The Trump administration is suspending a visa bond requirement for foreign visitors from certain countries who have purchased tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the State Department announced Tuesday.
The department had imposed the bond last year on travelers from 50 countries with high visa overstay rates and other security concerns as part of a broader immigration enforcement push.
As reported by the Economic Times on Tuesday, the bonds, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 and refundable upon compliance, applied to nations including five that qualified for the World Cup: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia.
Under the new waiver, citizens from these five countries who have bought valid FIFA tickets and opted into the FIFA Pass system for expedited visa appointments (available since April 15) are now exempt from the bond requirement.
World Cup players, coaches, and certain staff were already exempt.
“The United States is excited to organise the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history.
“We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets. The waiver represents a rare easing of immigration rules under the administration. It is intended to facilitate travel for the tournament, which begins June 11 and is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico,” Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar said.
