U.S. Relaxes World Cup Visa Rules, Waives Bond for Teams and Fans from Participating Nations
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the U.S. has relaxed its visa bond regulations. Players, staff, and ticket-holding fans from participating countries will be exempt from the $5,000 to $15,000 bond. This will benefit fans from at least five countries.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 15:47
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Washington, May 13 (CNA/Comprehensive Foreign Media) - With the 2026 World Cup just a month away, the United States announced today a relaxation of its visa bond rules for the tournament period. In addition to participating players and team personnel, fans from participating countries who hold tickets and are registered will also be exempt from the bond, benefiting fans from at least five nations.
According to AFP and Reuters, the Trump administration has implemented several policies to combat immigration since taking office. Last year, it began requiring travelers from 50 countries to pay a bond of $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for a U.S. visa, which is refunded after the traveler returns to their home country.
The U.S. stated that these 50 countries are considered at higher risk for visa overstays, and the bond is collected to prevent this.
With the World Cup approaching, the U.S. State Department announced today that players and team personnel traveling to the U.S. for the event will be exempt from the bond. Fans from participating countries who hold tickets and are registered in the 'Visa Priority System' will also be exempt from the bond requirement.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar stated that the Trump administration hopes to host 'the greatest and best FIFA World Cup in history.' 'We prioritize enhancing U.S. national security while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup.'
A FIFA spokesperson said in a statement: 'Today's announcement from the U.S. State Department further demonstrates our ongoing cooperation with the U.S. government and the White House World Cup Task Force to create a successful, record-breaking, and unforgettable global event.'
Among the 50 countries required to pay the bond, five have qualified for this year's World Cup: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia. Two other qualified countries, Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and Iran, which was jointly attacked by the U.S. and Israel in late February, are under a near-total entry ban during the Trump administration.
The World Cup is one of the world's largest sporting events, co-hosted this year by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will take place from June to July. (Translator: Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150514
According to AFP and Reuters, the Trump administration has implemented several policies to combat immigration since taking office. Last year, it began requiring travelers from 50 countries to pay a bond of $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for a U.S. visa, which is refunded after the traveler returns to their home country.
The U.S. stated that these 50 countries are considered at higher risk for visa overstays, and the bond is collected to prevent this.
With the World Cup approaching, the U.S. State Department announced today that players and team personnel traveling to the U.S. for the event will be exempt from the bond. Fans from participating countries who hold tickets and are registered in the 'Visa Priority System' will also be exempt from the bond requirement.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar stated that the Trump administration hopes to host 'the greatest and best FIFA World Cup in history.' 'We prioritize enhancing U.S. national security while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup.'
A FIFA spokesperson said in a statement: 'Today's announcement from the U.S. State Department further demonstrates our ongoing cooperation with the U.S. government and the White House World Cup Task Force to create a successful, record-breaking, and unforgettable global event.'
Among the 50 countries required to pay the bond, five have qualified for this year's World Cup: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia. Two other qualified countries, Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and Iran, which was jointly attacked by the U.S. and Israel in late February, are under a near-total entry ban during the Trump administration.
The World Cup is one of the world's largest sporting events, co-hosted this year by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will take place from June to July. (Translator: Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150514