African Fans Hit With $15,000 Visa Deposit for FIFA World Cup
Supporters from Algeria, Ivory Coast and Senegal will face staggering expenses to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with new visa rules requiring deposits of up to $15,000.
According to The Athletic, the U.S. government has introduced a ‘Visa Bond Pilot Program’ aimed at deterring illegal immigration.
The policy, set to take effect on April 2, will apply to visitors from around 50 countries, including five African nations: Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Tunisia.
Adults from these countries will need to pay between $10,000 and $15,000, while children will require a $5,000 deposit.
The measure has sparked concern among fans hoping to follow their teams at the tournament. FIFA is reportedly negotiating exemptions for players and staff, but supporters will not be included in those discussions.
The impact is particularly significant given the match schedule.
Ivory Coast will play two group games in the U.S., Senegal will face France in a high‑profile clash on June 16, and Algeria and Cape Verde will contest their entire group stage on American soil. Tunisia, meanwhile, will play one match in the U.S.
