You have your World Cup 2026 ticket. Now comes the question that trips up millions of international fans every tournament: can you actually get in? Whether you need a visa, an ESTA, or nothing at all depends entirely on your passport. For the USA — the primary host nation where 78 of the tournament's 104 matches take place — there are three possible entry routes: an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for fans from the 43 Visa Waiver Program countries; a B1/B2 US tourist visa for the majority of the world's fan base; or in 19 cases, a complete entry ban that means USA matches are off the table entirely. With B1/B2 interview wait times now exceeding 400 days in countries like India and Brazil, February 2026 is not a comfortable time to be reading this for the first time. But it is still early enough to act — if you act today. This guide covers every entry scenario for all three host nations: the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The combined monthly search volume across the six most critical World Cup 2026 visa keywords is approximately 98,000 searches — rising to 273,000 at the June peak. Every one of those searches represents a fan who has already bought or is planning to buy a ticket, and now needs to know if they can legally enter the host country. For B1/B2 visa applicants from Brazil, India, Nigeria, and China, February 2026 is the edge of the viable application window. ESTA applicants from VWP countries can still apply and receive approval in hours — but must not assume they already have a valid one without checking.
Source: KickoffAdventures keyword research, February 2026; US State Department global visa wait times, travel.state.gov
Which Entry Route Are You? The Quick Reference Table
Before anything else, identify which of the three entry categories applies to your passport. This single decision determines every subsequent step.
| Country / Region | Entry Route Required | Document Needed | Cost | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, all Western Europe | ESTA — Visa Waiver Program | ESTA approval | $21 USD | esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official only) |
| Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan | ESTA — Visa Waiver Program | ESTA approval | $21 USD | esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official only) |
| Chile, Israel, Qatar, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino | ESTA — Visa Waiver Program | ESTA approval | $21 USD | esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official only) |
| Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador | US B1/B2 Tourist Visa required | B1/B2 Visa — in-person interview | $185 USD | US Embassy / Consulate in home country |
| India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka | US B1/B2 Tourist Visa required | B1/B2 Visa — in-person interview | $185 USD | US Embassy (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, etc.) |
| Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco | US B1/B2 Tourist Visa required | B1/B2 Visa — in-person interview | $185 USD | US Embassy in home country — apply immediately |
| China, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia | US B1/B2 Tourist Visa required | B1/B2 Visa — in-person interview | $185 USD | US Embassy Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. |
| Canada (Canadian passport holders) | No US visa or ESTA required | Valid Canadian passport | None | N/A — present passport at entry |
| US Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) | No visa or ESTA required | Valid passport + Green Card (Form I-551) | None | N/A — present both documents at entry |
| Iran, Syria, Sudan, and 16 other fully suspended nations | Entry to USA not possible | N/A — entry blocked regardless of visa status | N/A | Consider Canada or Mexico matches instead |
This Table Is a Guide — Always Verify Your Specific Situation
Immigration status is individual. Dual citizenship, prior visa refusals, travel history, and criminal records all affect your eligibility even if your primary passport is from a Visa Waiver Program country. Always confirm your specific situation at travel.state.gov or your nearest US Embassy before booking non-refundable travel.
ESTA Requirements for World Cup 2026 Fans — Complete Guide
If your passport is from one of the 43 Visa Waiver Program countries, you do not need a traditional US visa for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. You need an ESTA — the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. This is mandatory pre-travel screening and costs $21. It is not optional, even if you have visited the USA many times before and never needed one.
What Is an ESTA?
ESTA is a US government system that screens travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries before they board a US-bound flight. It is not a visa. It does not go inside your passport. It is an electronic record linked to your passport number that airlines and US Customs and Border Protection check automatically. Without a valid ESTA, airlines operating US routes will deny you boarding — regardless of how many times you have previously entered the USA. If you already hold a valid ESTA linked to your current, unexpired passport, you do not need to reapply.
Which Countries Can Use ESTA for World Cup 2026?
The following 43 Visa Waiver Program nations qualify for ESTA. Always verify current VWP status at travel.state.gov before booking — VWP membership can change.
