Visa delays threaten U.S. sporting events

28-09-24

Delays in visa processing for the United States threaten to impact global sporting events such as the 2026 Soccer World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. In countries such as Colombia, the wait to obtain a visa can reach 690 days. Against this backdrop, the U.S. Travel Association has pointed out that this delay could severely impact international attendance, which would also impact the economy generated by such events. U.S. Senators have urged the government to streamline processes to ensure the success of these events.

Expanding on this information, the delay in processing is not only a concern for the events themselves, but also reflects a growing trend in the negative experience of international visitors upon arrival in the United States. Excessive waits at airports, particularly at customs such as those at JFK in New York, underscore the country's lack of preparedness to handle large flows of travelers.