The Trump administration is waiving visa bond requirements for eligible travelers to the U.S. ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The State Department told The Associated Press that it will suspend the requirement for arriving fans with a valid match ticket.
Implemented last year as part of the administration's crackdown on illegal immigration, the measure requires visa applicants from 50 countries to pay $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 in bonds to be refunded if the traveler complies with the terms of the visa or if the visa application is denied.
Five of those countries qualified for the 2026 World Cup and will play in the U.S. at some point, including Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia.
"The United States is excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history," said Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar. "We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets" and opted in to the FIFA Pass system that allows expedited visa appointments as of last month.
World Cup trophy outside of Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Photo Credit: Adobe/dima)
The U.S. Travel Association applauded the decision.
"We welcome the administration’s decision to waive visa bond requirements for confirmed World Cup ticket holders—a smart, targeted move that will make it easier for more international fans to experience the tournament in the United States," U.S. Travel President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase America at its best and strengthen our position as the world’s most sought-after travel destination. Every fan who visits leaves as an ambassador for future travel to the U.S.," he added.
“From establishing the White House Task Force to accelerating visa processing and now suspending visa bond requirements for ticket holders, the administration is taking meaningful action to ensure the U.S. delivers a successful and memorable World Cup experience," Freeman concluded.
The decision comes just weeks after dozens of advocacy groups joined forces to issue a travel advisory warning visitors to the U.S. about potential human rights abuses by the administration during this summer's soccer tournament, which kicks off June 11.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
