United States: State Department Announces Update for FIFA World Cup 2026 Travelers

The Department of State (DOS) posted an update to notify the public of new exemptions from the B-1/B-2 visa bond requirement for certain foreign nationals traveling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The agency says the bond will be waived for the following groups of individuals, as long as they demonstrate they are otherwise fully eligible for a B visitor visa:

• Nationals of competing countries who purchased FIFA World Cup tickets by April 15 and opted in to the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) through the FIFA website; and

• Athletes and team members – including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives – who are nationals of countries that are competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026.   

A list of countries currently subject to the B visa bond program and a description of the program can be found here.