. ESTA does NOT apply.
- What happened: July 28, 2025 joint statement of intent signed by DHS Secretary Noem and Argentine officials — the beginning of a process, not the end
- Timeline stated by DHS: benchmarks 'over the coming years' — not before June 2026
- Process paused: US internal coordination issues have stalled formal VWP accession
- Consequence: Argentine citizens must apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa. No exceptions.
- What to watch for: if VWP accession is formally granted and ESTA extended to Argentina before June 2026, KickoffAdventures will update this article immediately. Until that happens, treat the B1/B2 as non-negotiable.
What Argentina's Visa-Free Status Does Cover
While the USA is a notable exception, the Argentine passport is genuinely powerful for World Cup 2026 planning. Argentine citizens travel visa-free to 168+ countries — including the full Schengen Area, the UK, and most of Latin America. Specifically relevant to World Cup 2026: Mexico — visa free, up to 180 days. Argentine fans attending matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey do not need to apply for anything in advance. The only entry document needed for air arrivals is the FMM tourist registration, which is handled at immigration and whose fee is typically included in the airline ticket. Canada — more complex, as detailed in the Canada section below. Argentine citizens normally require a full Canadian visitor visa for Canada, but a valid US B1/B2 visa triggers eTA eligibility — a critical shortcut for fans attending Vancouver or Toronto matches.
- USA: B1/B2 visa required — no ESTA, no VWP access
- Mexico: visa free — no advance application needed. FMM registration at airport immigration (fee included in airfare).
- Canada: eTA if holding a valid US B1/B2 visa OR a Canadian visa from the last 10 years. Full visitor visa otherwise.
- Argentina was previously in the US VWP from 1996–2002: the context for the current re-entry talks
⚠️ Do Not Make Travel Plans Based on VWP Access — It Has Not Been Granted
Multiple Argentine travel agencies and social media sources reported in mid-2025 that Argentina was 'returning to' the Visa Waiver Program. This is incorrect. A statement of intent is not VWP designation. As of February 2026, Argentine citizens cannot use ESTA and must apply for a B1/B2 visa. If and when the VWP accession is formally completed, this article will be updated immediately. Until then: apply for your B1/B2 via FIFA PASS today.
Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash
FIFA PASS: How Argentina Fans Access Priority US Visa Appointments
FIFA PASS is the mechanism that makes attending World Cup 2026 from Argentina logistically viable for fans applying today. Without it, the standard B1/B2 queue makes a June 2026 trip nearly impossible for anyone who hasn't already started the application process.
What FIFA PASS Is (and What It Is Not)
FIFA PASS — the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System — is a formal joint initiative between FIFA, the US Department of State, and the White House Task Force that allows official World Cup 2026 ticket holders to access priority interview appointment slots at US embassies and consulates worldwide, including the US Embassy in Buenos Aires. The programme officially launched on January 19, 2026. FIFA PASS does the following: it bypasses the standard appointment queue, giving ticket holders access to faster scheduling. It does not: guarantee visa approval, waive any interview requirements, reduce the standard vetting process, or apply to tickets purchased from unofficial sources.
- What it does: gives World Cup ticket holders access to a priority appointment queue at US embassies worldwide, including Buenos Aires
- What it does NOT do: guarantee visa approval, skip security checks, or reduce interview requirements
- Who qualifies: fans with a ticket purchased at fifa.com/tickets, with FIFA PASS opt-in submitted via their FIFA account
- Who does NOT qualify: fans with tickets from third-party resellers, unofficial markets, or any source other than fifa.com/tickets
- It is a scheduling tool, not a visa substitute — the full B1/B2 interview process still applies
- Launched: January 19, 2026 — applications are open now
How FIFA PASS Works: The Technical Flow
FIFA PASS operates by syncing data between the FIFA ticketing system and the US State Department's visa scheduling infrastructure. When you opt in via FIFA.com and then complete the DS-160 and scheduling at ais.usvisa-info.com/es-ar/niv, the two systems verify your ticket eligibility and unlock a priority appointment pool that is separate from and generally faster than the standard public queue. The priority pool has finite capacity — as more Argentine fans activate FIFA PASS, the available slots fill. Earlier activation does not give you a better position in a queue; it just means you have access to a wider range of date options when you schedule. Fan accounts from Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018 have shown that early activators had many date choices, while late activators found priority slots saturated and fell back to only marginally-improved wait times. For the June 16 match: being interviewed and approved by April 2026 requires activating FIFA PASS in February or March at the latest.
