The United States will waive the controversial $15,000 (£11,000) visa bond requirement for ticket holders from 50 countries attending the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the BBC reported.
This exemption specifically targets qualified fans who have purchased valid match tickets, providing significant financial relief to supporters from nations such as Algeria, Cabo Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia, all of which have qualified for the tournament.
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"We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets," Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said, emphasising the administration's goal of facilitating travel for the tournament.
The policy was introduced last year to curb visa overstays, while players, coaches, and team staff were already exempt, according to the official circular.
The 12-month trial program, started last August as part of stricter government immigration rules, was meant to reduce people overstaying their visas.
FIFA welcomed the decision, stating that the waiver reflects successful collaboration with the White House to ensure a "record-breaking and unforgettable" global event when the tournament kicks off across North America on June 11.
While football fans from 50 nations have received a reprieve from visa bond requirements, the U.S. government maintains strict entry restrictions for travelers from Iran and Haiti. Additionally, supporters from qualifying nations like Ivory Coast and Senegal continue to navigate partial restrictions under an expanded travel ban, even as the administration eases financial hurdles for other international spectators.
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The stricter screening process, introduced last year under tougher immigration policies, has raised concerns among rights groups over possible travel restrictions, racial profiling, and increased monitoring of foreign visitors. Although the government has eased certain visa payment rules for ticket holders, activists warn that mandatory social media checks could still lead to unfair entry denials or even arrests of fans traveling for the tournament.
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