World Cup 2026: Travel Guidance for Ticket Holders

Holding a World Cup 2026 ticket does not provide immigration status or guarantee entry to the United States. International fans must still travel under the U.S. immigration system - most commonly through ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a B-2 visitor visa - and must be admissible when they arrive at the airport. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), not FIFA or the ticket issuer, makes the final decision on entry.

To help manage demand, FIFA and the U.S. government have announced a FIFA Pass / priority appointment concept that may allow some ticket holders to access expedited visa interview scheduling at certain U.S. consulates. This system does not waive visa requirements, change eligibility rules, or guarantee approval. It only affects how quickly some applicants may obtain an interview slot.

Because the tournament is approaching, the most common problems we are seeing are timing issues, past immigration history, and misunderstandings about ESTA vs. visas. Planning now can make the difference between attending your matches - or missing them entirely.

Whether you need ESTA or a B-2 visitor visa depends primarily on your nationality, not where you live or where you bought your tickets. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries may be eligible to travel using ESTA, while travelers from all other countries must apply for a B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. consulate.

You can review the official Visa Waiver Program country list on the U.S. Department of State website:

>> https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html

It’s important to understand that ESTA is not a guaranteed or risk-free option. Prior visa denials, overstays, removals, criminal issues, or immigration violations can make ESTA unavailable or risky. B-2 visa applicants, meanwhile, must convince a consular officer that they are genuine short-term visitors with strong ties abroad and no intent to remain in the United States.

Some travelers may also be affected by current travel bans or entry restrictions based on nationality or prior travel history. These restrictions can change and may affect visa issuance or admission, even for World Cup spectators. The Department of State maintains current information on country-specific restrictions and proclamations here:

>> Suspension of Visa Issuance to Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States

If you are from, or have traveled through, a country listed in a travel ban or restriction, individualized legal advice is strongly recommended before applying or traveling.

Some World Cup travelers may hear about “visa bonds” or financial guarantees as part of recent enforcement initiatives. A visa bond is a financial amount that may be required in certain cases to ensure that a visitor complies with the terms of admission - primarily that they depart the United States on time.

Visa bonds are not required for most travelers, but they may be imposed in limited circumstances based on nationality, overstay risk, prior immigration history, or policy changes. These bonds are typically set by the U.S. government and may involve posting a substantial sum before or during travel.

The Department of State and related agencies periodically issue guidance on visa bond programs and discretionary conditions of entry. Official information can be found through DOS visitor visa policy pages, including:

>> Countries Subject to Visa Bonds

If a visa bond is required or discussed in your case, legal guidance is important to understand the cost, refund conditions, and compliance requirements.

At Chaney Immigration Law Firm, we assist World Cup ticket holders with practical, risk-focused travel planning, not just paperwork. Our role is to identify potential issues early - before a visa interview or airport inspection - and help you avoid last-minute denials, refusals, or missed matches.

We regularly advise travelers on:

• ESTA eligibility and risk analysis 
• B-2 visitor visa strategy and interview preparation
• Prior visa denials, overstays, or immigration violations
• Travel bans, secondary inspection risks, and entry readiness
   

If you have tickets and any uncertainty about ESTA, a visitor visa, or your travel history, now is the time to act. Schedule a World Cup Travel Consultation to get clear guidance before your trip—and protect your ability to attend a once-in-a-lifetime event.