- System flow: FIFA ticket database → FIFA PASS opt-in → sync with US State Dept → priority appointment pool unlocked at ais.usvisa-info.com
- Slot availability: finite and filling — earlier activation = more date options
- Target timeline for June 16 Kansas City match: interview completed by April 2026, visa in hand by May
- FIFA PASS is available at US embassies and consulates worldwide — Argentine nationals travelling outside Argentina may use it at any participating post
Step-by-Step: Activating FIFA PASS and Scheduling Your Interview
The complete process for an Argentine national applying via FIFA PASS:
- Step 1 — Buy your ticket: go to fifa.com/tickets and purchase in your legal passport name. This is the trigger — FIFA PASS does not exist without an official ticket.
- Step 2 — Activate FIFA PASS: log into fifa.com/tickets → navigate to the FIFA PASS section → submit the opt-in form. Allow up to 24 hours for the FIFA-State Dept system sync.
- Step 3 — Complete the DS-160: go to ceac.state.gov/genniv. Use your legal passport name exactly. Upload a compliant photograph. Complete all fields honestly. Pay the MRV fee (~USD $185 — verify current fee at ceac.state.gov before payment). Print your DS-160 confirmation page with its barcode.
- Step 4 — Create your appointment account: go to ais.usvisa-info.com/es-ar/niv and create an account. Enter your DS-160 barcode and passport details.
- Step 5 — Select FIFA PASS: when asked 'Are you a World Cup 2026 ticket holder?', answer Yes. This connects your account to the priority scheduling queue.
- Step 6 — Schedule your interview: select US Embassy Buenos Aires (Avenida Colombia 4300, Palermo) as your location. Choose the earliest available priority appointment. Confirm.
- Step 7 — Prepare your documents: employment proof, bank statements, property or rental documents, family situation evidence, DS-160 confirmation, ticket confirmation, passport. See the full list in the 'Documents' section below.
- Step 8 — Attend your interview: arrive 15 minutes early at Avenida Colombia 4300. Bring all documents. Answer questions confidently and honestly.
- Step 9 — Await your visa: if approved, your passport is retained for 5–10 business days. Track via the courier service registered during scheduling.
💡 Argentina's Three Group J Matches: Cities and Dates
Your US B1/B2 visa covers all three Group J fixtures. Plan your travel around this schedule: June 16 — Argentina vs. Algeria, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (9pm ET). June 22 — Argentina vs. Austria, AT&T Stadium, Arlington/Dallas (1pm ET). June 27 — Jordan vs. Argentina, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (10pm ET). Note Argentina plays Kansas City twice — factor this into your accommodation and travel planning.
US Embassy Buenos Aires: Everything You Need for the Interview
The US Embassy in Buenos Aires is the only US consular post in Argentina processing non-immigrant visa applications. Regardless of where you live in Argentina, this is where your interview takes place.
Embassy Location and Logistics
The US Embassy Buenos Aires is located at Avenida Colombia 4300, Palermo, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. The neighbourhood is well-served by public transport: take the Subte D line to Palermo station, then a 10-minute walk north along Av. Figueroa Alcorta. Alternatively, rideshare to the corner of Colombia and Av. Libertador. For fans travelling from provincial cities (Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, Tucumán, etc.): there is no US consulate outside Buenos Aires for non-immigrant visa applications. You must travel to CABA for your interview. Factor in transport and accommodation costs for the Buenos Aires trip when planning your application timeline.
- Address: Avenida Colombia 4300, Palermo, CABA
- Subte: Line D to Palermo station — 10-minute walk
- Bus: 67, 102, 130, 160 from various points in the city
- World Cup guidance page: ar.usembassy.gov/fifa-world-cup-2026
- Appointment portal: ais.usvisa-info.com/es-ar/niv
- Note: mobile phones, electronics, and bags larger than A4 are typically not permitted inside the Embassy compound — arrive with only necessary documents
What to Bring to Your Interview: The Complete Document List
Argentine applicants frequently under-prepare for the evidence-of-ties portion of the B1/B2 interview. The consular officer's primary assessment is whether you have strong enough reason to return to Argentina after the tournament. This is where most visa denials for World Cup applicants occur — not through dishonesty, but through insufficient documentation of home-country ties.
