The US State Department will increase staffing at selected embassies and consulates to manage a sharp rise in visa applications from fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move comes as tournament tickets went on sale this week for matches hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The department said it would send “hundreds of staff to designated countries” in the coming months to conduct visa interviews for applicants without existing US visas. The exact number of officers and the countries where they will be posted are yet to be determined, as the final 48-team lineup has not been announced.
Fans from countries covered under the Visa Waiver Program are unlikely to require interviews. But those from nations outside the program or without a valid tourist or business visa must apply, a process that involves in-person interviews and additional security checks.
The State Department said it “is prepared to meet the demand while maintaining rigorous vetting requirements.” It added that in nearly 80% of countries that have qualified, or could qualify, for the World Cup, interview appointments can be scheduled within two months or less.
Officials urged applicants to begin the visa process early. They also confirmed that visa and passport services would continue despite the US government shutdown that started on Wednesday.
Trump’s visa policies add friction for fans
Travelers from non-Visa Waiver Program countries now face a $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” on top of existing charges. This amount is especially burdensome for many World Cup–bound fans from Latin America, India, Brazil and other non-waiver nations.
Because of this, average waiting times for a B-1/B-2 (tourist/business) visa interview have stretched to 169 days in many countries. In some places, obtaining an interview slot for a U.S. visa—essential for World Cup travel—is already taking many months.
Trump’s administration has also intensified visa screening. Applicants are subject to social media checks and enhanced scrutiny of public statements. Some foreign nationals have already been deported for speech or activity deemed contrary to administration policies.
Another new measure under consideration is a refundable bond of up to $15,000 for selected visitors—alongside the integrity fee—to discourage visa overstays.
Beyond fees and screening, the administration invoked Proclamation 10949, issued June 2025, which restricts entry from 12 named countries on national security grounds. This could block or delay travel from these nations even if fans secure visas.
The rollback or suspension of the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) also poses challenges. Under Trump-era changes, fewer applicants qualify to skip the in-person interview, even in cases where that was earlier possible.
The department said it would send “hundreds of staff to designated countries” in the coming months to conduct visa interviews for applicants without existing US visas. The exact number of officers and the countries where they will be posted are yet to be determined, as the final 48-team lineup has not been announced.
Fans from countries covered under the Visa Waiver Program are unlikely to require interviews. But those from nations outside the program or without a valid tourist or business visa must apply, a process that involves in-person interviews and additional security checks.
The State Department said it “is prepared to meet the demand while maintaining rigorous vetting requirements.” It added that in nearly 80% of countries that have qualified, or could qualify, for the World Cup, interview appointments can be scheduled within two months or less.
Officials urged applicants to begin the visa process early. They also confirmed that visa and passport services would continue despite the US government shutdown that started on Wednesday.
Trump’s visa policies add friction for fans
Travelers from non-Visa Waiver Program countries now face a $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” on top of existing charges. This amount is especially burdensome for many World Cup–bound fans from Latin America, India, Brazil and other non-waiver nations.
Because of this, average waiting times for a B-1/B-2 (tourist/business) visa interview have stretched to 169 days in many countries. In some places, obtaining an interview slot for a U.S. visa—essential for World Cup travel—is already taking many months.
Trump’s administration has also intensified visa screening. Applicants are subject to social media checks and enhanced scrutiny of public statements. Some foreign nationals have already been deported for speech or activity deemed contrary to administration policies.
Another new measure under consideration is a refundable bond of up to $15,000 for selected visitors—alongside the integrity fee—to discourage visa overstays.
Beyond fees and screening, the administration invoked Proclamation 10949, issued June 2025, which restricts entry from 12 named countries on national security grounds. This could block or delay travel from these nations even if fans secure visas.
The rollback or suspension of the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) also poses challenges. Under Trump-era changes, fewer applicants qualify to skip the in-person interview, even in cases where that was earlier possible.
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