US Removes Expensive Visa Bonds for 2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket Holders

The United States has announced major relief for international football fans by removing costly visa bond requirements for ticket holders attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to reports, President Donald Trump’s administration has decided to exempt FIFA World Cup ticket holders from paying visa bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, stated that fans who purchased World Cup tickets and registered under the FIFA Pass Program before April 15, 2026, will qualify for the exemption.

The visa bond policy was introduced in August last year and required citizens from 50 countries to deposit large financial guarantees in order to obtain temporary US visas. The money was refundable upon departure from the United States.

US officials said that athletes, coaches, and support staff had already been exempted from the policy, provided they fulfilled other immigration and travel requirements.

Mora Namdar emphasized that the United States remains committed to ensuring smooth and lawful travel arrangements during the World Cup while maintaining national security standards. However, all visitors will still be required to undergo standard visa processing and security screening.

According to the US State Department, nearly 10 million international visitors are expected to travel to the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will begin on June 11 across cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Critics, however, argue that the Trump administration’s strict immigration and deportation policies contradict FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s vision of hosting “the most inclusive World Cup in history.”