US waives visa bonds up to $15,000 for FIFA World Cup ticket holders | World Cup 2026 news

Trump’s visa bond plan has raised concerns about the cost of World Cup travel to the US.

Washington, DC – The United States has said it will waive the expensive visas issued by Donald Trump’s administration to holders of World Cup tickets.

Wednesday’s announcement followed concerns that some of those going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will face bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, with an increase already. the highest price attend a football show.

Under the policy was established in August last year, citizens of 50 countries they had to post bonds to get it long-term US visa. The money is returned after the visitor leaves the US.

In a statement to Al Jazeera, US Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said that the administration is “waiving visas for eligible fans who purchased World Cup tickets and chose FIFA PASS from April 15, 2026”.

He also mentioned the previously announced program to expedite the processing of visas for the World Cup. The administration also waived requirements for “eligible team members, including players, coaches, and assistants who meet all requirements to enter the US”, Namdar added.

“We are committed to strengthening US national security requirements and facilitating official travel to the upcoming World Cup,” he said.

The U.S. Department of State also added that travelers with regular tickets will still have visas.

At least five countries competing in the World Cup – Algeria, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia – are under the visa regime.

The State Department said it expects 10 million visitors to the US for the event. Games begin on June 11 in cities across the US, Mexico and Canada.

Concerns over immigration restrictions

Critics say the Trump administration’s tough policies on legal immigration and deportations run counter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s pledge that the upcoming World Cup will be the “most inclusive” in history.

Beyond visas, 39 countries remain restricted from travel. This includes rivals Iran and Haiti. Two other competing countries, Ivory Coast and Senegal, have travel restrictions in place.

Rights groups have also expressed concern about the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the World Cup in the US. The Department of Homeland Security has told US media that it can provide security alongside “local and federal partners”.

In April, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Amnesty International led various organizations to give “travel advisory” for the US during the World Cup, referring to the “deterioration of human rights in the United States” and the “lack of action and real assurances from FIFA, the host cities, or the US government”.

It cited a number of concerns, including “expanded restrictions and restrictions on travel and entry into the United States”.

The warning also referred to “violent and illegal immigration practices, including racial profiling and other forms of discrimination against the law”.

At the time, a White House spokesman dismissed the warnings as “scare tactics carried out by activist groups and the left-wing media”.