The US Department of State (DOS) ’s expanded Visa Bond Pilot Program is creating new barriers for travelers from designated countries seeking to enter the US on B‑1 (business) or B‑2 (tourism) visas — just months ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup matches hosted in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Under the program, nationals of designated countries may be required to post a visa bond of up to $15,000 per person before a visa can be issued. The bond is refundable if the traveler departs the US in compliance with visa terms.
The implications for the World Cup were first reported by The Athletic, which highlighted growing concerns among soccer federations, players, and fans from affected countries regarding access to the US during the tournament.
Countries Impacted and World Cup Relevance
The visa bond program now applies to 50 countries, including several nations participating in the upcoming World Cup. Countries already subject to the bond requirement since January 21, 2026 include:
- Algeria
- Cabo Verde
- Senegal
- Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Effective April 2, 2026, Tunisia was added to the list. For Cabo Verde, this marks a particularly significant moment, as the country has qualified for the men’s World Cup for the first time in its history.
The policy applies only to new visa applicants and is not retroactive. Travelers who already hold valid US visas are not subject to the bond.
Bond Amounts and Who Pays
The visa bond is assessed per individual, not per traveling party. According to sources familiar with the process:
- $5,000 bonds are generally expected for children
- $10,000 – $15,000 bonds may apply to adults
This means a parent traveling with a child could face two separate bond payments, significantly increasing the cost of travel.
No Automatic Exemptions for Athletes or Fans
While the World Cup’s global nature has prompted discussions behind the scenes, the visa bond policy does not include an explicit exemption for athletes, coaches, or team staff. Players and officials who do not already hold valid US visas would typically apply for B‑1 or B‑2 visas, placing them within the scope of the bond requirement.
The DOS has emphasized that:
- All visa applications are adjudicated case by case
- There is no formal waiver application process
- Consular officers may waive a bond only if doing so advances a significant national interest or humanitarian interest
FIFA has reportedly been pressing US officials to exempt official team delegations — including players, coaches, and support staff — from the bond requirement. Any such accommodation, if granted, would likely not extend to fans or family members.
Impact on Fans and Travel Logistics
For fans from affected countries, the bond represents a substantial additional financial burden, compounding already high costs for World Cup tickets, hotels, and international travel.
The requirement may deter or preclude many otherwise eligible supporters from attending matches in the US.
Further complicating matters, the DOS has increasingly issued single‑entry B‑1/B‑2 visas to nationals of designated countries, rather than multi‑entry visas. This presents challenges for teams and fans who must move between the US, Canada, and Mexico during the tournament.
While consular officers may consider an applicant’s individual circumstances when deciding whether to issue a single‑ or multiple‑entry visa, no blanket assurances have been provided.
State Department Position
The DOS has stated that:
- Visa bonds are intended to deter overstays and illegal immigration
- The program has proven effective and is being expanded based on overstay rates, screening concerns, and foreign policy considerations
- US safety and border security remain the top priority
Officials have also stressed that the US government continues to engage with FIFA in support of hosting the World Cup, though no formal exemptions have been announced.
Key Takeaways
- Visa bonds of up to $15,000 may be required for new B‑1/B‑2 visa applicants from designated countries
- The policy affects fans and potentially players, absent specific exemptions
- Bonds are refundable if travelers comply with visa terms
- No automatic waiver process exists; exemptions are discretionary
- The policy may significantly impact attendance and logistics for World Cup participants and supporters
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments related to the Visa Bond Pilot Program and any exemptions or clarifications issued ahead of the World Cup.