The United States has issued updated visa guidance for international fans intending to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026, advising travellers to secure the appropriate documentation ahead of the tournament.
The advisory, published on the United States Department of State website, outlines entry requirements and visa procedures for foreign visitors.
The notice comes as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in June and will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
According to the United States Department of State, all foreign nationals travelling to the United States for the tournament must possess passports valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, except for those from countries eligible for exemption.
The Department also announced that the visa bond requirement has been waived for eligible players, coaches, support staff and other qualifying team personnel who satisfy standard U.S. entry conditions.
“Foreign travelers planning to visit the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ should ensure they have the correct travel documents,” the statement read.
“All visitors traveling to the United States are required to be in possession of passports that are valid for six months beyond the period of their intended stay, unless they are a citizen of an exempt country.”
Canadian and Bermudan passport holders are not required to obtain additional authorisation for tourist entry into the United States.
Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may seek admission through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization in place of a visa.
All other travellers — including Nigerians — are required to obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa for travel related to the tournament.
The United States Department of State also unveiled the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, designed to help eligible ticket holders secure earlier visa interview dates ahead of the competition.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to streamline entry processing for visiting fans.
The guidance comes in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For Nigerian applicants, the requirements carry added implications. As Nigeria did not qualify for the tournament, its fans will not benefit from team-linked travel facilitation measures typically extended to participating countries.
Nigeria is also subject to broader U.S. entry controls under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which imposes partial restrictions on specific visa categories.
The policy affects certain tourist and student visa applications, though exemptions apply to diplomats, lawful permanent residents, athletes, and individuals deemed to qualify under national-interest provisions.
