US scraps $15,000 visa deposit for World Cup-bound fans
The Trump administration will waive the $15,000 visa deposit for football fans from 50 countries attending the 2026 World Cup in the US, provided they have valid match tickets. The move aims to streamline entry for visitors expected to inject billions into the economy.
The Trump administration will waive the $15,000 visa deposit requirement for football fans traveling from 50 countries to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States—provided they present valid match tickets upon arrival.
The decision, announced late Friday, marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy for the world’s most-watched sporting event. Officials say the exemption will remove a major financial barrier for an estimated 150,000 international fans expected to attend the tournament across 16 host cities.
Key Points
- ✅ Fans from 50 countries no longer face $15,000 visa deposit
- ⚡ Waiver applies only with valid World Cup match tickets
- 💡 Expected to boost tourism revenue ahead of 2026 event
Under the new policy, travelers from countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, and South Africa—all on the eligible list—will avoid the cumbersome deposit system. The U.S. State Department confirmed that applications will still require standard background checks, but the financial hurdle has been removed.
| Country | Visa Deposit Before | Visa Deposit Now |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | $15,000 | Waived |
| Germany | $15,000 | Waived |
| Brazil | $15,000 | Waived |
| South Africa | $15,000 | Waived |
| India | $15,000 | Waived |
The World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, kicks off in June 2026. Organizers project that international visitors will spend over $5 billion during the month-long event, with the majority arriving via B-2 tourist visas. The waiver is expected to simplify entry for fans who have already purchased tickets priced between $100 and $2,000 depending on the match and seating.
📋 By The Numbers
- 150,000 — Estimated international fans expected in the U.S. for World Cup
- $5 billion — Projected economic impact from international visitors
- 16 — Number of U.S. cities hosting matches
Critics argue the deposit was an unnecessary deterrent for genuine tourists, while supporters claim the waiver aligns with the administration’s push to grow tourism and host major global events. The U.S. has not hosted the World Cup since 1994, when 3.6 million fans attended games across nine cities. This year’s event is expected to draw even larger crowds.
💡 Pro Tip
Apply for your visa at least 60 days before travel, even with the waiver, to avoid last-minute processing delays during peak World Cup season.
The policy change comes after months of lobbying by tourism groups and FIFA, which argued the deposit discouraged attendance from key markets. Visa applications will now be assessed under the standard B-2 visitor visa process, with the only additional requirement being proof of a valid World Cup ticket.
- Confirm eligibility — Check if your country is on the waiver list
- Purchase tickets — Ensure your match ticket is in your name
- Apply early — Submit your visa application at least two months before departure
Officials from the U.S. Department of State have emphasized that the waiver does not apply to fans traveling without confirmed match tickets. The policy is temporary and tied exclusively to the World Cup, with no indication of broader changes to visa deposit rules for other tourist visas.