US Drops $15,000 Visa Deposit for Foreign Fans with World Cup Tickets

The United States government has announced that football fans from dozens of countries will no longer be required to pay a $15,000 visa deposit if they are travelling to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup with valid match tickets.

The decision affects travellers from 50 countries previously subject to the visa bond requirement introduced by the Trump administration as part of efforts to reduce visa overstays.

Among the affected countries are Algeria, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia, all of which have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar confirmed that the waiver applies to eligible fans who have purchased official World Cup tickets.

The visa bond policy, introduced last year under a 12-month pilot programme, required certain travellers to pay a refundable deposit before entering the United States.

According to US authorities, the policy was designed to address concerns over visa overstays and inadequate screening information from some countries.

Before the latest announcement, exemptions had already been granted to players, coaches, and official tournament staff travelling for World Cup-related activities.

FIFA welcomed the decision, describing it as part of ongoing cooperation between the football governing body and the US government ahead of the tournament.

The organisation said the move would help support a successful and memorable World Cup event.

Despite the waiver for football supporters, some restrictions remain in place for travellers from certain countries.

Reports indicate that travellers from Iran and Haiti are still subject to broader travel restrictions, although athletes and coaches connected to the tournament remain exempt.

Travellers from Ivory Coast and Senegal are also reportedly facing partial restrictions under updated US immigration measures.

The development comes amid wider debate over US immigration and border policies ahead of the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Rights groups have previously raised concerns over stricter visa checks, social media screening requirements, and increased surveillance measures that could affect international visitors travelling to the tournament.