Is Entering the Country Harder Than the Olympics? Avoiding the "No Spectators" Nightmare: Institutional Risks Faced by LA 2028

An article published by EssentiallySports on August 26 (Eastern Time) directly addressed the "warning" that could influence the fate of LA2028. The core issue is not the management of the competitions but the entry procedures—specifically, visas. No matter how prepared a city is, if federal-level systems become clogged, the very premise of the Olympics as a "gathering of the world" is undermined. This is particularly true for spectators and some team officials, whose ability to enter the U.S. can be affected by even minor policy changes.EssentiallySports

A Familiar "Clog"—The 2022 Oregon World Athletics Championships

There are several precedents where visas have become a bottleneck for large-scale international events held in the U.S. A symbolic example is the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon. Hundreds of athletes and staff faced delays or denials, with many unable to enter the country until just before the event. At that time, one of the world's fastest sprinters, Ferdinand Omanyala, also faced last-minute entry, significantly affecting his preparation. Such experiences have ingrained concerns among global athletes that "the U.S. entry system is incompatible with the timelines of high-level international competitions."ReutersAl Jazeera

The Situation Becomes More Complex in 2025

In the summer of 2025, ahead of LA2028, the situation became even more challenging. First, new travel bans and restrictions announced in June limited and monitored entry from 12 to 19 countries, widely discussed for their impact on international events. In August, the "Visa Bond Pilot" was launched, imposing a bond of $5,000 to $15,000 on certain countries' tourist and business (B1/B2) applicants. Additionally, reports emerged of an additional "Visa Integrity Fee," increasing costs and uncertainty for spectators. These measures, justified as "security and overstay countermeasures," could become substantial barriers for international sports attendees.AP NewsFederal RegisterU.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular AffairsNAFSAAxios

Moreover, judicial rulings on the legality of "not issuing visas" under travel bans have created a "twist," allowing visa issuance but maintaining restrictions at the point of entry. For those involved in participating or attending the event, understanding the system has become increasingly difficult.Politico

Yet, "Athletes Can Come"? Federal "Verbal Assurances"

Not all is pessimistic. In April, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced it had received a "strong commitment" from the White House to smooth visa processing for LA2028. Messages have repeatedly emphasized that the entry of athletes, coaches, and essential staff will be prioritized. Casey Wasserman, head of the LA2028 organizing committee, has also expressed on X and in meetings that "athlete entry is not a problem." However, it is important to note that these promises are primarily directed at "athletes and related personnel," with no comprehensive exceptions indicated for "general spectators."ReutersX (formerly Twitter)

Spectators as the Greatest Uncertainty

Regarding the acceptance of spectators, the LA Times and local stations have warned that "continued visa processing delays could impact tourism revenue." In May 2025, bipartisan members of Congress sent a letter to then-Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging expedited processing for the 2026 World Cup and LA2028. The State Department also calls for "early applications," but as the system becomes more complex, concerns remain that the "countries and groups of spectators who can actually come" will be effectively narrowed.Los Angeles TimesFOX 11 Los Angelesyoungkim.house.gov

Furthermore, the bond system imposed on applicants from certain countries has drawn criticism for placing an excessive burden on spectators from low-income regions. The Washington Post pointed out that considering the per capita income and poverty rates of the target countries, this system could effectively lead to an Olympics "only the wealthy can attend."The Washington Post

The Sentiment on Social Media—Caught Between "Renunciation" and "Realism"

Opinions on social media are sharply divided.

• In Olympic-related threads on Reddit, concerns such as "Given this situation, renouncing the host city might be possible" and "Spectators will be biased towards visa-exempt countries" are repeatedly posted, with even calls for boycotts emerging.Reddit

• On the other hand, there are also many voices urging against excessive pessimism, stating, "Athletes are not tourists. They enter with proper visas at any Olympics. LA will be the same."Reddit

• On X (formerly Twitter), media outlets and local media have been reporting on movements such as the "creation of a task force" and "unification of visas and credentials." Amidst the clash of expectations and distrust, the question "What about the spectators, even if the athletes are protected?" is repeatedly raised.X (formerly Twitter)

What Can Be Done—The "Practical Design" of City × Federal

The steps to realize an "open Olympics" for LA2028 are clear.

1. Standardization of Ultra-Early Applications: Collaborate with national sports organizations to establish a "green channel" aligned with preliminary schedules (for athletes and staff).

2. Group Bulk Review: Standardize document templates and itinerary proofs for delegations and official tours. Limit the discretion of examiners to shorten processing times.

3. Special Measures for Spectators: Consider alternative schemes to simplify entry with strict identity verification and background checks, similar to the "Fan ID" used in the Russia and Qatar World Cups (adapted to U.S. legal systems).AP News

4. Mitigation Measures for Bonds and Additional Fees: Discuss with relevant ministries the exemption or reduction of fees for spectators during the event period, and simplify and expedite refund processes.Federal RegisterAxios

5. Centralized Information Presentation: Provide necessary procedures, average processing times, and congestion forecasts by "country, status, and purpose" on dedicated hubs from LA28 and the State Department. Update in multiple languages to counter misinformation.

Conclusion—To Keep the Promise of an "Olympics Anyone Can Attend"

Before discussing the legacy, LA2028 is facing the fundamental question of whether the world can actually come. While there are positive signs regarding athlete entry, spectators remain in the gap of the system. To make the inclusivity promised by the Olympics a reality, it is essential for the city and federal government to act as "co-hosts of system design." Before the Olympic flame is lit at the opening ceremony, how much of the red tape can be cut—that will determine the success of LA2028.

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