The United States has announced a relaxation of its visa bond requirements for certain football fans and participants ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The policy, previously introduced under President Donald Trump as part of stricter immigration measures, required applicants from about 50 developing countries to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 as a refundable bond to obtain a US visa.
Under the new adjustment, the US State Department said visa bonds will now be waived for players and team officials competing in World Cup matches in the United States, as well as for fans from participating nations who already hold match tickets and are registered under a priority visa appointment system.
The assistant secretary of state for consular affairs, Mora Namdar, said the US remains committed to balancing national security with easier access for legitimate travellers attending the tournament.
She explained that the administration aims to deliver what it describes as the “biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history,” while ensuring smooth travel arrangements for supporters and participants.
FIFA also welcomed the development, noting that it reflects continued cooperation with the US government and the White House task force responsible for organising the tournament, describing it as key to delivering a successful and globally celebrated event.
However, the visa bond policy still affects nationals from several qualifying countries, including Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia, who remain subject to the financial requirement.
Additionally, countries such as Haiti and Iran continue to face significant travel restrictions, with reports suggesting near-total bans or heavy scrutiny for their citizens under current US immigration rules.
The policy also extends broader screening measures, including increased social media checks for visitors from even allied Western nations.
Analysts have noted that for some affected countries, the visa bond amount could equal several years of average income, potentially limiting fan attendance from those regions.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on June 11.
