US Waives Visa Bonds Up to $15,000 for FIFA World Cup Ticket Holders

US Waives Visa Bonds for World Cup Ticket Holders

The US Department of State has announced that it will waive visa bonds imposed on international travellers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move follows concerns that some visitors would face high costs, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, in addition to already elevated ticket prices.

Under a policy launched last year, citizens of 50 countries were required to post bonds to obtain temporary US visas. The money is returned after the visitor leaves the country. As part of this program, visitors with World Cup tickets who opted-in to FIFA PASS as of April 15, 2026, will have their visa bonds waived.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, stated that the administration is waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who purchased World Cup tickets and met certain requirements. The Department of State added that visitors with tickets would still be subject to regular visa vetting.

The policy affects at least five countries competing in the World Cup: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia. The US expects up to 10 million visitors for the event, which begins on June 11 in cities across the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Critics have raised concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including visa bonds and travel bans affecting at least 39 countries. Rights groups have also expressed concerns about the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at World Cup matches in the US. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that it can provide security alongside local and federal partners.

In April, several organizations issued a “travel advisory” for the US during the World Cup, citing concerns over human rights and immigration enforcement.

Source: Al Jazeera