U.S. Drops Costly Visa Bonds for World Cup Ticket Holders

The United States has announced it is scrapping expensive visa bonds—ranging from $5,000 to $15,000—for fans with tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move, confirmed Wednesday, comes after widespread criticism that the Trump-era bond requirement would pile steep costs on top of already pricey match tickets for international travelers.

Under a policy launched last August, citizens from 50 countries had to post bonds to get a temporary U.S. visa, with the money refunded after they left the country. But now, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar says the administration is “waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets and opted in to FIFA PASS as of April 15, 2026.” The waiver also applies to players, coaches, and support staff who meet entry requirements.

Namdar emphasized the balance between security and travel: “We remain committed to strengthening U.S. national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament.” Still, all visitors with tickets will go through standard visa vetting.

The change affects at least five World Cup teams—Algeria, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia—whose citizens were subject to the bond rule. With the U.S. expecting up to 10 million visitors for the event, which kicks off June 11 across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, the waiver is seen as a practical step.

But critics argue it doesn’t go far enough. Human rights groups point out that 39 countries remain under travel bans, including World Cup competitors Iran and Haiti. The ACLU and Amnesty International issued a travel advisory in April, warning of “deteriorating human rights” and “expanded restrictions on entry.” A White House spokesperson dismissed those warnings as “ridiculous scare tactics.”