What is FIFA PASS?
The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a program created by FIFA in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State that allows eligible FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders to access priority visa interview appointments.
Important: FIFA PASS is NOT a visa and does NOT guarantee visa approval. Every applicant must still qualify for a U.S. visitor visa under existing immigration laws.
Step 1 – Purchase Your Ticket Through FIFA
To qualify for FIFA PASS:
✅ Purchase your World Cup ticket directly through FIFA’s official platform
✅ Secondary market or reseller tickets generally do not qualify for FIFA PASS benefits.
Step 2 – Opt In to FIFA PASS
Log into your FIFA account and complete the FIFA PASS opt-in process. You will be asked to:
- Confirm your identity
- Verify your ticket information
- Consent to sharing information with the U.S. Department of State for appointment scheduling purposes
If you skip this step, you will not receive FIFA PASS priority scheduling.
Step 3 – Complete Form DS-160
Every visa applicant must complete the online Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application). Be sure to:
- Answer every question truthfully
- Upload a compliant passport photo
- Save your confirmation page
You will need the confirmation number for your interview.
If you have questions regarding your eligibility for a U.S. visa, the visa application process, or any other immigration matter, we encourage you to seek individualized legal advice.
Law Office of Erika Rodriguez
Immigration and Nationality Law📞 Phone: (619) 289-8090
Our office is available to assist individuals and families with U.S. immigration matters, including visitor visas, family-based immigration, removal defense, waivers, naturalization, and federal immigration litigation.
Step 4 – Pay the Visa Application Fee
Pay the required Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee for the B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Keep your payment receipt because you will need it when scheduling your appointment.
Step 5 – Schedule Your Visa Interview
Using the U.S. visa appointment system for your country:
- Create or log into your account.
- Enter your DS-160 confirmation number.
- Enter your payment information.
- Indicate that you are a FIFA World Cup ticket holder.
If your ticket information matches FIFA’s records and you opted into FIFA PASS, you should be able to access priority interview appointments that are reserved for eligible ticket holders.
Step 6 – Prepare for Your Interview
Bring:
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Appointment confirmation
- Visa fee receipt
- Current photograph (if required)
- FIFA World Cup ticket confirmation
- Evidence of employment or business
- Financial documentation
- Travel itinerary (if available)
- Evidence of strong ties to your home country
Examples of strong ties include:
- Employment
- Business ownership
- Family responsibilities
- Property ownership
- School enrollment
- Financial commitments
Step 7 – Attend Your Interview
A consular officer will determine whether you qualify for a visitor visa. The officer will evaluate:
- Purpose of travel
- Financial ability
- Previous travel history
- Intent to return to your home country
- Overall eligibility under U.S. immigration law
What FIFA PASS DOES
✔ Provides access to priority visa interview appointments
✔ Helps eligible World Cup fans obtain interview dates before the tournament
✔ Reduces appointment wait times in many countries
What FIFA PASS DOES NOT DO
❌ It is NOT a visa
❌ It does NOT guarantee visa approval
❌ It does NOT waive security screening
❌ It does NOT change immigration laws
❌ It does NOT guarantee admission into the United States
Even with an approved visa, the final admission decision is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need FIFA PASS if I already have a valid U.S. visa? No. If your B-1/B-2 visa will still be valid for your travel dates, you do not need FIFA PASS.
Can I use FIFA PASS if I am from a Visa Waiver Program country? Generally, travelers using ESTA do not need a visitor visa and therefore do not need FIFA PASS.
Should I keep my existing visa appointment? Yes. If you already have a visa appointment scheduled before the World Cup, the U.S. Department of State recommends keeping your appointment rather than waiting for a FIFA PASS slot.
Important Reminder
FIFA PASS is simply a priority appointment scheduling system. The best way to maximize your chances of obtaining a visa is to:
- Apply early
- Complete the DS-160 accurately
- Prepare thoroughly for your interview
- Bring documentation demonstrating your temporary intent and strong ties to your home country
Planning ahead is the best way to ensure you are ready to enjoy the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in the United States.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as creating an attorney-client relationship.
The FIFA PASS program provides eligible FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders with access to priority visa interview appointments; however, it is not a visa and does not guarantee visa approval or admission into the United States. Every visa application is reviewed individually by a U.S. consular officer based on the applicant’s specific facts and applicable immigration laws and regulations.
Immigration policies, procedures, and government guidance may change without notice. Readers should not rely solely on this article when making travel or immigration decisions.
Reading this article, contacting our office, or submitting an inquiry does not create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is established only after a written fee agreement has been signed by both the client and the Law Office of Erika Rodriguez.
This publication is intended solely as an informational resource and reflects general guidance available as of the date of publication.
