Football supporters prepare for travel ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the US waived visa bond requirements for selected African countries
Football fans from five African countries travelling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 will no longer be required to pay visa bonds of up to $15,000 after the United States government announced a temporary waiver.
The exemption applies to supporters from Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia.
The countries had previously been affected by a US immigration policy targeting nations with high visa overstay rates.
According to the US State Department, eligible supporters who purchase World Cup tickets and register through FIFA’s visa facilitation platform will be exempt from the bond requirement during the tournament period.
US authorities said the measure is intended to ease travel for international football fans ahead of the competition, which begins on June 11, 2026.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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The visa bond policy was introduced under President Donald Trump as part of broader immigration enforcement measures. Under the policy, some travellers were required to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000 before entering the US, with refunds issued after they complied with visa conditions.
While players, coaches and team officials had already been exempted, ordinary supporters from the affected African countries only secured relief this week following months of engagement between FIFA and US authorities.
Despite the waiver, concerns persist over tighter US immigration controls ahead of the World Cup, including expanded travel restrictions, stricter visa screening and heightened security checks for foreign visitors.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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