U.S. Lowers Visa Bond Requirements for World Cup Fans

On Wednesday, the United States announced it would relax its requirement for visa applicants to pay bond fees for certain World Cup fans.

As part of a broader migration crackdown initiated by former President Donald Trump, the U.S. has required citizens from 50 developing nations to submit bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for a visa, which are returned after the applicant departs the country.

The State Department stated that it would exempt team players and fans from participating countries who possess tickets and have registered for a priority visa program from paying these bonds.

“We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament,” said Mora Namdar, the assistant secretary of state for consular affairs.

She added that the Trump administration aimed to host the “biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history.”

“Today’s announcement from the US State Department further demonstrates our ongoing collaboration with the US Government and the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup to deliver a successful, record-breaking and unforgettable global event,” a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement.

Five countries that qualified for the World Cup are among those whose nationals are required to pay visa bonds: Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia.

At least two other countries that have qualified for the soccer showcase have seen nearly total bans on entry into the United States under Trump: Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, and Iran, which the United States and Israel attacked on February 28.

The Trump administration has also sharply expanded scrutiny for visitors from friendly Western countries, requiring them to provide access for the US government to look through their social media postings.

A study by the Mendoza Law Firm found that Haiti could play its matches with virtually no fans traveling from the country due to the restrictions.

It said that in the five qualifying countries affected by the visa bonds, $15,000 is equivalent to an average of three years of income.

The World Cup, which kicks off June 11, is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

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