WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States government has announced a new initiative to shorten visa processing times for international fans attending the FIFA World Cup 2026. The system, unveiled on Monday, November 17, 2025, is designed to prioritize interview appointments for ticket holders, a move with significant implications for Kenyans and other East African fans planning to travel for the tournament.

In a press conference at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, introduced the 'FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System', or 'FIFA PASS'. This program allows individuals who have purchased World Cup tickets through official FIFA channels to receive expedited appointments for their visa interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.

“I've directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success,” President Trump stated during the announcement. FIFA President Gianni Infantino added, “We have always said that this will be the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history — and the FIFA PASS service is a very concrete example of that.”

Implications for Kenyan Travellers

For Kenyan citizens, who are required to obtain a B-2 tourist visa to enter the United States, this development could streamline the often lengthy application process. Kenya is not a member of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, meaning all prospective attendees must complete the multi-step visa application, which includes the DS-160 form, payment of a $185 fee, and a mandatory in-person interview.

U.S. officials were clear that the FIFA PASS is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that all applicants will undergo the same rigorous security vetting as any other visa applicant. “Your ticket is not a visa. It doesn't guarantee admission to the U.S. It guarantees you an expedited appointment,” Rubio clarified. “The only difference here is, we're moving them up in the queue.”

The initiative aims to address global concerns over significant visa backlogs, which in some countries have exceeded a year. To manage the anticipated surge in applications for the tournament, which is expected to draw up to six million fans, the State Department has already deployed 400 additional consular officers globally. According to Secretary Rubio, these measures have reduced average wait times for a visa appointment to within 60 days in approximately 80% of countries.

How FIFA PASS Will Work

Under the new system, fans with official tickets will be directed to use a dedicated “FIFA portal” to help prioritize their visa application and interview scheduling with the State Department. The U.S. Department of State has advised all prospective travelers, including those eligible for the new system, to begin their visa applications immediately to avoid last-minute complications. Further specific instructions on how to use the FIFA PASS system will be sent directly to ticket holders in early 2026.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest in history, featuring an expanded format with 48 teams. The majority of matches, 78 out of 104, are scheduled to be held in 11 U.S. cities. The U.S. government has urged all foreign travelers planning to attend to visit the official State Department website for detailed information on the visa process.