US finally waives visa bonds for World Cup Fans

The exemption applies to supporters from 50 countries previously subject to the visa deposit program, including five nations that have already qualified for the tournament: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11.

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar confirmed the move, saying the administration is “waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets.”

The visa bond program, introduced last year as part of a 12-month pilot scheme, was designed to reduce visa overstays and strengthen immigration vetting procedures. Under the original rules, travelers from selected countries could have been required to pay a refundable bond of up to $15,000 before entering the United States. Players and coaches were already exempt, but ordinary ticket-holding fans had not initially been included.

FIFA welcomed the decision, describing it as another example of cooperation with the White House to help deliver a “successful, record-breaking and unforgettable global event.”

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman also praised the policy change, calling it a “smart, targeted move” that would make it easier for more international visitors to attend the tournament.

Freeman said the World Cup represents a major opportunity to showcase the United States as a leading global travel destination. He added that efforts including the creation of the White House Task Force, faster visa processing and the suspension of visa bond requirements demonstrate the administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and m