BREAKING: January 2026 US Visa Policy Changes
Updated January 16, 2026: The US has paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries (effective Jan 21, 2026). Good news for World Cup fans: This does NOT affect tourist/visitor visas (B-1/B-2) or ESTA for attending matches.
NOT Affected (You're OK)
- • ESTA (tourist travel, 90 days)
- • B-1/B-2 visas (tourist/business)
- • Canada eTA/visitor visas
- • Mexico tourist entry
PAUSED (Not for tourists)
- • Immigrant visas (green cards)
- • Family reunification
- • Permanent residency
- • Diversity Visa Lottery
⚠️ What HAS Changed for Tourists:
- ▸Enhanced border screening: Expect longer customs lines and more detailed questioning
- ▸Social media scrutiny: Must provide 5 years of social media handles (ESTA/B-2)
- ▸Longer processing times: B-2 visa interviews now taking 3-6+ months (was 2-8 weeks)
- ▸Higher denial rates: 100,000+ visas revoked since January (mostly immigration-related, but signals tighter enforcement)
Affected countries include: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe + 27 more. See full list →
Visa Requirements
for 2026 World Cup
Everything you need to know about visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. USA ESTA ($40), Canada eTA (CAD $7), Mexico visa-free entry. For costs and trip planning, pair this with our World Cup budget guide and transportation guide.
This guide is written for international fans planning to follow matches across USA, Canada, and Mexico, especially if it's your first time dealing with multiple visa systems in one trip.
Must-Have Before You Book
KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
At a Glance
- Tournament Dates
- June 11 – July 19, 2026
- Host Countries
- USA, Canada, Mexico
- USA Entry
- ESTA $40 (2 yrs) or B‑2 visa $185
- Canada Entry
- eTA CAD $7 (5 yrs) or Visitor Visa CAD $185
- Mexico Entry
- Visa‑free for many + FMM $0–$43
- When to Apply
- Start 3–6 months before your first match
On This Page
January 2026 Update: What Changed for World Cup Travelers
On January 14, 2026, the US State Department announced major immigration policy changes. Here's exactly what it means for World Cup fans:
What Happened:
US suspends processing for green cards, family reunification visas
Immigrant visa appointments cancelled, but tourist visas continue
Stricter social media checks, longer border processing times
The 75 Affected Countries:
Remember: This list applies to immigrant visas only. If you're from these countries, you can still apply for B-2 tourist visas or ESTA(if eligible) to attend the World Cup.
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
🇦🇱 Albania
🇩🇿 Algeria
🇦🇬 Antigua & Barbuda
🇦🇲 Armenia
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
🇧🇸 Bahamas
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
🇧🇧 Barbados
🇧🇾 Belarus
🇧🇿 Belize
🇧🇹 Bhutan
🇧🇦 Bosnia
🇧🇷 Brazil
🇲🇲 Burma/Myanmar
🇰🇭 Cambodia
🇨🇲 Cameroon
🇨🇻 Cape Verde
🇨🇴 Colombia
🇨🇮 Côte d'Ivoire
🇨🇺 Cuba
🇨🇩 DR Congo
🇩🇲 Dominica
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇪🇷 Eritrea
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
🇫🇯 Fiji
🇬🇲 Gambia
🇬🇪 Georgia
🇬🇭 Ghana
🇬🇩 Grenada
🇬🇹 Guatemala
🇬🇳 Guinea
🇭🇹 Haiti
🇮🇷 Iran
🇮🇶 Iraq
🇯🇲 Jamaica
🇯🇴 Jordan
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
🇽🇰 Kosovo
🇰🇼 Kuwait
🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan
🇱🇦 Laos
🇱🇧 Lebanon
🇱🇷 Liberia
🇱🇾 Libya
🇲🇰 Macedonia
🇲🇩 Moldova
🇲🇳 Mongolia
🇲🇪 Montenegro
🇲🇦 Morocco
🇳🇵 Nepal
🇳🇮 Nicaragua
🇳🇬 Nigeria
🇵🇰 Pakistan
🇨🇬 Rep. Congo
🇷🇺 Russia
🇷🇼 Rwanda
🇰🇳 St. Kitts & Nevis
🇱🇨 St. Lucia
🇻🇨 St. Vincent
🇸🇳 Senegal
🇸🇱 Sierra Leone
🇸🇴 Somalia
🇸🇸 South Sudan
🇸🇩 Sudan
🇸🇾 Syria
🇹🇿 Tanzania
🇹🇭 Thailand
🇹🇬 Togo
🇹🇳 Tunisia
🇺🇬 Uganda
🇺🇾 Uruguay
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
🇾🇪 Yemen
What Should You Do Right Now?
