The opportunity to secure a first-time U.S. visitor visa for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is narrowing for some soccer enthusiasts, according to the U.S. Travel Association during a press event this week. However, federal officials maintain that travelers still have some time.
In several countries, visa processing times have surged to 600 days, posing a significant challenge for fans hoping to cheer on one of the 48 teams that will participate in this highly anticipated global tournament.
“If you don’t have your visa today, you’re not getting here for a World Cup that’s taking place in 2026,” Geoff Freeman, president and chief executive of the non-profit U.S. Travel Association told a group of reporters.
The U.S. State Department says the situation is not that dire, as it regularly assesses capacity and wait times in countries likely to play in the tournament, scheduled from June to July 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“While we encourage prospective FIFA World Cup visitors who will need U.S. visas to apply now, there is still plenty of time for fans to apply for their visas,” a State Department spokesperson said in a statement.
According to Freeman, travelers are currently facing an average wait of 260 days for an interview appointment to obtain a first-time U.S. visitor visa. In some countries, the delays are even longer. In Colombia, the wait time has stretched to around 670 days, which could cause fans to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup altogether.
In Mexico, the average waiting period stands at 458 days, while travelers from India are encountering delays of up to 404 days, further complicating plans for those eager to attend the global tournament.
“More than 30 million travelers hold valid U.S. tourist visas and therefore would not have a problem if they wanted to attend the event”, the State Department said.
“FIFA is working with the Canadian, Mexican and U.S. governments to ensure that those who need visas can get them”, a spokesperson said.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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