The U.S. Department of State has issued travel guidelines for the FIFA World Cup 2026, mandating six-month passport validity and introducing a priority visa scheduling system for ticket holders.
The United States has outlined official visa requirements for international fans planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026. According to a guidance statement published on the U.S. Department of State website, all foreign travelers must hold a valid passport for at least six months beyond their intended stay. While Canadian, Bermudan, and Visa Waiver Program citizens enjoy specific entry exemptions, other travelers, including Nigerians, must secure a standard B1/B2 visitor visa.
To streamline the influx of visitors, the government introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) to help eligible ticket holders secure earlier interview dates. The statement clarified the core protocol, noting: “Foreign travelers planning to visit the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ should ensure they have the correct travel documents.”
For Nigerian fans, the process is further complicated. Because Nigeria failed to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament, applicants cannot access team-linked travel arrangements and remain subject to rigid U.S. entry controls under Presidential Proclamation 10998.
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