World Cup Fans Face Visa Bonds, Travel Bans

0:00It's April 3rd. This is Dallas News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Federal authorities admit they don't know how new visa bonds and travel bands might hit World Cup crowds and the economy. The tournament's set to draw 6 million visitors and pump $2 billion into North Texas alone, with Arlington Stadium home to the Dallas. Cowboys hosting nine games, the most anywhere. These bonds, up to $15,000 per person, apply to folks from 50 countries, including World Cup teams like Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Algeria, Cape Verde, and Senegal. Add in full bands from 19 nations and partial ones from 20 more. And it's a real question mark for fan turnout. State Department's spokesperson, May Young Houston, says exceptions are already in place for players, coaches, and their families from banned countries. They expect the same for bond nations since the list is fresh. Local organizers are optimistic, but pointed questions to FIFA, who hasn't responded.

1:00To help, there's FIFA PASS for ticket holders seeking faster visas, but you gotta buy that pricey ticket first. Sometimes thousands, and bond payers, still cough up the cash. No guarantees on approval or timing, though it's the best bet to may kick off. Bottom line, officials are banking on massive turnout despite the hurdles. So North Texas is still gearing up for that economic boom.