The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on Wednesday (February 11) that a large number of ESTA and TTP applications submitted by international tourists from participating countries of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been approved.
ESTA, which stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is for travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries such as Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and others. Applicants must submit their applications online and once approved, they can enter the U.S. for up to 90 days within a validity period of usually 2 years or until passport expiration.
TTP, Trusted Traveler Programs, is a membership program that aids in facilitating expedited clearance for “pre-screened, low-risk travelers.”
According to the announcement, FIFA tourists have submitted 1.6 million ESTA applications under the Visa Waiver Program and 656,000 TTP applications.
The announcement stated that this is part of the ongoing preparations to welcome the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to attract millions of visitors to the United States.
In the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year, CBP approved over 1 million ESTA authorizations for travelers from the 2026 FIFA World Cup participating countries. The United Kingdom leads with over 425,000 authorizations, followed by France with over 215,000, Germany with over 190,000, Japan with nearly 180,000, and South Korea ranks fifth with over 135,000 authorizations.
Matthew Davies, Executive Director of Entry and Traveler Programs at CBP, stated in the announcement, “CBP is committed to ensuring that all tourists attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup travel safely and legally. Expanding the scope of TTP and ESTA authorizations can help all travelers reduce wait times, allowing them more time to enjoy their experience in the U.S. while maintaining border security.”
In addition, this quarter has seen over 656,000 applications for the Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS programs, including 584,000 U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, 62,000 NEXUS members from Canada, and 20,000 members of the Global Entry program from other eligible TTP countries.
These programs help expedite the entry process for pre-approved low-risk travelers, reducing wait times at airports and land border crossings, making travel to the United States more predictable and convenient.