US EASES VISA BOND RULES FOR WORLD CUP FANS, TEAMS

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Agency Report

The United States has announced plans to ease its controversial visa bond requirements for certain football fans and team members travelling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Under immigration measures introduced by President Donald Trump, applicants from 50 developing countries have been required to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000 as a refundable bond before obtaining a US visa.

However, the US State Department said on Wednesday that the bond requirement would be waived for players, officials, and team members participating in World Cup matches in the United States, as well as for fans from competing countries who already possess match tickets and are registered under a priority visa system.

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, said the move reflects the administration’s commitment 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,” Namdar said.

She added that the Trump administration aims to organise the “biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history.”

Reacting to the announcement, a spokesperson for FIFA described the decision as another sign of collaboration between football authorities and the US government ahead of the global tournament.

“Today’s announcement from the US State Department further demonstrates our ongoing collaboration with the US Government and the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup to deliver a successful, record-breaking, and unforgettable global event,” the spokesperson said.

Among the countries affected by the visa bond policy are five nations that have already qualified for the World Cup: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia.

The restrictions have drawn criticism from immigration advocates and legal analysts, especially as at least two other qualified nations, Haiti and Iran, reportedly face near-total entry restrictions into the United States under Trump-era policies.

The administration has also expanded screening procedures for visitors from several Western countries, including requirements allowing US authorities to review applicants’ social media activities.

A report by the Mendoza Law Firm warned that Haiti may struggle to have travelling supporters attend matches because of the strict restrictions.

The report also stated that in some of the affected countries, the $15,000 visa bond is equivalent to nearly three years’ average income, raising concerns about accessibility for ordinary fans.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11 and will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.