- Europe (33): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania*, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
- Asia-Pacific (6): Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan
- Middle East (2): Israel, Qatar
- Americas (1): Chile
- *Romania was added to the VWP in 2025 — verify current status at travel.state.gov as eligibility may have changed
- Bermuda and some territories: apply different rules — check at travel.state.gov for your specific territory
ESTA Eligibility Rules — What Could Disqualify You
Your VWP passport is not a guarantee of ESTA approval. The following circumstances make you ineligible for ESTA and require you to apply for a full B1/B2 tourist visa instead — even if you are British, German, Australian, or hold any other VWP passport.
- You have traveled to Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1, 2011
- You hold dual citizenship with any of the countries on the restricted travel list
- You have ever been refused a US visa for any reason — even if the refusal was years ago
- You have ever been deported from or denied entry to the USA
- You have a qualifying criminal conviction (including some traffic-related offences in certain jurisdictions)
- Your e-passport (machine-readable chip) has expired or been damaged — a chipped passport is required for ESTA; older non-chip passports do not qualify
How to Apply for an ESTA — Step by Step
Follow this exact process. Tens of thousands of fans mistakenly pay $50–$150 to third-party 'visa agents' who simply submit this form on your behalf.
- Step 1: Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov — verify the URL ends in .gov. This is the only official site. Close any other tab that looks similar.
- Step 2: Select 'New Application' and choose individual or group application. Have your passport, email address, and payment card ready before starting.
- Step 3: Complete the application form — takes 10–15 minutes. Answer all questions truthfully. Dishonest answers permanently invalidate your ESTA and may result in a lifetime entry ban.
- Step 4: Pay the $21 USD fee — $4 non-refundable processing fee plus $17 travel authorisation fee (only charged on approval). Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal.
- Step 5: Wait for your decision. Most approvals come within 72 hours; many within minutes. Check your status at esta.cbp.dhs.gov using your passport number and date of birth.
- Step 6: Save your ESTA approval — note your application number. No paper printout required. Airlines and CBP check your status electronically via your passport.
| ESTA Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official application URL | esta.cbp.dhs.gov (US Government — ignore all other sites) |
| Cost | $21 USD total ($4 non-refundable processing + $17 travel authorisation) |
| Processing time | Typically within 72 hours; often within minutes |
| Validity | 2 years from approval date or until passport expiry — whichever comes first |
| Maximum stay per visit | 90 days per entry to the USA |
| What you show at the airport | Your valid passport (the same one used to apply) — no paper printout required |
| Can it be denied? | Yes. If denied, you will receive 'Travel Not Authorized' status and must apply for a B1/B2 visa instead. |
| World Cup 2026 specific advice | Apply right now if you haven't already. ESTA is valid 2 years — there is no reason to wait. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. |
⚠️ ESTA Scam Warning — Read Before Applying
Dozens of unofficial third-party websites appear at the top of Google when you search 'apply ESTA'. They look like official US government websites but charge $50–$150 to 'process' ESTA applications on your behalf. The ONLY legitimate ESTA application website is esta.cbp.dhs.gov — operated directly by US Customs and Border Protection. The real total fee is $21. If any site asks for more, you are on a fraudulent service. Applying through a third-party site also means a stranger has your full passport data, date of birth, and payment details.
US B1/B2 Visitor Visa: Who Needs It and How to Apply
If your country is not on the Visa Waiver Program list, you must apply for a B1/B2 US tourist visa to attend World Cup 2026 matches in the USA. This is the standard tourist visa required for fans from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, India, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the vast majority of the world's other football-watching nations. There is no special 'World Cup fan visa' for the 2026 USA tournament — no entry waiver, no fast-track credential, no exception for ticket holders. Having a confirmed World Cup ticket does not exempt any fan from standard US immigration law.
What Is the FIFA PASS — and Does It Help With Visas?
There is widespread confusion online about the FIFA PASS and US visa applications. Here is the clear answer.
- FIFA PASS is the official digital Fan ID and ticket credential linked to your World Cup 2026 match ticket purchase — it is your digital ticket wallet used for stadium access.
- FIFA PASS is NOT a travel document. It does NOT replace a visa or ESTA. It does NOT grant entry to the USA, Canada, or Mexico.
