US President Donald Trump holding the World Cup trophy and FIFA President Gianni Infantino
United States (US) government has announced a temporary relaxation of its controversial visa bond policy for some football fans and participants attending the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, applicants from about 50 developing nations were previously required to deposit between $5,000 and $15,000 before obtaining a US visa, with refunds issued after their return home.
However, the State Department confirmed that players, officials, and eligible supporters from participating countries will now be exempted from the bond requirement if they already possess match tickets and are enrolled in a special visa priority programme.
“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 was determined to deliver the “biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history.”
FIFA also welcomed the decision, saying, “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.”
Among the countries affected by the original visa bond policy are Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia, all of which have qualified for the tournament.
The World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 11, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, amid concerns that strict US entry rules could discourage fans from travelling.