If You're ESTA-Eligible
- 1.Apply for ESTA NOW at esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- 2.Prepare 5 years of social media handles (required since Jan 2026)
- 3.Print confirmation + keep digital backup
- 4.Budget extra time at US customs (lines are longer)
If You Need a B-2 Visa
- 1.Apply ASAP — visa interviews now taking 3-6+ months
- 2.Register for FIFA PASS (priority scheduling for ticket holders)
- 3.Gather STRONG documentation (job letter, bank statements, property)
- 4.Consider hiring immigration attorney if from high-risk country
- 5.Plan B: Target Canada/Mexico matches if US visa too risky
🎫 FIFA PASS: Your Secret Weapon
FIFA launched FIFA PASS (Priority Appointment Scheduling System) in November 2025. If you have World Cup match tickets, you get priority B-2 visa interview appointments.
How it works:
- 1. Buy World Cup tickets through FIFA's official site
- 2. Register for FIFA PASS (link sent to ticket holders)
- 3. Get moved to front of visa appointment queue
- 4. Still requires approval, but much faster scheduling
Source: FIFA Press Release, Nov 16, 2025
Bottom line: The immigrant visa pause doesn't block World Cup tourists, but enhanced screening and longer processing times mean you need to start early,over-document, and have backup plans (Canada/Mexico matches).
United States
ESTA (Visa Waiver)
39 countries can visit USA for 90 days without a visa using ESTA. Fastest option.
Application Steps:
- Visit esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- Complete online form (10-15 minutes)
- Pay $40 fee
- Receive approval (usually instant)
- Keep confirmation number
Warning
Official fee is $40. Beware of third-party sites charging $80-$150 for the same service.
Pro move
Submit your ESTA as soon as your flight dates are locked in—waiting until the week of travel is how fans end up refreshing the status page at the airport gate.
B-2 Tourist Visa
For non-ESTA countries. Requires embassy interview and documentation.
Application Steps:
- Complete DS-160 form online
- Pay $185 application fee
- Schedule embassy interview
- Attend interview with documents
- Wait for passport return with visa
Required: passport (6mo validity), DS-160, photo, bank statements, employment letter
Local tip from frequent travelers
Early‑morning embassy slots tend to run on time, while late‑afternoon interviews are much more likely to get delayed.
📈 ESTA Fee Nearly Doubled in September 2025
The ESTA application fee increased from $21 to $40 on September 30, 2025, following the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1, passed July 4, 2025). This 90% increase also affected other CBP fees.
- • Before May 2022: $14
- • May 2022 - Sept 2025: $21
- • Sept 30, 2025+: $40
- • $10 processing fee (always charged)
- • $30 authorization fee (if approved)
- • If denied: Only $10 charged
Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Federal Register Vol. 90, August 28, 2025
Land Border Entry Fee (NEW Sept 2025)
If entering USA by land from Canada or Mexico, you'll pay a $30 I-94 fee at the border (increased from $6 on Sept 30, 2025). This is IN ADDITION to your ESTA ($40), so total land entry cost = $70 USD.
Air arrivals do NOT pay the I-94 fee separately—it's included in your ticket price.
Canada
eTA
Visa-exempt countries can visit Canada for 6 months with eTA. Quick and cheap.
Application Steps:
- Visit canada.ca/eta
- Complete online form
- Pay CAD $7 fee
- Receive confirmation email
Quick tip
Most fans see their eTA approved within minutes, but every World Cup has horror stories of people who applied at the airport check‑in desk—give yourself at least a few days of buffer.
Visitor Visa (TRV)
For non-eTA countries. Requires biometrics and longer processing.
Application Steps:
- Apply online or on paper
- Pay fees (CAD $185 total)
- Provide biometrics at VAC
- Submit supporting documents
- Wait for decision
From experience, a clear travel plan (matches, cities, and dates) printed on a single page makes Canadian visa interviews smoother and avoids back‑and‑forth questions.
Mexico
Visa-Free Entry
70+ countries can visit Mexico visa-free for 180 days. Includes USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Japan.
FMM Tourist Card Process:
- Fill out FMM form (online or on arrival)
- Immigration stamps it at entry
- Keep it safe during your stay
- Return it when leaving Mexico
Pro Tip
Have a valid USA or Canada visa? You can enter Mexico visa-free even if your country normally requires one!
FMM Cost Details
Free: Stays under 7 days by land or when included in airfare
MXN $861 (~$43 USD): Required for stays over 7 days if not included in airfare
Local tip
Immigration officers in popular beach airports can get swamped on weekend evenings—aiming for midday arrivals often means a much shorter FMM line.
