The United States has announced plans to ease visa bond requirements for certain football fans travelling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Under an immigration policy introduced by President Donald Trump, visitors from 50 developing countries are required to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000 for a US visa, with the money refunded after they leave the country.
However, the US State Department said on Wednesday that the bond requirement would be waived for players, officials and some supporters attending World Cup matches in the United States.
According to the State Department, fans from participating countries who already have match tickets and registered through FIFA’s priority visa system will benefit from the exemption.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, said the US remained committed to balancing national security with smooth travel arrangements for the tournament.
“We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament,” she said.
FIFA welcomed the decision, describing it as part of ongoing collaboration with the US government to ensure a successful tournament.
Five countries that have qualified for the World Cup — Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia — are among the nations affected by the visa bond policy.
Meanwhile, nationals of Haiti and Iran reportedly face stricter entry restrictions into the United States under current immigration measures.
A report by the Mendoza Law Firm stated that the high visa bond amounts could prevent many supporters from travelling, noting that $15,000 is equivalent to nearly three years’ average income in some affected countries.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11 and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
