US Suspends Ksh 1.9 Million Visa Bond for World Cup Fans from Qualified Countries
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The United States government has suspended a rule that required some foreign visitors to pay a visa bond of up to Ksh 1.9 million before entering the country for the FIFA World Cup.
The decision applies to fans who already bought official match tickets and come from countries that qualified for the tournament.
The move comes as the US prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
Visa Bond Requirement Put on Hold for Ticket Holders
The visa bond rule was introduced last year. It required visitors from certain countries to pay a refundable deposit of up to Ksh 1.9 million before entering the US.
Authorities said the rule aimed to reduce visa overstays and improve security screening.
The US State Department has now suspended the requirement for fans who have purchased World Cup tickets and are using FIFA’s official visa appointment system.
World Cup Countries Affected by US Visa Bond Rule
Five of the countries affected by the visa bond rule have qualified for the tournament:
- Algeria
- Cape Verde
- Ivory Coast
- Senegal
- Tunisia
Fans from these countries who have bought valid World Cup tickets will now be exempt from paying the visa bond.
Also Read: FIFA 2026 World Cup: What Kenyan Fans Should Know About Travel Visas
Who Is Still Covered by the Rule
The visa bond requirement still applies to travelers from the broader list of 50 countries included in the program. However, World Cup-related visitors such as:
- Players
- Coaches
- Team officials
- Selected tournament staff
were already exempt from the bond requirement.
Travelers from some countries under separate travel restrictions, like Haiti and Iran, are still facing additional limits, even if their national teams are involved in the tournament.
Immigration Policy and Security Concerns
The visa bond policy was introduced as part of a wider immigration enforcement strategy.
The US government said it targeted countries with higher rates of visa overstays or weaker screening systems.
Officials also considered additional requirements in recent months, including social media checks for some visitors, as part of broader security screening efforts.
Also Read: Kenya Airways Announces Resumption of Dubai Flights
US Government Statement
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar welcomed the decision and said the US is ready to host a successful tournament.
“The United States is excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history,” she said.
She added,“We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets and opted in to the FIFA Pass system that allows expedited visa appointments.”
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FIFA World Cup Trophy PHOTO/FIFA.