- FIFA PASS does NOT provide a priority visa appointment lane or any special consular access.
- What IS useful: your FIFA ticket confirmation (showing your name, match dates, and venue) is a strong supporting document for your B1/B2 visa interview. It proves the specific purpose, dates, and legitimacy of your trip. Print a PDF of your ticket confirmation and bring it to your interview.
- If your consular post has a long wait time, explore the emergency/expedited appointment process — a confirmed, non-refundable event ticket qualifies as a justification for urgent travel. Contact your nearest US Embassy directly.
B1/B2 Visa Application: Documents You Need
Prepare every document below before scheduling your interview. Arriving at the consulate without these materials is the most common avoidable cause of visa denial or rescheduling.
- Valid passport — must not expire before January 2027 (6 months beyond your planned departure from the USA)
- DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application — completed online at ceac.state.gov. Note your confirmation barcode before you close the browser.
- $185 MRV fee receipt — paid online as instructed by your country's US Embassy website. Non-refundable even if denied.
- Passport-format photo — 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white background, no glasses, taken within 6 months
- FIFA ticket purchase confirmation — PDF from the official FIFA ticketing platform at tickets.fifa.com showing your name, match(es), dates, and venue(s)
- Return flight booking confirmation — showing you have a confirmed departure from the USA before or on your authorised stay end date
- Hotel accommodation confirmations for your full stay in the USA
- Bank statements for the last 3–6 months — demonstrating you have sufficient funds to cover your entire trip without needing to work in the USA
- Proof of home country ties — employment contract or letter from employer, property ownership documents, family responsibility documentation. These demonstrate you have strong reasons to return home after the tournament.
- If self-employed: business registration documents and most recent tax returns
- If you have previously visited the USA: prior US visa and entry/exit stamps. Clean travel history significantly strengthens your application.
The B1/B2 Visa Interview: What to Expect
The consular interview is typically brief — 2 to 5 minutes for straightforward cases. The officer is assessing one core question: do you have sufficient ties to your home country to ensure you will return after the World Cup? Answering directly and confidently, with organised documentation, is the most effective approach.
- Arrive 15 minutes early with all physical documents in a clear folder — do not rely solely on digital copies
- Be direct and specific about your travel purpose: 'I am attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I have tickets to [specific matches] at [specific venues] between [dates].'
- State your return plans clearly — your return flight date, your job to return to, your family at home
- Do not overexplain or volunteer information beyond what is asked
- If the officer asks about income or employment, answer factually and provide documentary evidence
- If denied under Section 214(b) — the most common reason, meaning insufficient ties to home country — you can reapply. Strengthen your supporting documentation: a stronger employment letter, property evidence, or additional bank history, before reapplying.
💡 No Special World Cup Fan Visa Exists for the USA in 2026
Previous World Cup host nations — including Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022 — introduced special fan accreditation documents that granted temporary visa-free access. The USA has not introduced any equivalent for 2026. Standard US immigration law applies in full. Every international fan who is not from a VWP country must apply for and receive a standard B1/B2 tourist visa. No tournament ticket, FIFA credential, or supporter association document changes this.
World Cup 2026 Visa Wait Times by Country — Critical Reading
The most important factor in your entire World Cup visa planning is interview wait time — the number of days between today and the earliest available B1/B2 interview appointment at your nearest US consulate. This varies enormously by location. For several major football nations, the standard wait time already makes a June 2026 visa application through normal channels effectively impossible.