- REQUIRED — Valid Argentine passport (DNI is not sufficient): must have at least 6 months validity beyond your intended USA return date. If your passport expires in or before December 2026, renew it before applying.
- REQUIRED — All previous passports: any passports containing prior US visa stamps or entry records
- REQUIRED — DS-160 confirmation page (printed): your barcode is needed for check-in
- REQUIRED — Interview appointment confirmation (printed or accessible on phone)
- REQUIRED — FIFA ticket purchase confirmation: print from your FIFA account
- REQUIRED — Visa-format photograph: one recent photo, white background, no glasses, face centred — even if uploaded to DS-160, bring a physical copy
- STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — Employment: a letter on company letterhead from your employer confirming your position, salary, and approved leave dates; and/or most recent 3–6 months of payslips
- STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — Financial: 3 months of bank statements showing stable balance; evidence of sufficient funds to cover the trip cost
- STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — Property ties: property title, escritura, or rental lease agreement for your primary Argentine residence
- STRONGLY RECOMMENDED — Family ties: if you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents in Argentina, any documentation confirming this (DNI of spouse/children, marriage certificate, birth certificates of children)
- OPTIONAL BUT USEFUL — Return flight booking: a conditional/refundable flight booking showing your planned return to Argentina (demonstrates intent to return)
Common Reasons B1/B2 Applications Are Denied — and How to Avoid Them
B1/B2 denial rates for Argentine applicants are not as high as many fans fear — but avoidable denials do occur, predominantly around one issue: insufficient evidence of ties to Argentina. Here are the patterns that consistently result in denial.
- Insufficient home-country ties: the applicant cannot demonstrate a compelling reason to return to Argentina after the World Cup. The higher-risk applicant profile is: young (18–30), unemployed or informally employed, no property ownership, no family dependents. If this describes you, the quality and volume of your supporting evidence needs to be higher — not lower.
- Mismatched names: legal name on passport, DS-160, and FIFA ticket must all be identical. Any mismatch triggers additional scrutiny or administrative refusal.
- Prior overstay or immigration violation: any previous US visa overstay — even years ago — is a significant obstacle. Declare it and be prepared to explain it.
- Incomplete DS-160: any unanswered section or inconsistency in the DS-160 triggers follow-up questions or delays
- Using unofficial 'visa agents': third-party 'gestores de visa' who charge fees to complete the DS-160 or secure 'faster' appointments are not authorised by the US government. Some introduce errors that cause delays or denials. Complete the DS-160 yourself at ceac.state.gov/genniv — it is free and straightforward.
- Late application: applying for FIFA PASS and the DS-160 too close to the tournament with no margin for re-application if the first attempt fails
💡 If You Are Denied: Request Reconsideration or Re-Apply Immediately
A B1/B2 denial is not permanent. If you are denied, the consular officer will give you a written reason (typically citing Section 214(b) — insufficient evidence of non-immigrant intent). You may re-apply immediately with stronger supporting documentation — there is no mandatory wait period. Address the specific reason cited, gather additional evidence of ties to Argentina, and reapply through FIFA PASS as soon as possible. Time is still a factor: even a re-application has time to succeed before June 16.
Three-Country Entry Requirements for Argentine World Cup Fans: Quick Reference
Argentine fans combining USA, Canada, and Mexico matches in a single World Cup 2026 itinerary face three distinct entry requirement systems across the three host countries. Here is the complete comparison.