🤔 ESTA or B-2 Visa? Here's How to Decide
| Factor | ESTA (Faster) | B-2 Visa (Longer) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | 39 VWP countries only | All countries |
| Cost | $40 | $185 |
| Processing Time | Minutes to 72 hours | 2-8 weeks |
| Interview Required? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (at embassy) |
| Max Stay per Visit | 90 days | 180 days (typical) |
| Validity | 2 years | Up to 10 years |
| Can Extend Stay? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (apply inside USA) |
| Best For | Quick trips, tourism, World Cup matches only | Long stays, multiple trips, need extension flexibility |
World Cup travelers: If you're from an ESTA-eligible country and only attending matches (under 90 days), choose ESTA. It's 5x cheaper ($40 vs $185), no interview required, and approved in hours. Only choose B-2 if you're staying 90+ days or your country isn't eligible for ESTA.
🇨🇦 eTA or Visitor Visa? Quick Comparison
| Factor | eTA (Simple) | Visitor Visa (Complex) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Visa-exempt countries only | All countries |
| Total Cost | CAD $7 (~$5 USD) | CAD $185 (~$135 USD) |
| Processing | Minutes to 72 hours | 2-4 weeks |
| Biometrics? | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required (CAD $85) |
| Max Stay | 6 months | 6 months |
| Validity | 5 years | Up to 10 years |
Multi-Country Travel Planning
Attending matches in all three countries requires careful coordination of multiple travel documents.
Fans who hit all three countries usually regret one thing: leaving visas until the last minute. Treat this section like your master checklist and lock in documents before you start chasing cheap flight deals.
Multi-Country Checklist:
- USA: ESTA or B-2 visa (depending on nationality)
- Canada: eTA or visitor visa (depending on nationality)
- Mexico: Visa-free entry or tourist visa + FMM
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond departure date
- All authorizations cover multiple entries if needed
Travel Route Considerations:
Flying Between Countries
Most straightforward option. Each authorization covers air arrivals. Keep all confirmation numbers accessible.
Land Border Crossings
Same documentation requirements as air travel. USA-Canada and USA-Mexico borders are well-equipped for tourism. Verify requirements for your specific nationality.
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Document Type | Cost (USD) | Processing Time | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA ESTA | $40 | Minutes-72h | 2 years |
| USA I-94 (Land Entry) | $30 | Instant | Per entry |
| USA B-2 Visa | $185 | 4-12 weeks | Up to 10 years |
| Canada eTA | ~$5 (CAD $7) | Minutes-72h | 5 years |
| Canada Visitor Visa | ~$135 (CAD $185) | 3-8 weeks | Up to 10 years |
| Mexico Visa-Free | $0 | N/A | 180 days |
| Mexico FMM | $0-$43 | Instant | 180 days |
Eligible for ESTA & eTA:
Total cost: ~$45 USD
Processing: 72 hours
Requiring All Full Visas:
Total cost: ~$320 USD
Processing: 3-4 months
Pro Tips from 2022 Qatar World Cup Travelers
We surveyed 120 fans who attended the 2022 Qatar World Cup about visa challenges. Here's what they wish they'd known:
Avoid These Mistakes:
- Using Unofficial Websites (42% fell for this)
42% of surveyed fans accidentally used third-party ESTA sites charging $80-150 instead of the official $40 fee. Always use esta.cbp.dhs.gov directly.
Source: KickoffAdventures survey of 120 Qatar 2022 attendees (Jan 2023)
- Applying Too Late (28% experienced delays)
28% applied for visas within 4 weeks of travel and experienced stress or delays. Embassy appointments and processing times extend 3-5x longer during major events.
Source: U.S. Embassy wait time data (2022 World Cup period vs baseline)
- Forgetting Passport Validity (19% had to rush renewals)
19% realized their passport expired within 6 months of travel and had to pay expedited renewal fees ($200+ extra). Check passport expiry NOW—it should be valid until January 2027 minimum.
Source: Survey data + passport agency processing time increases (2022)
- Not Printing Confirmations (34% had network issues)
34% relied solely on digital copies and couldn't access them when cell networks crashed at stadiums or border crossings. Print physical backups of ESTA/eTA approvals, hotel bookings, and match tickets.
Source: OpenSignal stadium connectivity data + fan surveys (2022)
Maximize Approval Chances:
- Apply 3-4 Months Before Travel
ESTA/eTA usually approved in hours, but 7-12% get "pending" status requiring 3-14 days review. Full visas take 4-8 weeks. Start early to avoid panic.
- Show Strong Home Ties
60% of visa denials cite "failure to establish nonimmigrant intent" (INA §214(b)). Provide employment letters, property docs, family ties proof.
- Book Refundable Flights/Hotels Until Approved
16% of surveyed Qatar fans booked non-refundable travel before visa approval and lost $1,200-3,500 average when denied. Use free cancellation options.
- Be 100% Honest
Never provide false information. Lying = permanent visa bans + possible criminal charges. If denied, you can reapply; if caught lying, you're done forever.
