Understanding ESTA vs. B1/B2 Visas for the 2026 World Cup
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, fans from around the globe are planning their trips to cheer on their teams. For many international visitors, understanding the correct entry requirements for the United States is crucial. Two common options are the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and the B1/B2 visitor visa. Knowing which one applies to you, based on your nationality, can save time and prevent travel disruptions. This guide breaks down the differences and costs associated with each.
What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and ESTA?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Instead, these travelers must apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA. ESTA is an online system that determines eligibility to travel under the VWP. It is not a visa, but rather a pre-screening process.
Applying for ESTA is a straightforward online process. The application typically requires basic personal information, passport details, and answers to a few eligibility questions. If approved, ESTA is generally valid for two years and allows for multiple entries into the U.S. within that period. For fans traveling from VWP-eligible countries, this is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to attend the World Cup.
The Cost of ESTA
The fee for an ESTA application is currently $40. This is a one-time fee that covers the authorization for two years. If your ESTA is approved, this fee allows you to travel to the U.S. multiple times within that two-year validity period, as long as your passport remains valid and you adhere to the VWP’s 90-day limit per stay. The fee is paid online at the time of application and is non-refundable. While ESTA denials are rare, it’s important to ensure all information provided is accurate to avoid any issues.
What is a B1/B2 Visitor Visa?
For citizens of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program, a B1/B2 visitor visa is typically required to enter the United States for tourism or business. The B1 visa is for temporary business trips, while the B2 visa is for tourism, vacation, or visiting family and friends. Often, these are issued together as a combined B1/B2 visa. Obtaining a B1/B2 visa involves a more extensive application process than ESTA.
This process usually includes completing the DS-160 online application form, paying a non-refundable application fee, and attending an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. During the interview, a consular officer will assess your eligibility and intent to travel. It is important to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and intend to return after your temporary stay.
The Cost of a B1/B2 Visa
The cost for a U.S. B1/B2 visitor visa has recently seen an increase. As of October 2025, a new Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee was added. The standard Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee remains $185. On top of this, there is a mandatory $250 integrity fee. This brings the total cost for a B1/B2 visa to $435 if approved.
The $185 application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa application is approved or denied. The $250 integrity fee is collected at the time the visa is issued, meaning you only pay it if your visa is approved. However, this fee is also non-refundable, even if you later decide not to use the visa or if your status is violated. This new fee structure significantly increases the financial commitment for non-VWP travelers.
Other World Cup Entry Costs
Beyond the U.S. entry requirements, travelers may also need to consider entry fees for other host countries. For example, if you plan to attend matches in Canada, you might need a Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), depending on your nationality. The Canadian eTA costs about $12 USD and is valid for two years. A TRV has a processing fee of around $75 USD, plus potential biometric fees, and is paid at the time of application.
Similarly, if your travels include Mexico, you may need an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), also known as a tourist card. The cost for an FMM is approximately $57 USD when arriving by air, but it is free for land entries if your stay is seven days or less. These additional costs should be factored into your overall travel budget.
Total Entry Cost Scenarios
The total cost for entry authorizations can vary dramatically based on your nationality and travel plans. For instance, a fan from the United Kingdom, a VWP country, attending only U.S. matches would pay $40 for their ESTA. This is a relatively low cost for entry authorization.
In contrast, a fan from Brazil, which requires a B1/B2 visa, attending only U.S. matches would face a total cost of $435 for their visa ($185 application fee plus $250 integrity fee). If a fan from India plans to attend matches in both the U.S. and Canada, they would pay $435 for the U.S. B1/B2 visa and an estimated $75 for the Canadian TRV, totaling around $510. A fan from Spain, eligible for the VWP, Canada eTA, and Mexico FMM, could potentially visit all three countries for a combined cost of approximately $109 ($40 ESTA + $12 eTA + $57 FMM).
Why the Visa Integrity Fee Was Introduced
The Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee was enacted as part of a broader immigration reform bill. Its primary goals are to fund border security operations and to discourage visa overstays. By adding this fee to nonimmigrant visas, the government aims to generate revenue to support these initiatives. This fee impacts various types of nonimmigrant visas, including those for tourists, workers, and students, and unfortunately, World Cup attendees who require these visas fall under this new regulation.
Planning Your World Cup Travel Budget
For international visitors who require a B1/B2 visa for the U.S., it is essential to budget for the increased costs. Expect to spend between $435 and $500 for U.S. entry authorization alone, before accounting for flights, accommodation, match tickets, and any travel to other host countries. Planning and budgeting in advance will help ensure a smoother and less stressful experience as you prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
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