Trump Administration Suspends Bond Requirement for World Cup Ticket Holders from Certain Countries
The Trump administration has decided to suspend the bond requirement for foreign visitors from certain countries who are confirmed World Cup ticket holders. The State Department imposed the bond requirement last year for countries with high rates of visa overstays and security issues. Travelers from 50 countries are required to pay the bond, and five of those countries have qualified for the World Cup.
Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar announced the waiver for qualified fans who purchased World Cup tickets and opted into the FIFA Pass system for expedited visa appointments. This waiver is a rare relaxation of immigration requirements under the administration and will ease travel for visitors to the U.S. for the World Cup, which starts on June 11 and is co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The administration has taken steps to restrict immigration, including barring travelers from certain countries. However, World Cup team players, coaches, and staff are exempt from the bond requirement. Foreign travelers are also facing new requirements, such as submitting their social media histories.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association reported that visa barriers and geopolitical issues have significantly reduced international demand for hotel bookings for the World Cup. The bond requirements are part of the administration's efforts to control migrants who overstay their visas. Visa applicants from affected countries must pay bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, which will be refunded if the terms of the visa are complied with or if the visa application is denied.
The number of World Cup fans affected by the bond requirement was initially small, estimated at around 250 people. However, this number is expected to change as more people purchase tickets and some decide not to travel. FIFA requested the waiver, which had to be approved by the State Department and Department of Homeland Security after discussions at the White House and other Washington locations.