U.S. State Dept. to waive $15k visa bond for World Cup. But will it really help players and fans?

On Wednesday, the U.S. State Department announced a policy change, waiving visa bond requirements for some participants and ticket holders during this summer’s World Cup.Due to the “Visa Bond Pilot Program” introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration, nationals from 50 countries are required to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 to be granted a tourist visa to enter the United States. These payments were per person, rather than per travelling party, which means a parent travelling with two children, for example, must make three separate bond payments. The Athletic reported in March that sources familiar with the process indicated the $5,000 payments were broadly reserved for children, and $10,000 or $15,000 for adults. It threatened to impact several nations who have qualified for the World Cup.Advertisement