The United States has announced it will relax controversial visa bond requirements for some supporters travelling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following concerns that the policy could prevent fans from attending the tournament.
Under an immigration measure introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration, visitors from 50 developing countries have been required to pay refundable bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for US visas. The money is returned after travellers leave the country.
On Wednesday, the US State Department said the bond requirement would not apply to players, coaching staff and officials taking part in World Cup matches in the United States. The exemption will also cover supporters from participating nations who already hold match tickets and have registered through a priority visa system established for the tournament.
Mora Namdar, the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, said the administration remained committed to balancing security measures with international travel ahead of the competition.
“We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament,” she said.
She added that the Trump administration wanted “to organise the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history”.
FIFA welcomed the decision, describing it as part of continued cooperation between football’s governing body and US authorities.
“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.
Five countries that have already qualified for the tournament are among those affected by the visa bond policy: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia.
The restrictions have also raised concerns for supporters from countries facing broader US entry limitations. Haiti and Iran, both of which qualified for the World Cup, are among nations subject to severe travel restrictions under the Trump administration. The United States and Israel carried out military strikes on Iran on 28 February.
In addition to the bond system, the administration has tightened screening procedures for visitors from several allied Western nations, including expanded checks of social media activity.
A study by the Mendoza Law Firm suggested that Haiti could struggle to send supporters to the tournament because of the travel measures. The report also found that in the five qualified countries affected by the bond system, a $15,000 payment is equivalent to roughly three years of average income.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on 11 June and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
