Overview
- The White House announced the program with President Donald Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, framing it as a scheduling priority rather than a new visa category.
- Eligibility is limited to holders of official tickets for matches played in the United States, and the priority slot does not guarantee a visa or entry as standard vetting remains unchanged.
- The State Department has deployed more than 400 additional consular officers worldwide, saying about 80% of posts can now offer interviews within roughly 60 days after waits that in places like Argentina and Brazil exceeded a year.
- FIFA PASS applies to applicants globally who have U.S.-match tickets, while travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries continue to use ESTA when eligible.
- Applicants must complete the usual steps—including DS-160, fee payment and scheduling the first available appointment—before requesting a priority slot that each embassy or consulate grants at its discretion.