2026 FIFA World Cup
The United States has announced it will waive a proposed $15,000 (£11,000) visa deposit for football fans from 50 countries travelling to the 2026 World Cup, provided they hold valid match tickets.
Five African nations affected by the policy, Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia, have qualified for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from 11 June.
“We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets,” Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar told the BBC.
The visa bond requirement was introduced last year as part of efforts to reduce overstays. Under the policy, travellers from certain countries were required to pay a refundable deposit, returned at the end of their visit.
