The Overland Park Convention Center will serve as a hub for international visitors who need help with lost passports or other services during the World Cup.
Called the Consular Services Center, it will operate over the next several weeks as a central location for diplomats and international officials to congregate and for the thousands of expected international visitors to get assistance if they need it.
Consular Services Center will offer help for international travelers
Pam Kramer, KC2026 CEO, said during an announcement event last week that regional officials decided to set up the center — something no other host city has done — since Kansas City doesn’t have permanent foreign consulates and embassies.
“Overland Park is helping ensure that the region is ready and the region is welcoming,” Kramer said.
She said the idea is to offer a space for international travelers who may have lost their passports, need help with other travel documents or who require support for an unexpected illness. What exactly that will look like for visitors could vary based on which country they hail from and the types of services their officials want to offer.
However, Kramer said she expects nations with large groups of fans coming to Kansas City — Argentina, whose national team will be base camping in Kansas City and playing at Arrowhead — to have more robust operations. She estimated that about a dozen countries are interested in setting up at the center.
Services will be offered by appointment only, and individuals will be asked to set those up online through their nation’s consulate websites.
Why was Overland Park picked?
Kramer pointed to the Overland Park Convention Center’s centralized location in the region and its selection as an official hub for World Cup transit offerings as characteristics that made it a “natural pick” for the Consular Service Center.
Plus, the Overland Park Convention Center will host a welcome center of sorts this summer with relaxation spaces, power banks for charging devices, public restrooms, access to transportation like rental cars and ride-shares, information, and food and drink options.
When Overland Park was approached about it, city officials were receptive, Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog told the Post. He called it “a perfect fit.”
“Overland Park is excited to play its part in welcoming the world to Kansas City,” Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog said during the announcement last week. “I can’t think of a better way to be welcoming than to have welcomed the world here at our Overland Park Convention Center.”
“This area will be a critical anchor supporting international teams, delegations, and visitors from across the globe as they navigate their tournament experience,” he continued. “We hope to be home away from home for international and regional visitors.”
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