WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Wednesday suspended a requirement that foreign visitors from certain countries pay as much as $15,000 in bonds, provided they are confirmed 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders. The State Department said the waiver applies to fans who bought tickets and opted into the FIFA Pass system, which allows expedited visa appointments, as of April 15.
"The United States is excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history," Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said. "We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets."
The State Department imposed the bond requirement last year for countries with high rates of people overstaying their visas and other security issues. Travelers from 50 countries are required to pay the bond. The requirements are part of the administration's effort to restrict migrants who travel on temporary visas and then overstay them.
Five of those 50 countries have qualified for the World Cup: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia. Travelers from Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal face partial restrictions under an expanded version of the administration's travel ban. The administration has also barred travelers from Iran and Haiti, although World Cup players, coaches and other support personnel are exempt from those bans.
World Cup team players, coaches and some staff were already exempt from the bond requirement under the administration's orders to prioritize processing of visas for the tournament. Ordinary fans with confirmed tickets were not exempt until Wednesday. Foreign travelers are also required to submit their social media histories.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins June 11. Amnesty International and dozens of U.S. civil and human rights groups issued a "World Cup travel advisory" that warns travelers about the climate in the U.S.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association reported this month that visa barriers and other geopolitical issues have suppressed international demand, and that hotel bookings for the tournament are far below initial anticipations. The association said travelers are concerned about potentially lengthy visa wait times, increased fees, and uncertainty about their visa processing.