The Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance for the United States of America, with the FCDO issuing new advice for Friday, May 1. The update confirms the removal of information on possible travel disruption from the ‘Warnings and insurance’ page. The revised advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.
Boost for World Cup Fans
This change is a positive development for England and Scotland supporters, as the United States is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled from June 11 to July 19. Travelers planning to visit the US during this period are advised to consult the dedicated World Cup page for further details.
Travel Safety Reminder
Although no travel warnings are currently in place, the FCDO emphasizes that no journey can be guaranteed safe. It urges travelers to research their destinations thoroughly and obtain appropriate travel insurance that covers their itinerary, planned activities, and emergency expenses. The Foreign Office provides risk advice to help tourists make informed decisions.
Visa Appointments for Ticket Holders
Ticket holders for the World Cup 2026 can now access priority visa appointments through the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA Pass), announced by US President Donald Trump in November and launched in January. However, the US State Department stresses that a FIFA Pass appointment does not guarantee visa approval. All applicants must undergo thorough security screening and vetting.
A senior State Department official noted that the new system will reduce wait times, with applicants in over 80% of countries now able to schedule a visa appointment within 60 days. The official added: "At the visa appointment, the applicant must show they qualify for the visa and plan to follow our laws and leave at the end of the tournament. America's safety and the security of our borders will always come first."
For the latest updates, travelers should check the FCDO’s travel advice pages regularly.
