Donald Trump’s ‘FIFA PASS’ visa process explained for World Cup next month

Donald Trump’s FIFA PASS visa process explained for World Cup fans

FIFA PASS, short for FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling System, was announced by Trump’s administration to help official World Cup ticket holders secure faster U.S. visa interview appointments.

The process starts with fans buying tickets through official FIFA channels or approved hospitality partner On Location. After that, they must opt in through their FIFA ticket account and receive a unique FIFA PASS key.

Fans still have to complete the normal DS-160 non-immigrant visa application, pay the regular visa fee and schedule an interview through the official U.S. visa appointment system.

When scheduling, eligible fans can identify themselves as FIFA ticket holders. If their details match FIFA’s records, priority appointment slots may become available.

FIFA PASS does not guarantee visa approval or US entry

The most important detail is that FIFA PASS only helps with appointment scheduling.

It does not automatically approve a visa, remove security checks, or override U.S. immigration rules. Applicants still need to prove eligibility, pass standard vetting, and satisfy consular officers that they intend to leave the U.S. after their visit.

Fans from Visa Waiver Program countries do not need FIFA PASS if they qualify for ESTA, while travelers who already have a valid U.S. visa also do not need to use the system.

The program is mainly aimed at fans from countries where interview backlogs are long, with officials trying to reduce wait times for ticket holders before the tournament begins.

There are also limits. FIFA PASS does not bypass travel bans, visa restrictions or other entry rules that may apply to certain countries. That means fans should not treat a match ticket as permission to enter the United States.

The safest approach is to apply as early as possible, make sure passport details match the FIFA ticket account exactly, and use only official FIFA and U.S. government visa channels.