Are you eligible for a visa to watch the Colombian national team play in the 2026 World Cup? Learn about the processing times and costs.

With the Colombian national team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup , thousands of fans dream of joining the team in the United States, Canada, or Mexico . However, before even thinking about purchasing tickets, a bigger obstacle arises: the visa.

While the route is much easier for fans traveling to Mexico or Canada, going to the United States could be the biggest challenge.

World Cup fever is already starting to be felt now that La Tricolor has its ticket to participate in the competition . From June 11 to July 19, 2026, the world will have its eyes on the soccer fields of North America to watch more than 100 matches that will be part of the World Cup.

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá published a message on its official social media accounts at the end of August for those hoping to travel to the World Cup. The consular agency warned that those who need a visa to enter the host country should begin the process immediately , noting that the 2026 edition will be "the largest in history." The communication refers to the official guide to the requirements and steps involved in the process.

The B-1/B-2 tourist visa costs $185 (about 777,000 Colombian pesos) , and the wait time for a first-time appointment exceeds a year; currently, it ranges from 12 to 18 months . This means that those who begin the process in September 2025 are unlikely to have their document ready before June 2026.

Adding to this is the political context. At a White House event, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the final group draw will be held on December 5, 2025, in Washington. At the same event, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem assured that visa applications for World Cup tourists "will be thoroughly reviewed," although she reiterated that visitors are welcome.

Furthermore, in June of this year, the White House signed a proclamation fully or partially restricting entry and visa issuance for nationals of countries considered "high risk." Although Colombia is not on that list, the announcement reflects an environment of increased scrutiny in consular procedures, reinforcing the call to act proactively.

For those who already have a visa, there is a faster route: if the document expired less than 48 months ago, it can be renewed without an interview, reducing the process to just a few weeks.

The process for Canada is less complex. A visitor visa costs 100 Canadian dollars plus 85 for biometrics (about 573,000 pesos in total) . The process usually takes between one and three months, and the approval rate for Colombians is around 78 percent.

Mexico, for its part, presents itself as the simplest option. To enter as a tourist, all you need is the Multiple Immigration Form, which costs around $40 (168,000 pesos) . It can be obtained online or at the airport and is usually approved within hours or a few days.

Those who already have visas and only need to renew them do have a real chance of cheering on the national team in the United States.

María Paula Rodríguez Rozo

Journalist for the LATEST NEWS EDITORIAL