Nigerian fans who want to attend World Cup in the US must pay $15,000 visa bond

NIGERIAN football fans who want to attend the World Cup in the US this summer will have to pay a $15,000 visa bond before they enter the country under controversial plans introduced by President Donald Trump.

Between June 11 and July 19, the 2026 World Cup will take place in 16 cities across Mexico, Canada and the US. There are 10 US cities that will host World Cup matches including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

Although Nigeria has not qualified for the tournament, many of the country's football-loving fans will show up at the World Cup. Under controversial restriction plans, however, any Nigerian willing to travel to the US must pay a $15,000 bond, which will be forfeited if they deviate from the conditions of their visa.

This Draconian rule applies to other African too and primarily affects citizens from Algeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Cape Verde. According to the Trump administration, the policy is aimed at reducing visa overstays and curbing illegal immigration.

Apparently, the bond is a refundable security deposit which the traveller gets back if he or she leaves the US within the visa terms. However, if they overstay during their sojourn in the US, they lose the deposit.

This measure applies to B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas and according to reports, could apply to both fans and in some cases, athletes. This rule applies specifically to matches played in the US, as games in Canada or Mexico are not affected by this bond.