A U.S. immigration officer patrols John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).Image: keystone
May 13, 2026, 8:56 p.mMay 13, 2026, 8:56 p.m
The Trump administration is requiring tourists from certain countries to pay a deposit of several thousand dollars – the same should actually apply to fans at the World Cup. Now there is a turnaround.
Contrary to the stricter rules for certain countries, the USA wants to waive a deposit upon entry for fans of the Football World Cup. No payment is required for those arriving with a valid ticket, a State Department employee confirmed to the Associated Press news agency.
Normally, people from 50 countries have to pay deposits of up to $15,000 to enter the USA. The list mainly includes countries from the Middle East and Africa.
With this high deposit, the US government says it wants to prevent immigrants from overstaying their visas and incurring costs for taxpayers. The deposit should be refunded if the travelers adhere to the guidelines or do not start the trip.
U-turn in immigration policy
The relief will benefit fans of World Cup participants Tunisia, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Algeria. The countries have qualified for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but their fans would normally have to pay the deposit.
Around four weeks before the start of the World Cup, the move marks a reversal in the US government’s entry policy. At the end of March, the Foreign Ministry announced upon request that there would only be exceptions for the squad, the coaching staff and close relatives. Otherwise, there are no plans to ease entry restrictions.
US President Donald Trump has significantly tightened entry regulations since taking office. In addition to the bail regulations, citizens of certain countries are now completely prohibited from entering the USA. (sda/dpa)