Methodology: Data from KickoffAdventures survey of 120 fans who attended 2022 Qatar World Cup (conducted Jan 2023), cross-referenced with U.S. Dept of State visa denial statistics (FY 2023-2024) and CBP ESTA processing time data. All percentages rounded to nearest whole number.
🔍 NEW: Social Media Screening (Jan 2026)
As of January 2026, ALL ESTA and B-2 visa applicants must provide:
- 5 years of social media handles (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube)
- 10 years of email addresses
- 5 years of phone numbers
- Family member information
What They're Looking For:
- Criminal activity or illegal content
- Extremist views or associations
- Evidence you plan to overstay or work illegally
- Ties to sanctioned individuals/groups
Social Media Best Practices:
- Make controversial accounts private (don't delete—looks suspicious)
- Review recent posts for anything that could be misinterpreted
- Use professional usernames if creating new accounts
- Never joke about illegal activity (sarcasm doesn't translate in algorithms)
Top 7 Visa Denial Reasons (And How to Avoid Them)
Based on U.S. Department of State data, these are the most common reasons visas get denied—and what you can do to prevent them.
Insufficient Ties to Home Country (INA §214(b))
Why denied: Officer believes you won't return home after the trip. This is the #1 denial reason (accounts for ~60% of B-2 visa denials).
How to avoid:
- ✓ Provide employment letter stating you'll return to work after World Cup
- ✓ Show property ownership or long-term lease agreements
- ✓ Evidence of family ties (marriage cert, children's school enrollment)
- ✓ Return flight booking showing you're leaving after the tournament
Inadequate Financial Documentation
Why denied: Can't prove you can afford the trip without working illegally in the host country.
How to avoid:
- ✓ Bank statements showing 3-6 months of transactions
- ✓ Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- ✓ Credit card statements showing available credit
- ✓ Sponsorship letter if someone else is funding your trip (with their bank statements)
Incomplete or Inconsistent Application
Why denied: Missing documents, spelling errors, or contradictory information across forms.
How to avoid:
- ✓ Triple-check all spellings match your passport EXACTLY
- ✓ Verify dates are consistent across all forms
- ✓ Submit ALL required documents (don't skip anything)
- ✓ Have someone else proofread your application
Previous Immigration Violations
Why denied: Overstayed a previous visa, worked on a tourist visa, or violated entry conditions in the past.
How to avoid:
- ✓ Be honest about past travel—lying makes it worse
- ✓ If you overstayed before, wait the required ban period before reapplying
- ✓ Consult an immigration attorney if you have violations on record
Passport Validity Issues
Why denied: Passport expires within 6 months of your planned return, or has damaged pages/photos.
How to avoid:
- ✓ Renew passport if it expires before January 2027 (6mo after World Cup)
- ✓ Check passport for water damage, tears, or missing pages
- ✓ Ensure passport photo is recent and not faded
Suspicious Travel History
Why denied: Frequent long trips abroad, travel to high-risk countries, or pattern suggesting you live elsewhere.
How to avoid:
- ✓ Explain any gaps in employment due to travel
- ✓ Show you have a stable job/home to return to
- ✓ If you travel often, provide context (work, family visits, etc.)
Vague or Unrealistic Travel Plans
Why denied: Can't articulate why you're visiting, which cities you'll visit, or how long you're staying.
How to avoid:
- ✓ Print detailed itinerary (match dates, hotel bookings, transportation)
- ✓ Show World Cup match tickets as proof of purpose
- ✓ Be specific: "Attending USA vs England match in Los Angeles on June 15"
Data source: U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, "Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa Ineligibilities" (FY 2023-2024 reports). INA §214(b) "failure to establish nonimmigrant intent" accounts for 60-65% of B-2 tourist visa denials annually.
Application Timeline
6 Months Before
- Check passport validity (6+ months beyond return)
- Research visa requirements for your nationality
- Renew passport if necessary
3-4 Months Before
- Apply for visas requiring embassy interviews (B-2, Canadian visitor visa)
- Gather supporting documents (bank statements, employment letters)
- Schedule visa appointments immediately
2-3 Months Before
- Apply for ESTA and eTA authorizations
- Book refundable flights and accommodation
- Purchase travel insurance
1 Month Before
- Confirm all visa/authorization approvals
- Print confirmations + make copies
- Screenshot important documents on phone
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Travel Checklist
Before you travel, ensure you have:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- USA: ESTA approval or B-2 visa stamp
- Canada: eTA approval or visitor visa
- Mexico: FMM form (if required)
- Printed authorization confirmations
- Digital backups of all documents
- Travel insurance with medical coverage
- World Cup match tickets
- Accommodation confirmations
- International credit cards
- Emergency contact information
- Return flight bookings
- Proof of financial means
- Vaccination records (if required)
Start your applications early, stay organized, and you'll be cheering in the stands worry-free! ⚽
Once this visa checklist is green across the board, your next stop should be dialing in your budget and getting between cities.