Kenyans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico have been urged to begin visa applications early, following clarifications from embassies in Nairobi on key travel requirements ahead of the tournament.
During a joint briefing, the US, Canadian, and Mexican embassies in Nairobi officials outlined how fans will be processed as demand for travel is expected to rise sharply during the global football event.
The United States has introduced the “FIFA pass” arrangement, under which fans who hold official World Cup 2026 match tickets will have their visa interview appointments prioritized.
US, Canada, and Mexico Embassies Issue Directives on 2026 World Cup
However, embassy officials stressed that the arrangement does not guarantee visa approval, and applicants will still undergo the standard vetting process.
Mexico, on the other hand, offers flexibility for travelers engaging in unpaid activities such as tourism, transit, business, or short-term studies for up to 180 days.
Those holding valid multiple-entry visas or permanent residence from countries such as the United States, Schengen Area, Japan, the United Kingdom, or Canada may be allowed entry without applying for a separate Mexican visa.
Nationals of Ukraine, Turkey, and Russia traveling by air can also apply for a single-entry Electronic Travel Authorization (SAE) in place of a visa.
Travelers who do not meet these exemption criteria must apply for a visitor visa at a Mexican consular office.
Canada, however, has maintained a stricter, separate process, requiring all travelers to meet entry requirements regardless of ticket ownership or travel history.
Most visitors must apply for a visitor visa, while visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling by air must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is electronically linked to their passport.
The embassies also cautioned that fans should not assume they will have last-minute flexibility for travel during the tournament. In particular, it may be difficult for travelers already in Mexico or Canada to secure US visas on short notice if they decide to attend matches in the United States.
Officials further emphasized that visa applications are best processed in applicants’ home countries or countries of residence, and warned against relying on emergency processing during the tournament window.
The FIFA PASS is a voluntary, opt-in process that allows FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders traveling to the United States the opportunity to obtain an expedited visa interview, if needed.
If you are from a country that participates in the U.S. visa waiver program (ESTA) and/or in a country that currently has open visa interview appointments, you do not need to use the FIFA PASS.
You should apply for your visa or ESTA now at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ – United States Department of State website. If you already have a valid visa to the United States, you will not need to use FIFA PASS.
FIFA PASS is only available to fans who have purchased tickets from FIFA.com/tickets or On Location.
How to apply for FIFA PASS
First, log in to your FIFA.com account and submit the FIFA PASS opt-in form. Your full name and passport number must match exactly as they appear on your passport.
After submitting the form, you will receive a unique key on the confirmation page. This key should be saved, as it will be required for any additional ticket holders or guests linked to your booking.
If you have multiple tickets, you may share the key with guests who require visa assistance. Each guest must create a FIFA ID using their passport details and opt in using the provided key. The key is valid only for the specific tickets purchased.
Once the FIFA PASS step is complete, applicants must begin the U.S. visa process at www.state.gov/fifa-world-cup-26. You will need to select your country of nationality or residence and complete the DS-160 visa application form.
All details on the DS-160 must match those submitted in the FIFA PASS opt-in. Applicants must then schedule a visa interview, upload a recent photograph, and pay the visa fee.
When prompted, applicants should indicate that they are FIFA ticket holders. If their information matches across FIFA and U.S. visa records, they may qualify for a FIFA PASS priority visa appointment.
Applicants must attend the interview and provide accurate information. For further assistance, official guidance is available through FIFA and the U.S. State Department World Cup visa information page.
