Angel Valverde Quoted in Condé Nast Traveler on World Cup Visa Requirements

Condé Nast Traveler recently examined changes to the U.S. visa bond program ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a new exemption for eligible ticket holders from Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia. The broader visa bond program can require certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

Civitas Counsel immigration attorney Angel Valverde provided insight into how consular officers determine whether a visa bond applies, explaining that officials consider factors including applicants’ economic and social ties to their home countries, reasons for travel, overstay risk and previous U.S. travel or immigration violations.

Angel also addressed the practical impact of the bond process on World Cup travelers, noting that the additional administrative requirements can extend visa processing by several weeks. With flights, accommodations, and matches tied to specific dates, he explained, those delays could prevent otherwise eligible fans from attending games or traveling altogether.

Read the full article in Condé Nast Traveler: US Waives Visa Bond Requirement for Some World Cup Fans—Here's Who Is Eligible