| Host Country | Entry Requirement | Cost | How to Apply | Processing Time | Key Nuance for Argentines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA 🇺🇸 (Kansas City ×2, Dallas, Miami, NY, Seattle, LA, etc.) | B1/B2 Tourist Visa — required for all Argentine citizens | ~USD $185 MRV fee (non-refundable; verify current fee at ceac.state.gov) | DS-160 at ceac.state.gov → interview at US Embassy Buenos Aires via FIFA PASS priority at ais.usvisa-info.com/es-ar/niv | 4–8 weeks with FIFA PASS (vs. 200+ days standard queue) | ESTA does NOT apply. Argentina is NOT yet in the VWP. Argentina plays Kansas City twice (Jun 16 and Jun 27) and Dallas once (Jun 22). |
| Canada 🇨🇦 (Toronto, Vancouver) | eTA (if holding valid US B1/B2 or Canadian visa from last 10 years) OR Full Visitor Visa (if neither condition met) | eTA: CAD $7 | Full visitor visa: CAD $100 + CAD $85 biometrics | eTA: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta | Visitor visa: IRCC portal | eTA: instant to hours | Visitor visa: 4–8 weeks | CRITICAL: US B1/B2 must be valid on the day of eTA application (not necessarily on travel date). eTA applies to AIR travel only — land border entry still requires full visitor visa. |
| Mexico 🇲🇽 (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey) | Visa-free — no advance application required. FMM entry registration at immigration. | FMM fee included in airline ticket when flying. Free for stays ≤ 7 days (any entry method). ~$983 MXN / ~$54 USD for stays > 7 days entering by land. | Air arrivals: handled digitally at immigration — no advance action needed. Land arrivals: INM office at border crossing. | Immediate at entry | Argentine citizens do not need a visa for Mexico. Flying into MEX, GDL, or MTY: FMM fee included in airfare. Keep your FMM stub — you must surrender it on departure. |
Photo by Alejandro Luengo on Unsplash
Canada eTA for Argentine Fans: The Shortcut Most People Miss
Argentine fans attending matches in Toronto (BMO Field) or Vancouver (BC Place) face what appears to be an additional bureaucratic hurdle — but for fans who have their US B1/B2 visa, there is a little-known shortcut that converts a full Canadian visa application into a CAD $7 online form.
Argentina's Normal Canada Entry Requirement
Under standard rules, Argentine citizens are on Canada's visa-required list and must apply for a full Canadian Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa / TRV) to enter Canada by air, land, or sea. A Canadian visitor visa application involves a CAD $100 fee, biometrics collection at a VAC (Visa Application Centre) at CAD $85, and processing times of 4–8 weeks or longer. For a World Cup fan trip, this is a significant additional step on top of the US B1/B2 application — and many Argentine fans either do not know about it or discover it too late to add Canada to their itinerary.
- Standard requirement: full Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV) — CAD $100 fee + CAD $85 biometrics, 4–8 week processing
- Argentine citizens are NOT on Canada's visa-exempt list under standard rules
- This applies regardless of whether you have a US visa or not — under standard rules
The eTA Exception: Argentine Fans With a Valid US B1/B2 Qualify
Since June 6, 2023, Canada has extended eTA eligibility to citizens of certain visa-required countries — including Argentina — who meet one of two specific conditions: Condition 1: You hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (e.g. the B1/B2 you obtained for World Cup 2026). Your US visa must be valid on the day you apply for the eTA — it does not need to still be valid when you actually travel to Canada. Condition 2: You have held a Canadian visitor visa at any point in the last 10 years. If either condition applies, you can apply for a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) instead of the full visitor visa. The eTA costs CAD $7, is applied for entirely online at canada.ca, and is typically approved instantly or within hours. The eTA is valid for air travel to Canada for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Important: the eTA applies to air travel to Canada only. Entering Canada by land (e.g. crossing from the USA by road) still requires the full Canadian visitor visa regardless of US visa status. For World Cup 2026: if you are getting a US B1/B2 for the Kansas City and Dallas matches, you qualify for the Canada eTA as soon as your US visa is approved. Apply immediately after your B1/B2 is in your passport — do not wait.
- Qualifying condition for Argentine citizens: valid US non-immigrant visa (B1/B2) OR Canadian visa from last 10 years
- Important: US B1/B2 must be valid on the day of eTA application — does not need to be valid on date of Canada travel
- If you qualify: apply for Canada eTA at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta
- Cost: CAD $7
- Processing: instant to a few hours in most cases
- Valid for: multiple entries to Canada by air, up to 5 years or passport expiry (whichever first)
- Important: eTA applies to AIR travel only — entering Canada by land still requires the full visitor visa regardless of US visa status
- Action: apply for eTA immediately after your US B1/B2 is approved
If You Do Not Have a US Visa or Recent Canadian Visa
If you are planning to attend only Canadian World Cup matches (Toronto or Vancouver) and not US matches, you will not have a B1/B2 to qualify for the eTA shortcut. In this case, you need to apply for a full Canadian Visitor Visa. The Canadian visitor visa process for Argentine applicants: complete the application on the IRCC portal (ircc.canada.ca), pay CAD $100 plus CAD $85 biometrics fee, provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre in Buenos Aires, and wait for processing — typically 4–8 weeks under normal conditions. Canada does not have an equivalent to FIFA PASS for priority scheduling. For the VAC address, verify current details at vfsglobal.com/canada/argentina before visiting, as locations are subject to change.
