The United States has announced a relaxation of its visa rules for some fans travelling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, easing concerns sparked by the Trump administration’s strict immigration measures.
Under a policy introduced earlier this year, applicants from about 50 developing countries were required to pay refundable visa bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 before entering the US.
However, the State Department said on Wednesday that the bond requirement would no longer apply to players, officials and certain supporters attending the World Cup.
The exemption covers fans from participating countries who already have match tickets and are registered under a priority visa arrangement created for the tournament.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, said the US remained committed to balancing national security with smooth travel arrangements ahead of the global football event.
“We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament,” she said.
FIFA also welcomed the move, describing it as part of ongoing cooperation between football authorities and the US government to ensure a successful tournament.
The visa bond policy had drawn criticism after it affected supporters from several African countries that qualified for the competition, including Algeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Cape Verde and Ivory Coast.
Concerns also grew over restrictions affecting countries such as Haiti and Iran, whose citizens reportedly face tougher entry conditions into the United States.
According to a study by the Mendoza Law Firm, the $15,000 visa bond represents nearly three years’ average income in some of the affected countries, raising fears that many fans could be priced out of attending the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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