National

Trump Waives $15,000 Visa Bond for 50 Nations' Citizens Coming to World Cup

By Dan Gooding Newsweek
FBL-WC-2026-STADIUM-LOS ANGELES. A giant ball is displayed behind a goal as an expanded pitch surface area, which required the removal of corner seating and a raised custom field platform, awaits the installation of grass during the 30 Days to FIFA World Cup 2026 media event at SoFI Stadium before the pitch installation and temporary renaming to Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California on May 12, 2026. The US Men's National Team will play their first 2026 FIFA World Cup match on June 12 against Paraguay.
FBL-WC-2026-STADIUM-LOS ANGELES. A giant ball is displayed behind a goal as an expanded pitch surface area, which required the removal of corner seating and a raised custom field platform, awaits the installation of grass during the 30 Days to FIFA World Cup 2026 media event at SoFI Stadium before the pitch installation and temporary renaming to Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California on May 12, 2026. The US Men's National Team will play their first 2026 FIFA World Cup match on June 12 against Paraguay. PATRICK T. FALLON Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. State Department said Wednesday that it was lifting a requirement for visa applicants from 50 countries to pay a bond in order to get approved, if they are entering the country for the FIFAWorld Cup.

The Trump administration had been criticized for introducing the bonds, sometimes costing up to $15,000, with a warning that they could put tourists off from visiting the U.S. Among the 50 nations affected, five have qualified for the soccer competition which starts June 11.

Visa applicants will have to show valid tickets for the World Cup if they are to qualify for the exemption. Players, coaches, and some staff were already exempt from the fees, which are meant to be returned if a visitor leaves by the time their visa expires.

"The United States is excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history,” Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar told Newsweek in a statement. “As part of the effort, the Department of State has waived the visa bond requirement for qualifying team members including players, coaches, and support staff who otherwise meet all requirements for entry into the U.S.

“Additionally, we are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets and opted in to FIFA PASS as of April 15, 2026. We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament."

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.

A giant ball is displayed behind a goal as an expanded pitch surface area, which required the removal of corner seating and a raised custom field platform, awaits the installation of grass during the 30 Days to FIFA World Cup 2026 media event at SoFI Stadium before the pitch installation and temporary renaming to Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California on May 12, 2026. The US Men’s National Team will play their first 2026 FIFA World Cup match on June 12 against Paraguay.
A giant ball is displayed behind a goal as an expanded pitch surface area, which required the removal of corner seating and a raised custom field platform, awaits the installation of grass during the 30 Days to FIFA World Cup 2026 media event at SoFI Stadium before the pitch installation and temporary renaming to Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California on May 12, 2026. The US Men’s National Team will play their first 2026 FIFA World Cup match on June 12 against Paraguay. PATRICK T. FALLON AFP via Getty Images

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 12:08 PM.

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