WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has expanded public guidance on its FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), adding new instructions for World Cup ticket holders who have encountered problems obtaining priority visa interview access after purchasing or transferring tickets, as international fans continue seeking entry to the United States during the closing stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The updated guidance addresses several scenarios reported by ticket holders, including delayed receipt of FIFA PASS opt-in forms, missing ticket purchase keys, eligibility issues for tickets acquired through FIFA's resale marketplace, and procedures for applicants who had already scheduled visa interviews before purchasing match tickets. The expanded frequently asked questions also clarify that holders of transferred or resale tickets may face different verification procedures before becoming eligible for FIFA PASS.
FIFA PASS is a voluntary program created by FIFA in cooperation with the State Department to provide eligible World Cup ticket holders with access to priority U.S. visa interview appointments where standard wait times could otherwise prevent travel before the tournament. The State Department and FIFA have repeatedly emphasized that participation in the program does not guarantee visa issuance and does not exempt applicants from standard security screening or eligibility requirements under U.S. immigration law.
According to the updated guidance, applicants who purchased tickets directly from FIFA but do not immediately receive a FIFA PASS opt-in form or purchase key are instructed to follow designated support procedures rather than submit duplicate applications. The guidance also explains steps for applicants whose visa appointment systems do not recognize their FIFA PASS eligibility despite completing the opt-in process.
Officials further reiterated that ticket ownership alone does not determine visa eligibility. Applicants must complete the DS-160 visa application, pay applicable fees, attend an interview if required, and satisfy all immigration requirements. Scheduling a priority appointment through FIFA PASS affects only interview availability and does not influence the final adjudication of a visa application.
The guidance also confirms that visas issued through the normal adjudication process are not canceled solely because a ticket holder later sells or transfers a World Cup ticket, noting that visa eligibility is tied to the individual rather than continued ownership of a specific match ticket.
The State Department and FIFA have encouraged international supporters to consult the latest official FIFA PASS guidance and visa information as processing requirements continue to apply throughout the remainder of the tournament.
