U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that more than one million Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approvals were issued to nationals of FIFA World Cup 2026™-qualified countries during the first quarter of FY 2026. The United Kingdom alone accounted for 425,000 authorisations, followed by France (215,000), Germany (190,000), Japan (180,000) and South Korea (135,000). The agency called the numbers a “tremendous success” of its pre-travel vetting strategy ahead of the tournament, which will bring millions of visitors to 11 U.S. host cities next summer.(rttnews.com)
CBP also disclosed that 656,000 applications were filed for Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS during the same period, with 584,000 coming from U.S. citizens or permanent residents and the rest from Canadian and other foreign nationals. Mobile Global Entry enrollment events have already been held in Germany and Croatia, and a Sydney event is scheduled for 23-27 February. Joint NEXUS drives with the Canada Border Services Agency will follow in Seattle later this month.(rttnews.com)
![CBP Says One Million ESTAs Approved for World-Cup Fans as Trusted-Traveler Enrollments Surge]()
For travelers who prefer professional assistance, VisaHQ’s online platform can streamline the entire ESTA application process—as well as other U.S. travel documents—through its dedicated United States portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/). The site offers clear instructions, document reviews and status tracking, which can be especially helpful for companies managing group travel ahead of the World Cup.
Matthew Davies, executive director for Admissibility and Passenger Programs, said the expansion will “help travelers spend less time in line and more time enjoying their experience” without compromising security. Airlines and travel-management companies welcome the numbers, citing World Cup travel-demand forecasts that exceed pre-pandemic peaks.
For corporate mobility managers, the data underscores the value of steering business travelers into Trusted-Traveler Programs early: interview slots are filling quickly, and many airports plan dedicated World Cup accreditation lanes that will prioritise Global Entry and ESTA holders. Companies should also remind employees that ESTA is valid for two years but must still be updated for new passports or name changes.(rttnews.com)
CBP also disclosed that 656,000 applications were filed for Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS during the same period, with 584,000 coming from U.S. citizens or permanent residents and the rest from Canadian and other foreign nationals. Mobile Global Entry enrollment events have already been held in Germany and Croatia, and a Sydney event is scheduled for 23-27 February. Joint NEXUS drives with the Canada Border Services Agency will follow in Seattle later this month.(rttnews.com)
For travelers who prefer professional assistance, VisaHQ’s online platform can streamline the entire ESTA application process—as well as other U.S. travel documents—through its dedicated United States portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/). The site offers clear instructions, document reviews and status tracking, which can be especially helpful for companies managing group travel ahead of the World Cup.
Matthew Davies, executive director for Admissibility and Passenger Programs, said the expansion will “help travelers spend less time in line and more time enjoying their experience” without compromising security. Airlines and travel-management companies welcome the numbers, citing World Cup travel-demand forecasts that exceed pre-pandemic peaks.
For corporate mobility managers, the data underscores the value of steering business travelers into Trusted-Traveler Programs early: interview slots are filling quickly, and many airports plan dedicated World Cup accreditation lanes that will prioritise Global Entry and ESTA holders. Companies should also remind employees that ESTA is valid for two years but must still be updated for new passports or name changes.(rttnews.com)
