U.S. Visa Bonds Burden African Travelers for 2026 World Cup

Travelers from several African nations qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup face a new financial hurdle to enter the United States, where the tournament will be co-hosted with Canada and Mexico. Under a U.S. visa policy introduced earlier this year, nationals from Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Tunisia must post bonds of up to $15,000 per person to obtain B1 or B2 tourist and business visas, a requirement that could affect both fans and official delegations as the event approaches in June.

The Visa Bond Pilot Program, launched by the Trump administration in January, targets 50 countries based on factors including high visa overstay rates, screening challenges and foreign policy concerns. It functions as a refundable security deposit, with amounts typically ranging from $5,000 for children to $10,000 or $15,000 for adults. The bonds are returned if travelers depart the U.S. before their visa expires. The policy does not apply retroactively to those with existing valid visas and took effect immediately for Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire, with Tunisia added starting April 2.

U.S. State Department officials have stated that all applicants are...