WASHINGTON (AP) – The State Department will increase staffing of certain US embassies and consulates to accommodate the expected major jumps in visa applications from soccer fans who wish to participate World Cup match Next year in the US.
The department said Thursday it would send hundreds of additional consular officials to “designated countries” to handle the demand for visa interviews. With the 48 team fields for the 2026 World Cup not confirmed, the number of staff and the countries they will go to have yet to be determined.
Tickets for tournaments hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico It’s been released Wednesday amid concerns over the Trump administration Transition and temporary visa crackdowns It provides permission to enter the United States.
I’ve already seen the new visa policy Deporting many foreigners It is considered to have engaged in activities or speeches that the Republican administration says it would refute its position. These policies include extensions Check applicant’s social media account Other official statements.
World Cup travelers who come to the US primarily from Europe and Asian countries, which are part of the visa waiver program, will not require an interview. However, fans of countries who are not registered with the program and have not yet held a valid tourist or business visa, will need to apply a process that requires in-person interviews. Enhanced security screening.
The State Department said it was “ready to meet demand while maintaining strict screening requirements.”
Approximately 80% of countries that have qualified or are likely to qualify for the World Cup, can schedule visa interview appointments within two months, the department said.
To address the expected boost in demand and speed up processing, the department said in the coming months that it will “send hundreds of staff to designated countries and interview fans who do not yet have US visas.”
The department said fans should start the visa application process now and noted that visa and passport operations are maintained US government closure It began on Wednesday.
