US embassy in Colombia offers priority visas for 2026 World Cup ticket holders

The United States Embassy in Colombia has announced priority visa appointments for fans holding tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This initiative uses the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, known as FIFA PASS, to facilitate travel for international supporters. However, possessing a ticket does not guarantee visa approval.

The US Embassy in Colombia released a statement highlighting expedited visa services for soccer enthusiasts planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. "Excellent news for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders traveling to the United States this year! We offer you priority access to U.S. visa appointments," the embassy posted on its official profile.

This priority system is accessible via FIFA PASS, available to those who purchased tickets directly from the official FIFA website and completed registration accurately. Applicants must use the State Department's dedicated World Cup website to start the process. They select their country of nationality or residence, fill out the DS-160 online form with data matching their FIFA registration, affirm ticket ownership when prompted, schedule an interview, upload a recent photo, and pay the required fee.

The visa in question is the standard B1/B2 for tourism and business purposes, allowing activities like attending events, vacations, family visits, shopping, or medical treatment. It permits a stay of up to six months, but holders cannot use it for work or study. Overstaying could lead to a 10-year entry ban.

The announcement aligns with preparations for Colombia's national team matches. The team will play Uzbekistan and another opponent in Mexico City and Guadalajara, before facing Portugal on June 27 in Miami—a fixture already generating high demand.

US authorities stress that while appointments are prioritized, visa decisions follow standard security and verification protocols. A ticket alone does not ensure approval. This update builds on information from the State Department's new FIFA PASS FAQ page, providing guidance on immigration policies for World Cup visitors.

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International fans with World Cup tickets and US visas celebrate FIFA PASS launch outside embassy for 2026 tournament.
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US launches FIFA PASS for 2026 World Cup visa priority

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The United States has introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, known as FIFA PASS, to help international fans secure visa interviews ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This voluntary program targets ticket holders from countries with long visa wait times, while maintaining standard security checks. The initiative aims to facilitate smooth travel for the tournament, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

The United States has introduced the FIFA PASS, a prioritized visa appointment system for international ticket holders attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Announced by President Donald Trump alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the initiative aims to expedite entry for millions of fans. Officials emphasized that while appointments are faster, standard security vetting remains unchanged.

Reported by AI

FIFA has issued a statement addressing concerns over U.S. visa policies affecting fans attending the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing that match tickets do not guarantee entry to host countries. The Trump administration's recent pause on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries includes several World Cup participants, though tourist visas remain unaffected for now. Officials urge early applications to navigate potential delays.

FIFA received five million ticket applications in the first 24 hours of the random selection draw for the 2026 World Cup, spanning over 200 countries, even as fan groups continue criticizing soaring prices.

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FIFA announced on January 19 a record-breaking over 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup from fans across all 211 member associations during the initial 33-day sales phase, averaging 15 million daily despite backlash over high prices.

Amid 5 million ticket requests and ongoing backlash over high prices—as covered previously—the 2026 FIFA World Cup offers tickets via FIFA's phased drawing process and secondary markets. Fans must register with a FIFA ID and note strict stadium policies like clear bags and no re-entry.

Reported by AI

The US Embassy in Mexico will temporarily suspend visa services on December 24 and 26, 2025, due to holiday observances. Scheduled appointments will be automatically rescheduled, with email notifications sent to applicants. Operations will resume on December 29.

 

 

 

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