Trump’s Invitation to Global Fans Clashes With US Visa Crackdown

President Donald Trump has invited global fans to attend major sporting events in the United States. He spoke at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. The President hopes “countless people” will come for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

This invitation comes as travel to the U.S. is declining. Overseas visitors fell by 2.9% in August compared to last year. This drop defies global tourism trends and recovery expectations.

Major Events Face Significant Visa Hurdles

Fan enthusiasm for the World Cup is already high. FIFA reported overwhelming global ticket demand. However, a U.S. trip is becoming more difficult for many international visitors.

According to Reuters, tourists from non-visa waiver countries face major delays. The average wait time for a visa interview is now 169 days. Applicants from key soccer nations like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina are particularly affected.

New Fees and Policies Deter Potential Visitors

The State Department is implementing a new $250 “visa integrity fee.” This is on top of the standard application cost. These financial and procedural barriers are significant deterrents for families planning a trip.

Even visitors from visa-waiver countries, primarily in Europe, express concerns. Widely publicized border incidents have created anxiety. Proposed rules could also tighten visas for students and exchange visitors, further impacting travel.

The success of these premier global events now hinges on navigating a complex and restrictive U.S. travel landscape. The US visa backlog presents a direct challenge to the President’s welcome mat.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What is the current wait time for a US tourist visa?

The average wait for a B-1/B-2 visa interview is 169 days. This is according to official U.S. State Department data. Wait times can vary significantly by country.

Q2: Which countries’ fans are most affected by the visa backlog?

Fans from countries that require a visa for U.S. travel are impacted most. This includes soccer-loving nations like Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. These countries traditionally send large numbers of fans to the World Cup.

Q3: Is there a new fee for US visas?

Yes. A new $250 “visa integrity fee” is being added for applicants from certain countries. This fee is separate from the standard nonimmigrant visa application charge.

Q4: Are European tourists also facing these issues?

Tourists from visa-waiver countries in Europe do not need an interview. However, industry experts note some are hesitant due to fears about border security. Negative experiences reported in the media have caused concern.

Q5: When and where are the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, California.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, U.S. Travel Association, U.S. State Department, FIFA.