United States impose $15,000 visa bonds on 2026 World Cup supporters
Supporters and potentially players from five qualified African nations face paying a visa bond of up to $15,000 (£11,800) to enter the United States for the 2026 World Cup.
The newly established Visa Bond Pilot Program comes into effect on 2 April following policy changes by President Donald Trump’s administration.
It will impact visitors travelling on business or tourist visas from 50 countries globally.
Five of those affected nations – Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Tunisia – have already secured their places at the summer tournament.
Significant financial hurdle for families
Fans applying for standard entry permits must deposit the significant fee before being granted access to the co-host nation.
These payments are required per person and range from $5,000 for children to $15,000 for adults.
A parent travelling with a child will be forced to make two separate bond deposits to attend the global showpiece.
The money will be fully refunded provided the individuals depart the country before their documentation expires.
Players may face entry issues
There is currently no explicit wording within the pilot scheme that grants immunity to athletes competing in major international sporting events.
Most footballers without existing documentation will likely need to apply for these specific visas to participate.
Consequently, the respective national football associations could be asked to deposit vast sums to ensure their squads can cross the border.
This presents a unique administrative challenge for debutants Cape Verde, who recently qualified for the finals for the first time in their history.
Geopolitical tensions threaten tournament
Wider political issues are also threatening to disrupt the expanded 48-team competition.
It remains unclear whether Iran will be permitted to compete amid ongoing conflicts involving the American government and Israel.
President Trump has previously stated he does not care if the Middle Eastern nation is forced to withdraw from the event.
A US State Department spokesperson told The Athletic that all applicants remain subject to the same legal standards regardless of age.
“All applicants must demonstrate they qualify for and intend to comply with the terms of a visa.”
This new financial requirement is not retroactive and will not impact supporters holding existing valid travel documents.