- Full Canadian Visitor Visa application: ircc.canada.ca
- Fee: CAD $100 + CAD $85 biometrics fee
- Biometrics collection: Visa Application Centre, Buenos Aires — verify current address at vfsglobal.com/canada/argentina before visiting
- Processing time: 4–8 weeks (longer during peak periods)
- No Canada-FIFA PASS equivalent: apply as early as possible
- Tip: if you later obtain a US B1/B2 for US matches, you can then apply for the eTA (CAD $7) instead — saving the CAD $100 visitor visa fee and weeks of waiting. If you have already applied for the visitor visa, you cannot get a refund, but the eTA will be faster to activate.
💡 The eTA Sequence for a USA + Canada World Cup Trip
If you are planning USA + Canada matches: (1) Buy ticket for US match → activate FIFA PASS → apply for B1/B2; (2) Once B1/B2 is approved, immediately apply for Canada eTA at canada.ca for CAD $7 — your US visa must be valid on the day you apply; (3) Book Toronto or Vancouver flights. This sequence saves you the full CAD $100 Canadian visitor visa fee and 4–8 weeks of processing time. It only works if your US visa is approved before you need to enter Canada — which is why securing the US visa first (and early) is the critical path.
Mexico Entry for Argentine Fans: FMM and What You Actually Need to Do
For Argentine fans attending matches at Estadio Azteca (Mexico City), Estadio Akron (Guadalajara), or Estadio BBVA (Monterrey), the entry process is straightforward — but there are some specific FMM details that apply depending on how you arrive.
Visa-Free Access: What This Means in Practice
Argentine citizens do not need a visa for Mexico and can stay for up to 180 days for tourist purposes. The Argentine passport is automatically visa-free for Mexico — no advance application, no appointment, no waiting. Simply book your flight and travel with your valid Argentine passport. However, Mexico does require all foreign visitors to complete an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) — an entry registration form. The good news for air travellers: the FMM fee is included in your airline ticket as a 'Mexican tourism tax' line item, and at the three World Cup host city airports (MEX, GDL, MTY), the FMM is processed digitally at immigration. Most air arrivals will simply receive a passport stamp and be through immigration in minutes.
- Visa requirement for Argentines: none. Visa-free, up to 180 days.
- Advance application: not required
- Documents needed: valid Argentine passport (passports expiring within 6 months of entry may be questioned)
- FMM for air arrivals at MEX, GDL, MTY: processed digitally at immigration. Fee already included in airline ticket.
- Your only action: present your passport at immigration. Answer standard questions about your stay.
FMM for Land Border Crossings (Texas to Mexico)
For Argentine fans who cross into Mexico from the USA by land — for example, driving from Dallas to Monterrey, or crossing via Laredo/Nuevo Laredo or McAllen/Reynosa — the FMM process is handled differently than at airports. At land border crossings, you must stop at the Mexican INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) immigration office and present your passport. If your stay in Mexico is 7 days or less, the FMM is free. If your stay exceeds 7 days, the fee is approximately $983 MXN (~$54 USD) as of January 2026. You pay at the INM office (or at a Banjercito/bank window adjacent to the immigration post). The INM officer stamps your FMM and gives you the bottom half of the form — this is your exit document. Keep it safe. You must surrender it when leaving Mexico. Losing your FMM can cause complications at the exit crossing.
