Trump administration suspends visa bond requirements for some World Cup fans

The Trump administration is suspending visa bond requirements for certain international fans traveling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, easing a potential upfront cost for eligible ticket holders from several qualifying countries .

The change applies to nationals of competing World Cup countries who purchased official FIFA World Cup tickets by April 15, opted into the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), and meet all other requirements for a U.S. visitor visa, according to the State Department . The waiver also covers athletes and team members from competing countries, including coaches, necessary support staff, and immediate relatives .

The visa bond program can require some B1/B2 visitor visa applicants to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 before traveling to the U.S. . The State Department said regular visa screening and vetting still apply before any visa is issued. This means the World Cup exemption removes the bond requirement for eligible travelers but does not guarantee visa approval .

The visa bond suspension currently affects eligible fans from five World Cup-qualified countries that are also covered by the State Department’s visa bond program. Those countries are Algeria, Cape Verde, the Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia . The waiver applies to fans from these countries who purchased FIFA World Cup tickets and registered through FIFA PASS by April 15 .

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said the United States is excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history and is waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets .

The World Cup waiver does not remove the standard U.S. visa process. Eligible fans must still complete the visitor visa application process unless they qualify for another travel pathway . FIFA states that FIFA PASS is a voluntary opt-in system created for World Cup ticket holders who need a U.S. visa, allowing verified ticket holders to access priority visa interview appointments before the tournament .

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 48 teams playing across 16 host cities . As of early April, the number of World Cup fans affected by the bond requirement was believed to be relatively small, perhaps only about 250 people, though that number is changing as more people buy tickets and apply for visas .

The waiver is a rare loosening of immigration requirements under the Trump administration. However, broader travel restrictions remain in place. Travelers from Iran and Haiti are still barred from entering the U.S., though World Cup players, coaches, and support personnel are exempt . Travelers from Ivory Coast and Senegal face partial restrictions under the expanded travel ban .