A Turkish entrepreneur says his U.S. visa application was denied despite an extensive travel record, significant financial documentation, and plans to attend the upcoming FIFA tournament in the United States.
In a post shared online, the applicant detailed his experience at the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul, where he applied for a tourist visa after a previous refusal in Serbia about 18 months earlier.
The traveler said he had previously been denied a U.S. visa while visiting Belgrade and believed the decision may have been influenced by applying outside his home country.
“I will keep it short, I am a Turkish citizen and my first US visa was refused from Belgrade which I applied while traveling there without any major questions which I understand was probably because not from home country etc.”
For his second attempt, the applicant applied in Istanbul, citing tourism and attendance at FIFA matches as the purpose of his trip. He said he presented evidence of extensive international travel, including visits to 45 countries, multiple Schengen visas, and previous U.K. visas. He also highlighted his business interests, financial records, and residence in Turkey.
According to the post, the interview began with questions about his planned travel to the United States.
“VO: Good morning, why you want to go to USA?”
“Me: I want to travel for Fifa and tourism … officer cut me and said oh you want go for fifa.. me yeah I have a ticket and I have been to fifa before as well.”
The applicant said the conversation then shifted to previous FIFA tournaments.
“VO: which fifa you attended before, I said Russia and she said I attended as well, it was really fun, I replied yeah it was amazing that’s why I want to experience it again. Smile and more chat about fifa scene in russia in a good mood.”
The traveler described the exchange as friendly, adding that the visa officer appeared impressed by his international travel history.
READ: FIFA 2026 World Cup comes with hidden costs for host cities and taxpayers (June 5, 2026)
“VO: wao you travel so many countries, I love traveling too but still couldn’t travel like you.”
The interview later turned to his business activities.
“VO: reading my form from computer… ummm so you have a crypto company ***** in Lithuania, I said yea and she read bit more and said would you mind to sit down and wait for sometime.”
According to the applicant, the officer left with his passport and returned roughly 20 minutes later.
“After 20 minutes called me again and said I am terribly sorry visa is not approved, she really seems sorry as we had a great chat.”
The refusal left the applicant puzzled, particularly given what he viewed as strong evidence of financial stability and international mobility.
READ: Madonna, Shakira and BTS unite for first-ever World Cup final halftime show (May 14, 2026)
“I wonder what the hell is wrong?”
“Travel history, Bank balance, investment, family ties, properties, good interview.”
While U.S. visa officers do not always provide detailed explanations for refusals during interviews, immigration experts often note that approval decisions are based on a broad assessment of an applicant’s circumstances and whether they meet the requirements for a temporary visitor visa. A strong travel history or financial profile alone does not guarantee approval.
As the United States prepares to host FIFA matches, stories like these are likely to add to growing anxiety among international travelers seeking visitor visas. With thousands of football fans expected to apply in the months leading up to the tournament, uncertainty surrounding visa approvals could become a major concern, even for applicants with extensive travel histories, strong financial records, and clear event-related travel plans.