US Waives Visa Bonds for World Cup Fans from 5 Countries

The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that it is suspending a visa bond requirement for foreign nationals from five World Cup-qualifying countries who hold confirmed tickets to the tournament, easing entry requirements ahead of the event co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico starting June 11.

The waiver applies to citizens of Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia. These nations are among 50 countries subject to bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, imposed last year by the State Department to address high rates of visa overstays and security concerns. The bonds are refundable if travelers comply with visa terms or if applications are denied. Fans must have purchased tickets through FIFA and opted into the FIFA Pass system, which provides expedited visa appointments effective April 15.

"The United States is excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history," Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said. "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."

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