Introduction to US Visa Suspension Exceptions 75 Countries
You've snagged tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the biggest soccer spectacle ever with 48 teams and over six million tickets sold across 16 host cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico. But if you're from one of the 75 countries hit by the new US immigrant visa processing pause announced January 14, 2026, you might worry about entering the US.[1][2][5]
Don't panic. World Cup travelers from these US visa suspension exceptions 75 countries get special priority access, including a FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System launching early 2026. This article breaks it down: eligibility, processes, costs, challenges, and tips so you can cheer your team live without visa hassles.[1][2]
Backed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, this exemption ensures vetted fans enjoy the tournament safely before heading home. Whether you're eyeing matches in Miami, Los Angeles, or New York, here's your roadmap.[1]
Key Requirements and Eligibility
First, confirm if your country falls under the US visa suspension exceptions 75 countries list. The pause targets immigrant visas only, sparing nonimmigrant visas like B-1/B-2 tourist visas crucial for World Cup visa exemption seekers.[2][5][6]
Affected nations include Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, Thailand, Yemen, and dozens more like Albania, Bangladesh, Haiti, Senegal, and Syria. Full list: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Yemen.[5]
- Ticket holders qualify first: Proof of valid FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket unlocks priority scheduling.[1]
- Nonimmigrant visa unaffected: Tourist (B-2) or business (B-1) visas process normally; the pause hits immigrant categories.[2][6]
- VWP eligibility: If your country is in the Visa Waiver Program, apply for ESTA online—no visa needed for 90-day stays.[1][7]
- Dual nationality visa rule: Use your non-restricted passport if you hold dual citizenship.[3]
Example: A Brazilian fan (Brazil paused) with World Cup tickets and a clean record applies for B-2 visa. They bypass standard wait times via FIFA priority.[1][5]
Step-by-Step Process
Ready to apply? Follow this streamlined path for tourist visa during pause as a World Cup traveler.
- Buy and verify tickets: Purchase official FIFA tickets. Over six million available; sales are booming.[1]
- Check eligibility: Visit travel.state.gov or FIFA's site to confirm your country's status and VWP option.[1][7]
- Complete DS-160: Fill online nonimmigrant visa form at ceac.state.gov. Select B-1/B-2; mention World Cup travel.[2]
- Pay fee: $185 USD for B-1/B-2 (standard as of 2026; confirm current rate).[3]
- Schedule priority appointment: Early 2026, access FIFA Priority System at usvisas.state.gov for 11 US consulates hosting matches (e.g., Atlanta, Seattle).[1]
- Attend interview: Bring ticket proof, passport, finances, ties to home country, itinerary. Expect vetting questions.[1][3]
- Visa issuance: If approved, passport returns in 3-10 business days. Existing valid visas remain unaffected.[5]
Scenario: Iranian supporter from paused country books LA match ticket. They apply DS-160 January 2026, snag priority slot, interviews in Dubai (if available), gets B-2 visa in a week.[1][4]
Costs and Timeline
Budget wisely. Nonimmigrant visa unaffected by pause means standard fees apply, but priority speeds things up.
- Visa fee: $185 (MRV non-refundable).[3]
- ESTA (VWP): $21 online, instant approval often.[7]
- Optional expedites: No extra for FIFA priority, but premium lounges ~$50 at some embassies.
- Other costs: Travel to consulate ($200-1000), photos ($20), courier ($30).
Timelines: Standard B-1/B-2 waits 100-400 days in paused countries, but World Cup visa exemption cuts to 2-4 weeks via priority.[1] Apply now—tournament kicks off June 2026. VWP/ESTA: 72 hours max.[7]
| Option | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA Priority B-1/B-2 | $185+ | 2-4 weeks |
| ESTA (VWP) | $21 | Instant-72 hrs |
| Standard Visa | $185 | 3-12 months |
Fans from Haiti or Senegal (paused) saved months using November 2025-announced FIFA Pass.[4]
Common Challenges and Solutions
Even with exemptions, hurdles arise. Here's how to overcome them.
- Challenge: Long standard waits. Solution: FIFA priority only for ticket holders; buy tickets early.[1]
- Challenge: Proving non-public charge. Solution: Show job, bank statements, property—key for paused countries.[6]
- Challenge: No consulate access. Solution: Third-country processing (e.g., Nigerian in Accra).[3]
- Challenge: Prior refusals. Solution: Address reasons; consult immigration lawyer.[3]
- Challenge: Dual nationality visa rule confusion. Solution: Travel on eligible passport; declare both.[3]
Real scenario: Côte d’Ivoire fan denied before—reapplied with World Cup ticket, strong ties (job, family), approved via priority despite pause.[4]
Expert Tips and Recommendations
As a seasoned traveler who's navigated visa mazes for global events, here's insider advice.
- Apply 6+ months ahead; priority still books fast.[1]
- Bundle proof: Ticket, hotel, flights, return ticket—shows intent to leave.[3]
- Practice interview: "Why World Cup? Plans post-event?" Answer honestly.[1]
- VWP first if eligible—easiest path.[7]
- Monitor updates: State.gov, FIFA site; policies shift.[1]
- Group travel? Coordinate appointments together.
- Avoid overstay risks: Tournament ends July; leave on time.[1]
Pro tip: Join FIFA fan forums for real-time success stories from paused-country travelers.
FAQ: Common Questions on US Visa Suspension Exceptions 75 Countries
Am I exempt if I have World Cup tickets from a paused country?
Yes, ticket holders get FIFA priority appointments for nonimmigrant visas, bypassing immigrant pause.[1]
What if I'm dual national?
Use your non-paused passport for dual nationality visa rule; declare both at entry.[3]
Does this affect VWP countries?
No—ESTA works fine; check eligibility.[1][7]
Can I travel without a visa interview?
Only via ESTA if VWP; otherwise, interview required even with priority.[3]
What if my visa is denied?
Reapply with more ties proof or seek waiver; athletes have extras, fans don't.[3][4]
Are existing visas revoked?
No, valid ones remain usable.[5]
When does FIFA priority start?
Early 2026; check FIFA/ State sites now.[1]
Conclusion & Resources
Secure your spot with early applications and solid prep—World Cup awaits. Check travel.state.gov and inside.fifa.com for updates.
