The US Department of State (DOS) has issued additional implementation guidance on the Visa Bond Program, with a key development being the formalization and expansion of exemptions for FIFA World Cup 2026 travelers.
While the list of designated countries remains unchanged, the updated guidance provides important clarity on how the program will apply to players, team officials, and certain fans attending the tournament.
Expanded Visa Bond Waivers for World Cup 2026 Travelers
The State Department confirmed that the visa bond requirement will be waived for specific categories of travelers associated with the FIFA World Cup 2026, addressing earlier concerns raised by participating countries and organizations.
1. Full Waiver for Players and Official Delegations
The visa bond requirement will not apply to official team participants, including:
- Athletes and players
- Coaches and technical staff
- Essential support personnel
- Immediate family members of team members
To qualify, individuals must:
- Be nationals of countries participating in the World Cup
- Meet all applicable visa eligibility requirements
This exemption ensures that national teams can travel without financial or administrative barriers tied to the visa bond requirement.
2. Conditional Waiver for Ticketed Fans
The guidance also introduces a limited waiver for eligible spectators, significantly narrowing the impact of visa bonds on World Cup attendance.
The waiver applies to nationals of participating countries who:
- Purchased FIFA World Cup tickets on or before April 15, 2026, and
- Registered through the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS)
Eligible applicants must still:
- Apply for a B‑1/B‑2 visitor visa
- Successfully complete all screening and vetting procedures
This measure provides a pathway for qualified fans to travel without posting bonds, while still allowing the US government to maintain screening standards.
No Automatic Exemption — Screening Still Applies
Despite the waived bond requirement, the State Department emphasized that:
- All applicants remain subject to full consular review
- No visa is guaranteed, regardless of World Cup status
- Applications will continue to be decided case by case
Visa issuance remains contingent on demonstrating eligibility under US immigration law, including intent to comply with visa terms.
Broader Program Clarifications (Non‑World Cup Travelers)
For applicants who do not qualify for World Cup exemptions, the updated guidance also clarifies:
- Visa bonds must be posted only after instruction by a consular officer
- Payments must be made through official US government systems (Pay.gov)
- Bonded travelers are limited to commercial air ports of entry for entry and exit
Strict compliance remains required, and violations may result in bond forfeiture.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.