The United States government has announced a temporary relaxation of its visa bond policy for selected World Cup participants and supporters ahead of the global tournament scheduled to begin on June 11.
The adjustment affects a policy introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration, which required visa applicants from about 50 developing countries to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 as a refundable bond. The payment is typically returned once the applicant departs the United States after their visit.
According to the State Department, the new decision will exempt members of national teams participating in World Cup matches hosted in the United States, as well as fans from qualified countries who possess valid match tickets and have registered under a priority visa system created for the tournament.
“We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament,” said Mora Namdar, the assistant secretary of state for consular affairs.
She added that the administration aimed to stage what it described as a landmark global sporting event. She said the Trump administration wanted to organize the “biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history.”
FIFA also welcomed the development, noting that it reflects cooperation between the United States government and football’s world governing body.
“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,” a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement.
Reports indicate that five of the countries that have already qualified for the tournament fall under the visa bond requirement. These include Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia.
In addition, at least two other qualified nations, Haiti and Iran, are reported to face stricter entry conditions under wider US immigration measures. Haiti, described as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, is expected to be heavily affected by travel restrictions. Iran has also been subject to heightened scrutiny in recent US policy actions.
Analysts also note that visa rules have been tightened for visitors from several Western countries, with applicants required to grant access to their social media accounts for review by US authorities.
A study by the Mendoza Law Firm suggested that the restrictions could significantly reduce fan attendance from some affected countries. It projected that Haiti may struggle to send supporters to the tournament due to the cost and administrative barriers.
The report also stated that in the five countries affected by the visa bond requirement, the highest bond amount of $15,000 is equivalent to about three years of average income, raising concerns over affordability for ordinary citizens.
The World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remains one of the most widely anticipated global sporting events.
