US To Speed Up Visa Process For World Cup Travelers, Trump Announces 'FIFA Pass'
The US government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at expediting visa applications for foreign travelers attending next year's FIFA World Cup. Dubbed the "FIFA Pass," this system will enable those who purchase World Cup tickets through FIFA to receive prioritized appointments for their visas.
Under the program, applicants can utilize a dedicated portal to streamline their application and interview process with the State Department. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, travelers in about 80% of the globe can secure a visa appointment within 60 days. The administration has dispatched over 400 additional consular officers worldwide to handle the surge in demand for visas.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was on hand at the Oval Office with President Donald Trump to explain the new system. "If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have prioritized appointments to get your visa," Infantino said, echoing Trump's previous comments that America welcomes the world. Trump himself strongly encouraged World Cup travelers to apply for their visas immediately.
The White House has been keen on hosting the high-profile tournament, with 104 games set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the US next year. However, the administration remains committed to prioritizing safety and security, with President Trump floating the possibility of relocating a World Cup game to a different city if deemed necessary.
The "FIFA Pass" initiative is seen as an attempt by the Trump administration to balance its tough stance on immigration with the influx of global travelers expected for the tournament.
The US government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at expediting visa applications for foreign travelers attending next year's FIFA World Cup. Dubbed the "FIFA Pass," this system will enable those who purchase World Cup tickets through FIFA to receive prioritized appointments for their visas.
Under the program, applicants can utilize a dedicated portal to streamline their application and interview process with the State Department. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, travelers in about 80% of the globe can secure a visa appointment within 60 days. The administration has dispatched over 400 additional consular officers worldwide to handle the surge in demand for visas.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was on hand at the Oval Office with President Donald Trump to explain the new system. "If you have a ticket for the World Cup, you can have prioritized appointments to get your visa," Infantino said, echoing Trump's previous comments that America welcomes the world. Trump himself strongly encouraged World Cup travelers to apply for their visas immediately.
The White House has been keen on hosting the high-profile tournament, with 104 games set to take place in Canada, Mexico, and the US next year. However, the administration remains committed to prioritizing safety and security, with President Trump floating the possibility of relocating a World Cup game to a different city if deemed necessary.
The "FIFA Pass" initiative is seen as an attempt by the Trump administration to balance its tough stance on immigration with the influx of global travelers expected for the tournament.