- Land crossing FMM: stop at INM office, present passport, declare your intended stay duration
- Cost: FREE if staying 7 days or less | ~$983 MXN / ~$54 USD for stays of 8–180 days (2026 rate — subject to annual adjustment)
- Payment: at INM office directly or adjacent Banjercito/bank window — cash or card accepted
- Keep the FMM stub: you must surrender it on departure from Mexico
- Pre-apply option: you can complete the FMM online in advance at inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html — but you still must stop at the INM office for the official entry stamp
- For World Cup fans doing Dallas matches then driving to Monterrey: the land crossing FMM applies — plan to stop at the border INM office
Mexico Safety Considerations for Argentine World Cup Fans
Mexico's three World Cup host cities are major metropolitan centres with established tourist infrastructure and heavy security investment for the tournament. However, it is important for Argentine fans to be aware of Mexico's current security landscape. The US State Department has issued a Level 2 ('Exercise Increased Caution') travel advisory for Mexico City (Distrito Federal / CDMX), Jalisco (Guadalajara), and Nuevo León (Monterrey). All three cities have specific zones that warrant avoiding — primarily outer residential and industrial areas, not the tourist and football districts. FIFA and the local organising committees have implemented extensive venue security perimeters. Practically: stay in the established tourist corridors (Polanco/Roma/Condesa in Mexico City, Zapopan/Providencia in Guadalajara, Valle Oriente/San Pedro Garza García in Monterrey), use Uber or DiDi rather than street taxis, and check current US State Department advisories at travel.state.gov before departure.
- US State Department travel advisory: Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution for the three World Cup host states
- Tourist zone safety: significantly better than the Level 2 average — the host city tourist districts where fans will spend time are relatively safe with normal precautions
- Practical safety: use Uber or DiDi for transport (not street taxis), stay in the established tourist corridors, keep valuables secure
- Argentine government travel advice: check Argentina's Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores (cancilleria.gob.ar) for current México advisories
- World Cup security: all three Mexican venues will have extensive FIFA-contracted security perimeters
Complete Visa & Entry Checklist for Argentine World Cup Fans
Work through this checklist in the order listed — each item is a dependency for the ones that follow. Do not skip steps or reorder.
The Timeline That Makes June 16 Possible: Act by March 15
The visa process has real time constraints. Here is the critical path backwards from the June 16 Argentina vs. Algeria kick-off in Kansas City: June 16: match day. Need to be in Kansas City. June 10–14: depart Buenos Aires. Need visa in passport. May 30–June 9: flight and accommodation confirmed. Need visa before booking non-refundable flights. May 15–29: passport returned with visa. Interview must be before this. April 15–May 14: interview window. Scheduling must be done before this. March 15–April 14: FIFA PASS activation and DS-160 completion. START BY MARCH 15. And for the June 27 Kansas City return match: fans who need to be back in Kansas City after the Dallas June 22 game have a tight 5-day window between matches. Book accommodation in both cities now — availability in Kansas City around both June 16 and June 27 will be extremely limited. This is the realistic timeline with FIFA PASS. Without FIFA PASS, the June 16 match is logistically unavailable to anyone applying for the first time today — the standard queue simply does not move fast enough. If you are reading this in February 2026: you have time. If you are reading this in April 2026: you have very little time and need to act today. If you are reading this in May 2026: you need to contact the US Embassy Buenos Aires urgently and explain your situation — emergency appointments for documented hardship cases do exist, but they are not guaranteed. The ticket is available. The visa is achievable. But only if you start now.
Argentina World Cup 2026 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
The Visa Is the Door. Start Today and It Opens.
No Argentine fan should miss World Cup 2026 because of a visa process that is entirely manageable with the right information and the right timing. The US B1/B2 with FIFA PASS is a known, well-trodden path — tens of thousands of Argentine and Brazilian fans have navigated exactly this system for previous World Cups. The Canada eTA shortcut is a genuine piece of intelligence that can save weeks of additional process for fans combining Toronto or Vancouver matches. Mexico requires nothing in advance for air arrivals — just passport in hand and the FMM covered by your airline ticket. Argentina plays three Group J matches: June 16 vs. Algeria and June 27 vs. Jordan at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and June 22 vs. Austria at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Your B1/B2 visa covers all three. One visa, three stadiums, the greatest tournament on earth. The clock is real. June 16 in Kansas City does not wait. But if you act on FIFA PASS this week, the timeline is achievable. Buy the ticket, activate FIFA PASS, complete the DS-160, book your interview. Then book the flights and accommodation. Then the trip takes shape. Every Argentine fan who wanted to be there and did the planning got there. The planning starts with this page.
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