Ghana is not among the African countries whose fans will be compelled to pay $15,000 for a US visa bond during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thanks to an agreement between the two nations.

The challenges arose because nationals from certain countries traveling to the US on business or tourist visas (B-1 and B-2) have been subjected to bond payments following policy changes introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The “Visa Bond Pilot Program” applies to 50 countries, five of which have qualified for the World Cup, making entry into the US problematic for their fans.

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The policy has affected nationals from Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal, and Ivory Coast since it took effect on January 2, 2026. Tunisia, another World Cup participant, will be added to the list from April 2.

The program does not outline any exemptions for athletes competing in major sporting events such as the World Cup.

Ghanaian football fans were exempted from the bond due to an agreement between Ghana and the US to accept a limited number of pre-vetted West African deportees from America.

However, this decision could be revoked as the US continues to evaluate visa overstay rates, with continuation hinging on high compliance levels.

This cooperation on immigration enforcement and improved management of citizens removed restrictions for Ghanaian travelers.

The agreement is the primary reason the US exempted Ghanaians from the $15,000 visa bond, which would otherwise have increased their financial burden during the competition.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s deportations of undocumented immigrants are accelerating as part of a broader crackdown on unauthorized immigration, with a focus on raids across the country and hundreds of deportation flights, mainly to Latin American countries.

SB/JE

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