The United States will waive World Cup visa bonds for eligible FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket-holders from five qualifying countries. A State Department official said this Wednesday.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said the waiver applies to qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets. It also applies to those who opted into FIFA PASS by April 15, according to Al Jazeera.
The affected World Cup-qualified countries are Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia. Citizens of these countries had been required to pay refundable tourist visa bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 under a US travel deposit scheme, as per AP.
The exemption also covers eligible players, coaches and team staff from countries subject to the bond rules.
The US Department of State says FIFA PASS gives ticket-holders who bought tickets directly from FIFA and opted in a chance to secure a B1/B2 visa interview. This is allowed before the tournament begins.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The final is scheduled at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Separate US entry restrictions remain in force for some countries, including Haiti and Iran. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security said international visitors with legal immigration status could attend games.
