U.S. Speeds Up Visa Processing for World Cup Fans
Posted on 11/20/25 at 22:27
- U.S. accelerates World Cup visas
- New FIFA Pass announced
- Priority access for traveling fans
According to EFE, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new program designed to speed up visa processing for international fans traveling to the country for the upcoming World Cup.
The system, called “FIFA Pass,” was introduced alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a meeting of the White House World Cup Task Force.
The program aims to make it easier for ticket-holding fans to secure earlier consular appointments.
Under this measure, visitors will be able to move ahead of other applicants who already had scheduled interviews.
Government outlines how the FIFA Pass will work
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the “FIFA Pass,” a new system that will streamline immigration processing for fans who have purchased World Cup tickets.
The “FIFA Pass” will allow ticket-holding fans to obtain… pic.twitter.com/WcHmagfJsE
— NMás (@nmas) November 17, 2025
During the announcement, Trump emphasized the importance of preparing for the massive influx of international travelers expected for the tournament.
The president said the United States is gearing up to receive tens of thousands of fans from around the world.
He explained that the goal of the FIFA Pass is to accelerate the appointment process without compromising U.S. security and verification protocols.
Trump urged fans to begin their visa applications “immediately” to avoid last-minute complications.
FIFA Pass offers priority visa appointments
Secretary of State Marco Rubio detailed how the system will be implemented and what applicants can expect.
Rubio revealed that the State Department has deployed over 400 additional consular officers worldwide to handle increased demand.
In some countries, he noted, consular staffing has doubled in response to high expected visa application volume due to the World Cup.
These measures are meant to guarantee faster appointment availability for fans able to prove they have already purchased official match tickets.
Officials recommend fans start the process early
Rubio added that roughly 80% of U.S. consulates are now able to schedule appointments within 60 days.
This includes high-demand countries such as Argentina and Brazil, which historically generate large numbers of World Cup travelers.
He stressed that the expedited process applies only to applicants who can show proof of ticket purchase.
However, possessing a ticket does not change or shorten the standard security checks required for all visa applicants.
Trump and Rubio clarify: FIFA Pass is not an automatic visa
“The FIFA Pass is not a visa,” Rubio stressed during the briefing.
He reminded fans that they must still undergo the full vetting process required for all visitors entering the United States.
The difference is that their appointment priority increases when they present valid evidence of attending World Cup matches.
Rubio urged fans not to wait “until the very last minute” to begin their applications, noting that early action remains key to avoiding travel delays.
