Foreigners who buy World Cup tickets will not have to pay a deposit to enter the United States

The bail requirement was introduced last year as part of a tightening of immigration policies. It applied to citizens of 50 countries who, according to US authorities, were more likely to violate the visa regime or raise security concerns. Among these countries are Algeria, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia, whose teams have qualified for the World Cup. Deposit waivers will be available to those who have purchased match tickets and registered in the FIFA Pass system, which, from April 15, allows for expedited registration for a visa interview.

The decision was a rare example of an easing of immigration rules under the current administration. It should make it easier for some foreign fans to travel to the tournament, which starts on June 11 and will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Previously, football players, coaches and some employees of national teams had already been released from paying bail. However, regular spectators have until now had to comply with this requirement even if they have tickets to the matches.

At the same time, the Trump administration continues to pursue a strict immigration policy, which, according to critics, contradicts the idea of ​​a global sports festival. Thus, travelers from Iran and Haiti are prohibited from entering the United States, although World Cup participants – players and team personnel – are not subject to restrictions. Citizens of Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal are subject to partial entry restrictions. Additional difficulties for tourists are created by new rules for checking the social networks of applicants, as well as increased control at airports by immigration services.

The bond system was introduced to combat visa violations – cases in which foreigners enter the United States on temporary visas but remain in the country longer than allowed. The deposit is $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 and is refundable if the person complies with the visa conditions or is denied entry.