On June 4, 2025, the President issued a proclamation suspending or limiting entry to the United States for nationals of 19 countries. However, the proclamation includes a specific carve-out for certain athletes and team members traveling to participate in major international sporting events.
A cable from the U.S. Department of State, dated June 16, 2025, provides more detail on how this “Major Sports Exception” will be applied.
Who Qualifies Under the Sports Exception?
The exception applies to:
- Athletes participating in the designated event.
- Team members and coaches.
- Essential support personnel (such as trainers, medical staff, or technical specialists).
- Immediate relatives traveling in connection with the event.
This carve-out does not extend to:
- Accredited media or commercial partners.
- General spectators or ticket-holders.
Those groups may only qualify if they meet another exception, such as a national interest exception.
Which Events Are Covered?
The proclamation explicitly identifies:
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- The 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
- The 2034 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.
The Secretary of State may also designate other “major sporting events” on a case-by-case basis.
Important Limitations
- Only a narrow group of travelers qualify under this exception. Most attendees, such as fans or media, will not be covered.
- Consular officers will strictly apply the rule and may still deny visas if they determine the applicant does not meet eligibility requirements.
- Being approved under this exception has no effect on the validity period of the visa; other proclamation rules may still shorten or limit visa validity.
Final Thoughts
The “Major Sports Exception” provides a narrow but important pathway for athletes, coaches, and essential support staff to continue participating in international events hosted in the U.S. despite broad entry restrictions.
At NPZ Law Group, we help athletes, teams, and organizations prepare strong visa applications under these exceptions. Our attorneys can advise on eligibility, gather required documentation, and coordinate with consular officials to reduce risks and delays.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.