| Country / Consular Post | Est. B1/B2 Wait Time (Feb 2026) | Risk Level for June 2026 | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| India — Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata | 200–400+ days | 🔴 Critical | Apply for emergency/expedited appointment immediately — standard timeline is already past June |
| Brazil — São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife | 300–400+ days | 🔴 Critical | Emergency appointment only — use confirmed ticket as urgent travel justification |
| China — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu | 150–250 days | 🔴 Critical | Apply for emergency/expedited appointment — standard timeline does not reach June |
| Colombia — Bogotá | 400–600 days | 🔴 Critical | Emergency appointment only — Bogotá is one of the longest-wait posts globally |
| Nigeria — Lagos, Abuja | 100–180 days | 🟠 High | Apply immediately for standard appointment; request expedited if wait exceeds 90 days |
| Ghana — Accra | 60–120 days | 🟠 High | Apply standard appointment immediately — tight but potentially achievable by June |
| Egypt — Cairo | 30–90 days | 🟡 Medium | Apply standard appointment now — do not wait past March 2026 |
| Morocco — Casablanca | 30–60 days | 🟡 Medium | Apply standard appointment now — achievable with prompt action |
| Uganda — Kampala | 120–180 days | 🟠 High | Apply for expedited appointment — standard timeline is borderline for June |
| Canada — Quebec, Halifax (for foreign nationals living in Canada) | 14 months | 🔴 Critical | Emergency appointment only — if you are an Indian or Brazilian national living in Canada, this post is not viable without emergency access |
🚨 Reading This in February 2026 and Haven't Applied Yet?
For B1/B2 applicants from India, Brazil, Colombia, China, and Nigeria: standard appointment queues at your consulate are already past June 2026. The emergency/expedited appointment process exists precisely for situations like this — and a confirmed, non-refundable World Cup ticket is explicitly listed as qualifying urgent travel by the US State Department. Contact your nearest US Embassy directly and request an expedited appointment. Do not wait for next week. Every day's delay reduces the processing buffer between your interview decision and your travel date.
Countries Barred from USA Matches: Full and Partial Suspensions
The most significant entry barrier for the 2026 World Cup is the US visa suspension affecting 34 countries — 19 with full bans and 15 with partial restrictions targeting B1/B2 tourist visas specifically. Citizens of these nations cannot attend World Cup matches in the United States regardless of whether they hold a ticket.
19 Countries: Full US Visa Suspension
Citizens of these 19 countries cannot currently obtain any US visitor visa and therefore cannot attend World Cup matches in the USA. The suspension was issued under US executive authority and covers ordinary passport holders. Diplomatic passport holders and accredited national team personnel may have separate provisions, but these do not extend to fans.
- Afghanistan
- Burkina Faso
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti — national team has entry exemption; fans do NOT
- Iran — national team has entry exemption; fans do NOT
- Laos
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
15 Countries: Partial Suspension — B1/B2 Tourist Visas Blocked
An additional 15 countries face partial restrictions that specifically block the issuance of B1/B2 tourist visas — the exact visa category World Cup fans require. Among these are Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire, whose national teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup. All three have received special diplomatic exemptions for their registered team squads — but those exemptions explicitly do not extend to supporters, family members, or media.
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Burundi
- Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) — team exempt; fans are NOT
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Nigeria — team exempt; fans are NOT
- Senegal — team exempt; fans are NOT
- Tanzania
- Zambia
⚠️ Team Exemptions Do NOT Apply to Fans — This Is a Hard Boundary
Multiple news reports and fan forums have incorrectly suggested that because Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Senegal's national teams received US entry exemptions, fans from those countries can also attend. This is false. The exemptions issued by the US State Department are strictly limited to accredited team personnel — players, coaches, and registered support staff — as defined by FIFA's official team delegation lists. No mechanism currently exists for fans from fully or partially suspended countries to obtain US entry for the tournament. Fans from these nations should explore attending matches in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver) or Mexico (Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara) instead, subject to those countries' separate entry requirements.
Canada Matches: Separate Entry Requirements
The 2026 World Cup spans three host nations. Canada hosts 12 matches across two cities: Toronto (BMO Field, 6 matches) and Vancouver (BC Place, 6 matches). A US ESTA or US B1/B2 visa provides absolutely no automatic right of entry into Canada — Canada is a completely separate country with its own immigration system, and every fan attending Canadian matches must hold valid Canadian entry authorisation independently of their US travel documents.
Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Fans from most VWP-equivalent countries — including all EU nations, the UK, Australia, Japan, and South Korea — need a Canadian eTA to fly to Toronto or Vancouver. The eTA is not a visa; it is an electronic pre-travel authorisation that takes approximately 2–3 minutes to apply for and is typically approved within minutes.
