U.S. Waives Up To $15,000 Visa Bonds For Some World Cup Fans
The State Department on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, suspended a visa-bond requirement of up to $15,000 for certain 2026 World Cup ticket holders entering the United States.[1]
The exemption covers citizens of Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia who bought tickets from FIFA and enrolled in the FIFA Pass system by April 15, 2026.[1] The waiver is intended to help those fans reach U.S. host cities ahead of the tournament, which begins June 11.[1]
The bond rule was imposed in 2025 on travelers from 50 high-overstay countries and remains in place for others.[1] The policy has been presented by the administration as part of a wider immigration crackdown.[1]
U.S. hotels report that international bookings for the June 11-starting World Cup are running below expectations, a shortfall officials and industry leaders link in part to fan concerns about visas and entry requirements.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the State Department suspended a visa-bond requirement of up to $15,000 for certain 2026 World Cup ticket holders.
- The exemption covers citizens of Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia who bought tickets from FIFA and enrolled in the FIFA Pass system by April 15, 2026.
- The bond rule, imposed in 2025 on travelers from 50 high-overstay countries, remains for others and is part of the administration's wider immigration crackdown.
- The waiver comes as U.S. hotels report international bookings for the June 11-starting World Cup are running below expectations, partly due to visa concerns.
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