Mbabane – Football fans from Eswatini and across the world planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States are being urged to apply for their American visas without delay, as the tournament draws closer.
The US Department of State has laid out what travellers need to know about getting into the country for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Citizens of Eswatini, like most African countries, are required to hold a valid US visitor visa, known as a B1/B2 visa, to travel to the United States for the World Cup. Canadian and Bermudan passport holders do not need any additional authorisation to enter as tourists, while citizens of any of the 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. 
All visitors are required to carry passports valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in the United States.
For fans who purchased their tickets directly from FIFA, there is a special system called the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, known as FIFA PASS, which gives ticket holders the chance to schedule a visa interview before the tournament begins. The system works in three steps: logging into a FIFA.com account and submitting the FIFA PASS opt-in form, completing the DS-160 visa application form online, uploading a photo and paying the visa fee, and then scheduling a visa interview appointment.
However, the Department of State has made it clear that securing a FIFA PASS appointment does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. All applicants, including ticket holders, must undergo thorough security screening and demonstrate that they qualify for a visa.
On visa bonds, the Trump administration has confirmed it will waive the visa bond requirement for nationals of competing countries who purchased FIFA World Cup tickets by 15 April and opted into FIFA PASS, provided they are otherwise fully eligible for a US visitor visa.
Fans should also note that Presidential Proclamation 10998, which restricts visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries, does not make exceptions for fans or spectators, even those eligible for FIFA PASS. The exception under the proclamation applies only to athletes, coaches, support staff, and their immediate relatives.
On the question of multiple entry visas for fans attending matches across different host countries, the Department of State said there are no special visa provisions that change the maximum number of entries or length of validity for visas issued to World Cup ticket holders, and urged fans to plan their travel accordingly.
Spouses and minor children of ticket holders may also use FIFA PASS to schedule appointments, but only if they accompany the ticket holder to the interview.
US President Donald Trump set the tone for the country’s welcome, saying: “This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America. And we can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe.”
