World Cup fans breathe a sigh of relief as State Department sheds new light on visa freeze for visitors

The US State Department has moved to reassure fans that the World Cup will not be thrown into chaos by Donald Trump‘s bombshell plan to freeze visa applications for 75 different countries.

Of those 75 nations, 15 are due to compete in this summer’s competition, and there were fears that traveling supporters would be refused entry to the United States under the new plan to reexamine screening procedures.

But those heading to the US need not worry, after the State Department offered new guidance to clarify who would be affected by the president’s plan. 

In a statement to the Daily Mail, a State Department spokesperson said: ‘This action applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only, and does not apply to nonimmigrant visas, such as those for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals intending to travel for the World Cup.’

The likes of Brazil, Morocco, Colombia, Egypt and Uruguay are all included in the list of 15 countries affected by the freeze, but entry requirements – barring any late change of heart from Trump – will not apply to football fans.

Fears had initially been raised on Wednesday when the State Department released an internal memo directing consular officers to deny visas from 75 different countries while it reexamined procedures for screening and vetting applicants.

Donald Trump’s freeze will only apply to immigrant visas and not tourists or World Cup fans

The State Department is expected to implement the indefinite freeze on January 21, with no immediate indication on how long the countries will be affected.

The memo sent out on Wednesday directed consular officers to deny visas to applicants who will need to rely on public benefits upon entry to the US.

Officers were also instructed to weigh a variety of factors for applicants, including health, age, and English proficiency.

‘The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,’ State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said.

Senegal, whose fans are pictured at the Africa Cup of Nations this week, are on Trump’s list

‘Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.’

The pause comes amid Trump deliberating options to strike Iran following nationwide protests against the Islamic regime.

The President warned on Tuesday that if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continues with hangings, he will take ‘strong action’.

Trump is said to have been briefed in recent days about his options, including strikes on nonmilitary sites in Tehran.