The United States government has announced a significant policy change ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, waiving costly visa bond requirements for fans and team members. This decision removes a potential financial barrier for thousands looking to attend the expanded tournament, which will feature 48 nations competing in 104 matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
A reversal of previous policy
Previously, individuals traveling to the US from certain countries could have been required to pay visa bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. This policy, known as the Visa Bond Pilot Program, was instituted by President Donald Trump’s administration and impacted 50 countries, with the stated aim of reducing visa overstays.
Among the nations potentially affected by the bond policy were five countries that have qualified for the World Cup:
- Algeria
- Cape Verde
- Senegal
- Ivory Coast
- Tunisia
The Athletic reported on April 27 that visa applicants would typically need to demonstrate their eligibility for a visa, with the bond payment recoverable upon timely departure from the US. However, this requirement has now been lifted for World Cup participants and ticket holders.
Waiver details and impact
The US State Department initially announced it had waived bond requirements for “qualifying team members, including players, coaches and support staff who otherwise meet all requirements for entry into the US”. This was followed by a broader announcement on May 13, confirming that costly visa bonds would also be waived for World Cup ticket holders, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Mora Namdar, US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, clarified the scope of the waiver for fans. “We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets and opted in to FIFA PASS as of April 15, 2026,” Namdar stated, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to security while facilitating travel. Visitors with match tickets will still undergo the standard visa verification processes.
The tournament is set to kick off on June 11, and the US Department of State anticipates welcoming up to 10 million visitors to the country for the event. FIFA has expressed its gratitude for the collaboration with the US government.
“Today’s announcement from the U.S. State Department further demonstrates our ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Government and the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup to deliver a successful, record-breaking and unforgettable global event,” FIFA said in a statement. “We are grateful to the Administration for the ongoing partnership. With less than 30 days until kickoff, the excitement for the FIFA World Cup is rapidly building among stakeholders as we prepare to welcome the world to North America for this incredible event.”
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Despite the waivers, at least 39 countries remain subject to wider travel bans, including World Cup competitors Iran and Haiti. The Ivory Coast and Senegal are also subject to partial travel bans. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Amnesty International have previously issued a “travel advisory” for the US during the World Cup, citing concerns about human rights.
Sources: www.nytimes.com
