If you are one of the lucky few who has a ticket to the World Cup in the United States, now is the time to figure out how you are actually going to enter the United States. In this post, we break down the questions that someone planning to enter the U.S. to see the World Cup matches needs to keep in mind.
- Ensure your passport is valid at least six months beyond departure to avoid extra scrutiny and potential denial of entry.
- Confirm whether you need a visa, can travel under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), or are from a visa-exempt country.
- If a B1/B2 visa is required, apply early and consider FIFA PASS for an expedited interview, then monitor your I-94 expiration after entry.
First, do you need to renew your passport?
It is always a good idea to have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date you plan to leave the United States. This is true even for those travelers who hold a passport from a country that is exempt from the six-month requirement, in order to avoid additional scrutiny and possible denial of entry by an officer who is unaware of the exemption.
Remember that border officers hold broad discretion to deny entry, so it is always a good idea to address and mitigate anything that might raise their doubt, especially regarding a passport that will expire in the near future.
Second, do you need a visa?
Not everyone who wants to enter the U.S. to watch the World Cup needs to apply for a visa. Let’s discuss a few categories of individuals who probably do not need to apply for a visa in order to attend the World Cup:
Those who already hold a U.S. visa
If you already have a U.S. visa that will remain valid until the date you plan to enter the U.S., you probably do not need to apply for a new visa in order to attend the World Cup. That being said, it is important that you accurately represent your planned activities upon entry, and do not use a visa if you do not plan to comply with its terms. For example, if you have a TN visa in your passport but you quit that job, do not use the TN visa to enter the U.S.
Those traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
Those individuals who have a passport from a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program (see the full list of countries here) likely do not need a visa in order to attend the World Cup. Remember that just holding a passport from one of these countries is not enough; you must actually submit an ESTA application and be approved before you travel.
Also important to remember is that if you were previously denied a visa, you may be ineligible for ESTA. As a result, it is better to apply for ESTA earlier rather than later, so that you have time to apply for a visa if needed.
Those who have a passport from a country that is visa-exempt
Individuals who hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, such as Canada or Bermuda, do not need a visa to enter the U.S. They would only need to show their passport at entry.
Third, do you have a plan to apply for a visa?
If you are not in one of the categories listed above and need to apply for a visa, the B1/B2 visitor visa will likely be the most suitable option if your purpose for visiting the U.S. is to attend the World Cup. Note that it is important to first confirm whether you are eligible for the expedited FIFA PASS option before you apply for the visa. More details on FIFA PASS are below.
The B1/B2 Application Process
To apply for a B1/B2 visa, you would first submit a Form DS-160 to the consulate in your home country, along with any required supporting documents (each consulate has its own instructions). Then, the consulate will schedule your biometrics (fingerprints and photos) and your interview. You would then attend the biometrics appointment and interview and be issued the visa in your passport, usually a few days after the interview.
Timing and Expedited Processing
Since the matches are only a couple months away, timing will be critical. You can check global visa processing wait times, but be aware that these are only rough estimates. It is always a good idea to apply early to build in time for any unforeseen delays. Fortunately, those who are applying for a B1/B2 visa in order to attend the World Cup may be eligible for an expedited program called FIFA PASS.
FIFA PASS: Priority Appointment Scheduling System
FIFA PASS (Priority Appointment Scheduling System) is a program meant to enable applicants to interview for a B1/B2 visa before the World Cup begins. There are a few requirements, however, one of which is that you must have purchased your tickets directly from FIFA.
How to Apply for FIFA PASS
To apply for FIFA PASS, you must first opt into the program before you submit your DS-160. To apply, log into your account on FIFA.com and submit the FIFA PASS opt in form. After doing so, you should complete the online DS-160 form (described above) and schedule your interview. The website should then prompt you to answer whether you are a FIFA ticket holder. Upon answering “Yes,” you should be granted an appointment date in time to attend the World Cup.
Important Limitations
It is important to keep in mind that FIFA PASS is only an expedited interview date; it is not a guaranteed approval. You must still attend your interview and the consular officer must determine that you are eligible for the visa. FIFA PASS does not provide an exception for those who are otherwise subject to active travel bans or visa bond.
FIFA PASS also does not enable applicants to apply outside their country of nationality or residence. FIFA PASS is only available to those who are applying for the visa in their country of nationality or residence. Note that nationals of Colombia are permitted to apply for a B1/B2 visa at the U.S. Consulates in Panama or Brazil.
I am in the U.S. and ready to attend the World Cup! What should I keep in mind now?
Once you have entered the United States, it is important to check your I-94, which can be done online here. The I-94 controls the length of time you are allowed to remain in the U.S. and shows the status you were granted. Make sure to note the date your I-94 expires because it is important that you either leave the United States or apply to extend your status with USCIS before the expiration date. Also, if you were given the wrong status, contact CBP in order to have it corrected.
