FIFA World Cup: US waives visa bonds of up to $15,000 for ticket holders<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nThe Trump administration’s visa bond program had raised concerns about the rising costs to the United States of World Cup travelers.<\/p>\n
The United States has said it will waive costly visa bonds imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration on World Cup ticket holders.<\/p>\n
The announcement on Wednesday followed concerns that some international travelers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup would face bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, increasing the already skyrocketing price of attending the soccer spectacle.<\/p>\n
Under a policy launched in August last year, citizens of 50 countries were required to submit a bond to obtain a temporary US visa. The money is refunded after a visitor leaves the US.<\/p>\n
US Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said the administration is “waiving visa bonds for eligible fans who purchased World Cup tickets and opted for the FIFA Pass through April 15, 2026.”<\/p>\n
He referred to the already announced program to expedite the visa process for the World Cup. The administration had also previously waived bond requirements for “eligible team members, including players, coaches and support staff, who otherwise meet all requirements for entry into the United States,” Namdar said.<\/p>\n
“We are committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating lawful travel to the upcoming World Cup tournament,” he said.<\/p>\n
The State Department has said it expects 10 million visitors to the US for the event. The matches will begin on June 11 in cities across the US, Mexico and Canada.<\/p>\n
The US State Department said visitors with tickets would still be subject to regular visa checks.<\/p>\n
At least five countries competing in the World Cup, namely Algeria, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia, are subject to the visa bond policy.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n