- Cost: CAD $7 (approximately $5 USD)
- Apply at: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship (official Canadian government site only)
- Validity: Up to 5 years or until passport expiry
- Important: US Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) need a Canadian eTA to fly to Canada — a US Green Card does NOT grant Canadian entry
- US Citizens: do not need a Canadian eTA — only a valid US passport
- Apply your Canadian eTA at the same time as your US ESTA — both take minutes and there is no reason to delay one while waiting for the other
Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Fans from India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil, the Philippines, and most of Africa and South America require a full Canadian Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. This is a separate application from any US visa process.
- Cost: CAD $100
- Apply through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) — at ircc.canada.ca
- Processing time: typically 4–8 weeks, though times vary
- One important exception: some nationalities that hold a valid US B1/B2 visa may enter Canada without a separate Canadian visa. Check the full list of eligible nationalities at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship before assuming this applies to you.
- Apply for your Canadian TRV now if you need one — even 4–8 weeks of processing can become tight against June match dates when combined with US visa processing
🍁 Toronto Hosts 6 Matches Including Canada's Home Opener
Toronto is one of the most fan-friendly host cities in the tournament, with 6 group stage matches at BMO Field. If you cannot obtain a US visa, Toronto may still be reachable — particularly for fans whose countries are on the partial restriction list. Canada has more inclusive entry policies for many African and South Asian nationals than the USA. See our full Toronto & Vancouver fan guide for transport, hotels, and logistics.
Mexico Matches: Entry Requirements
Mexico hosts 14 matches across three cities — Mexico City (Estadio Azteca, 8 matches), Monterrey (Estadio BBVA, 6 matches), and Guadalajara (Estadio Akron, 6 matches). Mexico's entry requirements are considerably more permissive than the USA's for the vast majority of international fans, making Mexican-hosted matches a realistic and attractive alternative for fans who face barriers to US entry.
- Visa-free entry: Mexico has visa-free agreements with over 60 countries, including all EU nations, the UK, the USA, Canada, most of Latin America, Japan, and South Korea. Most World Cup fans do NOT need a visa for Mexico.
- No ESTA equivalent: Mexico does not require a pre-travel electronic authorization. Most international fans simply arrive at a Mexican airport with a valid passport.
- Tourist Card (FMM): Mexico's paper FMM tourist card was replaced by a digital system in 2021. Most air arrivals are processed digitally at immigration with no additional document required.
- Visa required for some nationalities: fans from certain African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries require a Mexican tourist visa (visado de turista). Processing is generally faster than equivalent US applications. Check requirements at embamex.sre.gob.mx.
- Your US ESTA or B1/B2 visa does NOT grant entry to Mexico — you must hold separate Mexican entry authorisation.
- Domestic flights within Mexico are affordable ($50–$150 one-way) for fans attending matches across Guadalajara and Mexico City or Monterrey.
🇲🇽 Guadalajara Hosts Mexico vs South Korea on June 18
Guadalajara's Estadio Akron is one of the loudest atmospheres in the Mexican phase and also offers the most affordable hospitality and accommodation of all host cities. If US visa barriers are a concern, the Mexican group stage is a genuinely excellent alternative — see our full Guadalajara fan guide for transport, hotels, and match day logistics.
Guadalajara & Estadio Akron Fan Guide →When to Apply: The Complete Timing Guide
Every entry document type has a different urgency level as of February 2026. This table gives you the honest assessment of what is still achievable and what your immediate next action should be.
