Indian football fans can skip long US visa wait times for FIFA 2026 by travelling to Canada or Mexico
With the
FIFA World Cup 2026
set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Indian fans looking to experience the tournament in person may find smoother travel access through
Canada
and Mexico. While US visa appointments for Indian tourists are currently facing longer wait times-extending up to 13.5 months; both Canada and
Mexico
offer relatively faster and less complex tourist visa processes.
Canada allows online applications for its Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), with processing timelines often under three months. Mexican tourist visa applications can be completed quickly as well, with added flexibility for travelers already holding valid visas for countries like the US, UK, Canada, Schengen states, or Japan.
Matches in Canada will be hosted in Toronto and Vancouver, while Mexico will hold games in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. With the World Cup's expanded format of 48 teams and 104 matches, fans opting for these locations can still be part of the global event without the added delays tied to U.S. visa appointments.
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For Indian fans eager to witness the tournament live, applying through Canada or Mexico may offer a smoother and timely route to be part of football's biggest stage.
(Join our
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According to the US Department of State, B-1/B-2 tourist visa appointments for Indian applicants have substantial wait times across major consular cities, which could affect travel plans for fans hoping to attend matches in the United States.
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Planning to attend FIFA World Cup 2026 in the US? Now is the time to apply for your visa
Indian nationals planning to travel to the United States for tourism, including attending global events like the FIFA
World Cup
2026, are required to obtain a B-1/B-2 visa.
The application process includes completing the DS-160 form online, paying the visa fee, and attending an in-person interview at a US consulate or embassy. Appointment availability depends on location-specific demand, staffing levels, and overall workload at the post, leading to varied wait times.
According to the US Department of State, as of April 25, 2025, the average wait time for a B-1/B-2 visa interview in Chennai is 11.5 months, with the next available appointment at 13.5 months. Hyderabad reports a 7.5-month wait for both average and next available appointments, while Kolkata stands at 8 months for both. Mumbai applicants face a 7.5-month average wait, with the next appointment slot available in 9.5 months. In New Delhi, the average and next available appointment times are both 9 months.
The department advises applicants to schedule visa appointments well in advance to account for these delays.
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US may bolster consular services, employ AI to meet World Cup visa demand, says Rubio
FIFA World Cup 2026
The
FIFA
World Cup 2026 will be the largest edition of the tournament to date. For the first time, the event will feature 48 teams, up from 32 in previous editions. Between June 11 and July 19, 2026, the FIFA World Cup will feature approximately 104 matches held across three host countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament will take place in 16 cities, with 11 located in the US. All matches from the quarter-finals onwards are scheduled to be played in the United States, including the final, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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