Visa Delays Could Impact 2026 World Cup and Other Major U.S. Events.
New York, Sept. 16 — Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, has issued a stern warning to travelers from Colombia planning to attend the 2026 World Cup: “If you don’t have your visa today, you’re not getting in,” Freeman stated, highlighting the current 696-day wait for a U.S. tourist visa from Colombia.
Speaking at the American Express Centurion Club in New York, Freeman expressed concerns about the U.S. being unprepared for what the association is calling the “decade of sporting events.” This period includes the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles; the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the U.S.; and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
The ongoing visa backlog is a long-standing issue for U.S. Travel. In August, a bipartisan group of U.S. senators urged President Biden to establish a task force dedicated to addressing this problem and other related issues.
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) sent a letter to the President emphasizing that the 2026 World Cup will be the largest sporting event in U.S. history. It is expected to attract over 5 million international visitors and generate $5 billion in economic activity, with the 2028 Olympic Games projected to contribute an additional $5 billion.
The senators highlighted the urgent need to streamline visa interview processes. “One challenge that must be an immediate and top priority is streamlining interview wait times for visitor visas,” they wrote, noting that current wait times are “unacceptably high” and nearly 300 days in many countries.
They proposed a target of reducing wait times to fewer than 31 days for 80% of applicants by the end of 2025. Freeman, however, pointed out that visa issues are not the only concern. He also criticized the negative experiences international visitors face when arriving in the U.S., such as long wait times at customs, particularly at New York’s JFK Airport.
Freeman stressed the need for the U.S. to improve its welcome for international travelers, emphasizing the predictability of flight arrivals and the need for better management of customs processes. “We’ve got to roll out the welcome mat,” he said. “There’s a question: ‘Are we welcoming? Does the U.S. want our business?'”
Host cities for these major events are also expressing concern but remain optimistic. In Los Angeles, which will host both the World Cup and the Olympics, Adam Burke, CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, underscored the importance of providing a “seamless experience” for visitors. Burke, a member of the U.S. Travel & Tourism Advisory Board, noted that both the Commerce and State Departments have been receptive to industry feedback and are addressing these issues with urgency.
Similarly, Liz Johnson, senior director of tourism development at Visit Seattle, a World Cup host city, acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the progress being made. She highlighted that recent discussions with the Bureau of Consular Affairs have alleviated some concerns. Johnson welcomed news of additional personnel and new application centers in countries like China and India, which are crucial for Seattle’s tourism.
“There is still work to be done,” Johnson said, “but we are confident that steps are being taken to show the world that Seattle and the U.S. are ready to welcome international guests.”
The focus now is on ensuring that the U.S. is fully prepared to host these global sporting events and provide a positive experience for all visitors.
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