The Trump administration has suspended a $15,000 visa bond requirement for foreign football fans traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup, provided they have valid match tickets. The exemption applies to fans from five countries with qualified teams: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia.
Key Takeaways
The Trump administration has waived a $15,000 visa bond requirement for foreign football fans from 50 countries who have tickets for the World Cup, which begins on June 11. The exemption applies to fans from Algeria, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia, five of the qualified teams. Players and coaches were already exempt.
- US waives $15,000 visa bond for World Cup ticket holders
- Exemption applies to fans from 5 countries with qualified teams
- Bond requirement aimed at reducing visa overstays
- Iran and Haiti travelers still barred; partial restrictions for Ivory Coast and Senegal
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar announced the waiver, stating that the U.S. is 'excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history.' The bond requirement was introduced last year to reduce visa overstays but had not previously exempted ordinary fans with confirmed tickets.
The 12-month pilot program targeting high rates of visa overstays has been part of the administration's broader immigration crackdown. According to the State Department, the bond would be refunded at the end of a visitor's stay if they comply with their visa terms. However, travelers from Iran and Haiti remain barred, although players and coaches are exempt for World Cup-related travel.
Travelers from Ivory Coast and Senegal face partial restrictions under an expanded version of that travel ban. Additionally, tourists from dozens of countries may be required to provide a five-year social media history as a condition of entry, another immigration policy affecting visitors coming to the U.S. for the World Cup. Rights groups have warned travelers about potential risks such as denied entry and racial profiling.
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