US Grants Visa Bond Exemption to 2026 World Cup Fans from 5 African Countries

The US government has temporarily lifted a visa bond requirement for football fans from five African countries attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The State Department announced Tuesday that citizens of Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia who have purchased valid World Cup tickets and registered on the FIFA Pass system will no longer need to pay the $5,000–$15,000 refundable bond. The exemption applies only to those who booked through the system, which has been open for expedited visa appointments since April 15.

The bond policy was introduced last year for travelers from 50 countries with high visa overstay rates and security concerns. World Cup players, coaches, and staff were already exempt.

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

Namdar described the waiver as a rare easing of immigration rules under the current administration, aimed at facilitating travel for the tournament. The 2026 World Cup kicks off June 11 and will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Despite the relief for ticket holders, broader restrictions remain. Travelers from Iran and Haiti face entry bars, with exemptions for team personnel. Ivory Coast and Senegal also still face partial restrictions. New screening measures, including checks of applicants’ social media history, remain in effect.

The move has drawn mixed reactions. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, issued a travel advisory warning visitors about the current US climate. The American Hotel & Lodging Association said visa barriers and uncertainty have suppressed international demand, with hotel bookings for the tournament falling below expectations.

Officials say the bond policy remains a key tool to deter visa overstays. Under the system, applicants from affected countries must still post the financial guarantee, which is refunded if they comply with visa terms or if their application is denied.

The waiver balances the administration’s immigration enforcement goals with the practical need to host a smooth World Cup, one of the world’s largest sporting events.

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