United States Paves the Way for Fans: Special Visa Priority to Boost Tourism for 2026 World Cup & 2028 Olympics

Published on December 5, 2025

In a move that will likely bolster international tourism, the United States has announced a major shift in how it processes visas for foreign travellers. Starting soon, fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics will receive priority access to visa interviews, ensuring smoother entry into the U.S. This initiative, aimed at easing travel for global fans attending these iconic events, is expected to significantly increase tourism in the U.S., generating a positive impact on the economy and local businesses.

The U.S. State Department has officially launched a fast‑track visa system designed specifically for sports fans attending major events, particularly the World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028. The decision was made to accommodate the expected influx of international visitors coming to the U.S. for these high‑profile sporting events. Under the new guidelines, foreign visitors who hold official tickets for these events will be given priority over regular visa applicants, ensuring they can get their visa processed in time to attend the matches.

This move comes at a crucial time as the U.S. prepares to host one of the largest sporting events in history, with the 2026 World Cup scheduled to take place across 11 cities in North America, including Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. The U.S. is also set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics. Both events are expected to draw millions of international spectators, making the need for quick and efficient visa processing even more pressing.

The U.S. government’s decision to fast‑track visas for event attendees is part of its broader strategy to accommodate a surge in tourism, particularly in major cities and sports hubs. With the introduction of this special FIFA Pass system, ticket holders for the World Cup and Olympics will be able to schedule visa interviews with priority status. This is a significant step, especially for countries that have long visa wait times for U.S. travel. In some countries, applicants will be able to secure appointments within 60 days, reducing the typical wait time that often spans several months.

In addition to the World Cup and Olympics, the priority system is also designed to handle visa applications for other major events, such as international sporting tournaments, festivals, and conferences, which attract thousands of international visitors. This means more tourists will find it easier to experience the U.S., whether they are coming for a sporting event or just to explore the country’s famous landmarks, museums, and attractions.

Tourism experts believe that this initiative will lead to an economic boost for the U.S. economy, as international tourists will be spending money on flights, hotels, food, and sightseeing. Hotels and airlines are already seeing an increase in bookings as fans plan their trips to the U.S. For example, cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are expected to see a jump in international arrivals, not just for sports, but also for leisure travel. This could translate into a positive impact on the hospitality industry, as well as local businesses that cater to tourists.

As part of the plan, more than 400 consular officers will be deployed to U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to help process the expected rise in visa applications. These officers will work to ensure that the visa application process remains efficient, even as millions of visitors seek entry. This additional staffing aims to make the visa process smoother for applicants, reducing the backlog that has sometimes delayed travelers from attending major events.

This initiative is expected to enhance the U.S.’s global reputation as a welcoming destination for international travellers. With smoother visa processing, more foreign visitors will likely consider the U.S. their top choice for vacationing or attending future events. The decision to prioritize sports fans also demonstrates the country’s commitment to inclusivity, welcoming people from all corners of the globe to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and cultural exchange.

For fans and travellers from countries like India, Brazil, and Europe, this change offers a new opportunity to plan ahead and secure their visas well in advance. As travel bookings open up, it is highly recommended that visitors begin applying for their visas as early as possible to ensure they are not left out of the U.S. experience.

The U.S. government’s decision to expedite visa processing for sports fans is a win for international tourism. By offering priority visa appointments for the World Cup 2026 and Olympics 2028, the U.S. is setting itself up to welcome millions of visitors from around the world. This move not only enhances the travel experience for fans but also strengthens the U.S. economy, which will benefit greatly from the increased tourism and global exposure that these events will bring.