U.S. Suspends Visa Bonds for Certain World Cup Fans

The U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday that it is suspending a bond requirement for foreign visitors from certain countries who hold confirmed tickets to the FIFA World Cup, a move aimed at easing travel for fans ahead of the tournament starting June 11.

The policy, imposed last year, required travelers from 50 countries with high visa overstay rates and security concerns to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. Those amounts are refunded if travelers comply with visa terms or if applications are denied. Among the affected nations are five World Cup qualifiers: Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia.

"We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets and opted in to the FIFA Pass system that allows expedited visa appointments as of April 15," Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said. "The United States is excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history."

The tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Previously, World Cup players, coaches and some staff were exempt from the bond, as were fans until this announcement. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of...