Bogotá. As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, interest among Colombians in traveling to the United States to experience the tournament is growing. But behind that excitement lie important concerns: visa procedures, wait times, and the new measures Washington has implemented to manage the surge in demand.

A New Path for the Visa: the “FIFA PASS”

The most significant announcement came from the White House: U.S. President Donald Trump, together with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, introduced a system called the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, or FIFA PASS.

This mechanism gives ticket holders for matches in the U.S. priority access to schedule consular interviews for the B-1/B-2 visa.

According to the State Department, more than 400 additional consular officers will be deployed to handle the expected increase in applications.

However, the message is clear: having a World Cup ticket and accessing FIFA PASS does not guarantee visa approval. “The same verification process applied to any other applicant will remain in place,” U.S. authorities warned.

The Other Side: Waiting Times That Could Become an Obstacle

For many Colombians, the issue is not just the cost — it’s the time. The tourist visa (B-1/B-2) costs $185 USD (about COP 777,000, according to recent figures).

But the bigger concern lies in the consular interview appointments. Currently, first-time applicants may face wait times of 12 to 18 months, which in some cases would make it impossible to complete the process before the World Cup.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio even noted that they are considering doubling shifts at some embassies to handle the volume of applications.

How Strong Is the Demand from Colombia?

Although no recent official data confirms how many Colombians have already purchased World Cup tickets, there are clear signs of strong interest:

• The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has urged fans to begin their visa process immediately, given the expected volume.
• Local and specialized media have warned of the risk that many Colombians may fail to secure a visa appointment in time due to high demand and current wait times.
• Even so, the new FIFA PASS tool, if used properly, could help ease the bottleneck for those who already hold tickets.

Key Limitations and Precautions

Not all travelers qualify for FIFA PASS. For example, according to Infobae, fans must already have a valid B1/B2 visa or apply with enough time in advance to obtain one. “Priority” appointments mean faster access to interviews, but they do not guarantee entry to the United States: the security screening process remains unchanged.

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá has been opening new appointments every Tuesday at 9 a.m., but demand remains high.

A Race Against Time

For many Colombians, the 2026 World Cup represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — not only to see their national team play but to experience traveling to the United States at a historic moment. New measures like FIFA PASS offer a more promising path to securing a visa, but they are not a magic solution.

Success will depend on fans acting early, starting their applications as soon as possible, and keeping in mind that despite the priority system, the usual screening steps still apply.