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US Waives Visa Bonds for African World Cup Ticket-Holders

5/15/2026

28 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Namdar Waives Bonds

On May 14 2026, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar announced the U.S. will waive $5,000-$15,000 visa bonds for ticket-holding fans from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia.
Fans must have a World Cup ticket and be enrolled in FIFA PASS by April 15 2026.
Travel bans stay for Iran and Haiti, restrictions remain for Senegal and Ivory Coast, affecting about 250 fans.

Summary

US Waives Bonds

The U.S. announced a waiver linking the FIFA Pass system to faster visa-appointment slots for World Cup ticket holders.
The waiver exempts ticket-holding fans entering the United States from the 2025 visa-bond of $5,000 to $15,000, while fans traveling to Canada or Mexico remain subject to the bond.
Officials announced the waiver on May 12, confirmed it on May 13, less than a month before the tournament opens on June 11.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the United States hosted the FIFA World Cup as the UN declared the International Year of Sport, leading the State Department to waive visa fees for fans from dozens of nations and process 1.5 million visas in six months. In May 2026 Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar removed the $5,000-$15,000 bond for African supporters, tying entry to FIFA PASS and extending the sport-driven immigration approach.

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Namdar Waives Bonds

On May 14 2026, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar announced the U.S. will waive $5,000-$15,000 visa bonds for ticket-holding fans from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia.
Fans must have a World Cup ticket and be enrolled in FIFA PASS by April 15 2026.
Travel bans stay for Iran and Haiti, restrictions remain for Senegal and Ivory Coast, affecting about 250 fans.

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