United States

US events visas

Major international events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw millions of overseas visitors, but the United States does not issue a special event visa. Attending an event is treated as tourism, so you travel on the standard visitor routes: the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA if you are eligible, or a B-1/B-2 visitor visa (with a DS-160 and usually an interview) if you are not. Because consular interview wait times rise ahead of big events, this section focuses on choosing the right route and applying early, and links to the official U.S. Department of State guidance.

JUNE–JULY 2026TOURIST ENTRYAPPLY EARLYWorld Cup VisaPopularThere is no special "World Cup 2026 visa" for the USA. To watch matches in the US host cities, international fans enter on a standard visitor visa (B-1/B-2) or, if eligible, the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. Because interview wait times spike before major events, the single most important thing is to apply early.View visa details

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