| Document Type | February 2026 Status | Apply By | Action Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| US ESTA (VWP countries) | ✅ Open — takes minutes | At least 72 hours before travel | Apply now at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — there is no reason to delay |
| Canadian eTA (eTA-eligible countries) | ✅ Open — typically instant | Before booking flights to Canada | Apply at canada.ca — takes 2–3 minutes |
| US B1/B2 Visa (low-wait countries: parts of Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe) | 🟡 Tight — achievable | March 2026 | Complete DS-160 and schedule standard interview this week |
| US B1/B2 Visa (medium-wait countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt) | 🟠 High Risk | Immediately | Apply standard appointment now; request expedited if wait > 10 weeks |
| US B1/B2 Visa (critical-wait countries: India, Brazil, China, Colombia) | 🔴 Standard route likely too late | Today — emergency only | Apply for emergency/expedited appointment directly with your US Embassy — your ticket confirmation is your justification |
| Canadian TRV (India, China, Nigeria, most of Africa, South America) | 🟡 Tight — 4–8 weeks processing | Immediately | Apply at ircc.canada.ca today — parallel to any US visa application |
| Mexican Tourist Visa (if required for your nationality) | ✅ Achievable — faster processing | Within 4–6 weeks of travel | Apply at your nearest Mexican consulate — processing is significantly faster than US equivalent |
| Visa Bond (if required for your nationality) | ⚠️ Only discovered post-interview | Immediately upon conditional visa approval | Check travel.state.gov for your nationality's bond eligibility; ensure you have liquidity for $5,000–$15,000 if required |
The Visa Bond Pilot Program: An Underreported Requirement
A significant and widely underreported development in US visa policy for 2026 is the expansion of the Visa Bond Pilot Program. Under this program, certain B1/B2 applicants may be required to post a refundable financial bond as a condition of receiving their visa. The bond is not mentioned at the time of application or interview — it is disclosed only after the consular officer has determined that the visa can be conditionally approved.
- Bond amounts: $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 USD — the amount is set by the consular officer at the time of interview
- The bond is fully refundable if you comply with all visa conditions — most importantly, departing the USA by your authorised stay expiry date
- Overstaying your visa even by one day results in full forfeiture of the bond amount
- Payment must be made before the visa is physically issued — you cannot travel until the bond is paid and the visa is issued
- The bond can be paid by the applicant or by any third party — a family member, employer, or sponsor
- The bond is in addition to — not a replacement for — the standard $185 visa fee
- Nationalities subject to the bond program are listed at travel.state.gov — check this before your interview so you are not taken by surprise by a payment requirement after approval
- Practical implication for World Cup fans: if your visa is conditional on a bond, ensure you have the liquidity to arrange payment quickly — the visa cannot be issued and you cannot travel until the bond is paid, and the match schedule does not wait
📋 Check the Bond List Before Your Interview
The Visa Bond Pilot Program is not publicised prominently. Many applicants arrive at interviews unaware it exists, receive a conditional approval, and are then unable to post the $5,000–$15,000 bond in time to receive their visa before their travel date. Check the full list of nationalities subject to this program at travel.state.gov before your interview date — not after.
Visa Strategy Sorted? Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Entry documents are the first step. Once your visa or ESTA is confirmed, use our World Cup 2026 Trip Calculator to estimate total costs — flights, hotels, and tickets — for every host city, personalised to your origin country and travel dates.
Calculate My World Cup 2026 Trip Budget →Complete Step-by-Step: Securing Your Entry Documents Before June 11
Follow these steps in exact sequence. Every step depends on the one before it. Starting Step 1 today is the single most important action you can take to protect your ability to attend the tournament.
World Cup 2026 involves multiple non-refundable bookings — match tickets, flights, and hotels — that can total $3,000–$15,000+ per person. A visa delay, medical issue, or travel disruption that prevents your trip would represent a significant financial loss without travel insurance. World Nomads is trusted by international travellers for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and travel delays. Policies for a 2-week World Cup trip typically start at $50–$100. Do not skip this step.
Frequently Asked Questions — World Cup 2026 Visa & ESTA
Act Now — The Entry Document Window Is Closing
For 98,000 fans searching for this information every month, the timeline is real and the consequences of delay are serious. If you are a ESTA-eligible fan who hasn't applied yet: do it today — it takes 10 minutes, costs $21, and you'll be cleared for the entire tournament in 72 hours. If you are from a country that requires a B1/B2 visa and your consulate wait time is under 90 days: apply this week for a standard appointment. If your consular post shows a wait time over 90 days — and that applies to fans in India, Brazil, Colombia, China, and dozens of other major football nations — do not apply for a standard appointment. Go directly to the emergency/expedited process at your nearest US Embassy, bring your confirmed ticket, and make the case for urgent travel. The World Cup opens June 11, 2026. That is 15 weeks away. Between now and then there are visa interviews to schedule, bonds to post, Canadian eTAs to apply for, and Mexican consulates to visit. Every week spent waiting is a week of processing time lost. You have your ticket. Now secure the right to use it.
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