US drops shock $15,000 World Cup visa rule days after backlash

The United States government has announced a major policy change ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming that football fans from 50 countries will no longer be required to pay the previously proposed $15,000 visa bond if they are travelling with valid match tickets.

The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the FIFA World Cup 2026, will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

US Government Confirms Policy U-Turn

According to Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar, the waiver applies to qualified supporters who have already purchased official World Cup tickets.

In comments shared with the BBC, she confirmed that the administration is prioritising easier access for genuine fans attending the global football showpiece.

The original visa bond policy had been introduced as part of a pilot immigration programme aimed at reducing visa overstays and tightening screening procedures for selected countries.

African Nations Included In Exemption List

Five countries that have already qualified for the tournament are included in the exemption list: Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Tunisia.

However, some of these nations still face partial travel restrictions under wider US immigration rules, creating a mixed picture for travelling supporters.

FIFA Welcomes Decision

World football governing body FIFA welcomed the announcement, describing it as a positive step towards ensuring a successful and globally inclusive tournament.

FIFA said the decision reflects continued cooperation with US authorities to deliver what is expected to be a record-breaking World Cup.

Background To The Visa Bond Policy

The visa bond requirement was initially introduced under a 12-month pilot programme linked to immigration enforcement measures. It targeted visitors from selected countries and required a refundable financial deposit to encourage compliance with visa rules.

Players and coaching staff travelling for the tournament were already exempt, but until now, regular supporters were still included under the bond requirement.

Concerns Over Travel Restrictions Remain

Despite the waiver, the policy does not fully remove all travel restrictions affecting some countries. Nationals from countries such as Iran and Haiti remain barred from entering the United States, although team officials are still allowed entry for tournament purposes.

Rights groups have also raised concerns that expanded visa scrutiny, including social media checks and tighter screening procedures, could still affect travellers during the tournament period.