FIFA fever is all set to hit us soon and as we gear up for the big football festival, US has introduced FIFA pass to travel to the country to watch matches. Called FIFA PASS, this initiative is meant to help international visitors get faster US visa appointments for the tournament, which will be hosted by the US along with Canada and Mexico.
What is FIFA PASS?
FIFA PASS is not a new visa type. Instead, it is a faster way to apply for the existing B1/B2 visitor visa for people who already have official World Cup tickets. It mainly helps travellers from countries that do not get visa-free entry to the US, such as India, by reducing long waiting times for visa interviews.
One Indian’s experience goes viral
An Indian football fan recently shared his experience on social media, explaining how FIFA PASS helped him move through the visa process smoothly. The applicant said he first bought a valid ticket for the 2026 World Cup.
He then filled out the FIFA PASS opt-in form and completed the regular DS-160 visa application. After registering on the US visa scheduling website, he expected delays.
Instead, he noticed something unexpected. Even before paying the visa fee, the system seemed to detect his FIFA ticket. When choosing the visa category, he saw a new option, FIFA World Cup (FIFA PASS) B1/B2 visa. After selecting it, the system appeared to verify his details, and the remaining steps were simple.
Though unsure at first, the applicant said the fast-tracking was real. In Delhi, biometric appointments were available within just a few days. Visa interview slots were open throughout February and into March, with several slots available each day, something rarely seen by Indian applicants. ” I was sceptical whether the appointments would really be fast tracked. But honestly? In Delhi VFS Appointments were available even for the 2nd of Feb!!! (Yes 3 days notice) and consular appointments available throughout whole of Feb and half of March with 12 slots each day empty. Hope this post helps other FIFA PASS holders in India or around the world,” he wrote on social media.
FIFA PASS does not guarantee visa approval but it clearly makes the process faster for eligible fans. For Indian football lovers planning to attend the 2026 World Cup, this could make travelling to the US much easier and less stressful.
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