From April 2, the United States is implementing a “pilot visa bond program.” In practical terms, some travelers will have to deposit an amount between 5,000 and 15,000 dollars to obtain their visa. This bond will be refunded to them upon leaving the country on the scheduled date.
The measure now applies to fifty countries, including five nations qualified for the 2026 World Cup: Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Cape Verde, and Cote d’Ivoire. For adults, the bond could range from 10,000 to 15,000 dollars, compared to approximately 5,000 dollars for minors.
Officially, American authorities justify this scheme with the aim of combating illegal immigration and ensuring that visitors respect the duration of their stay.
Supporters at the forefront, delegations uncertain
If this measure primarily targets visitors, it could also affect sports delegations. In practice, players, coaches, and staff members could be subject to this bond, paid individually.
In response to growing concerns, FIFA is reportedly working behind the scenes to negotiate exemptions. One of the options being considered is issuing official invitation letters for delegations to avoid this financial constraint. However, supporters are not expected to benefit from such exemptions.
This situation could complicate the tournament’s organization for certain teams. Several group stage matches for Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia are scheduled to be played on American soil, while Algeria and Cape Verde are expected to play all their matches there.
Supporters express outrage: “It’s a global competition, everyone should be welcome.”
The announcement of this measure quickly sparked discussions on social media. Many TikTok users denounced the decision as discriminatory, drawing historical parallels to the 1936 Olympic Games organized by Nazi Germany.
Others criticized the impact on African and Arab countries, calling for a boycott of the sports competition.
A broader tightening of immigration policy
In parallel, the United States has also announced a freeze on permanent immigration visas for nationals of 75 countries. Among them are several nations qualified for the competition, such as Iran, Iraq, Brazil, Bosnia, Uzbekistan, and Egypt.
While authorities assure that supporters from these countries are not affected by this restriction, they specify that entry requests will undergo thorough scrutiny, including the analysis of candidates’ social media before granting them permission to enter American soil.
