Travel Bans Prevent Haitian Fans from Attending World Cup
Haiti’s joyful qualification for the World Cup, their first since 1974, is marred by significant travel restrictions. These bans prevent many Haitian fans from attending matches in the United States next summer. The U.S. government implemented these restrictions due to security concerns, impacting both immigrant and non-immigrant nationals of Haiti.
Travel Bans Imposed by the U.S.
The travel bans originated from an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump on June 4, 2022. This order aimed to protect national security by restricting entry from 12 countries, including Haiti. The justification for including Haiti stemmed from a report by the Department of Homeland Security that highlighted high overstay rates among Haitian visa holders.
- B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate: 31.38%
- Non-immigrant student overstay rate: 25.05%
The executive order defined the scope of the bans and noted that Haiti’s political instability and rampant gang control raised national security risks. Reports indicate that gangs dominate approximately 90 percent of Port-au-Prince, complicating normal life for many citizens.
Impact on Haitian Football Fans
Despite the challenges, the Haitian national team is relatively free to compete in the tournament. The travel ban includes exemptions for athletes and their immediate support teams traveling for major sporting events, but this does not extend to general supporters.
The Haitian team’s recent matches, including a 2-0 victory against Nicaragua, have been held in Curacao due to safety concerns in Haiti. The lack of fan access raises questions about their ability to travel for the World Cup.
Negotiations for Potential Support
Efforts to facilitate travel for Haitian fans have been initiated. El-Balad contacted the Haitian embassy in Washington, D.C., FIFA, and the U.S. State Department to explore options for aiding fans wishing to attend the tournament. As of now, no responses have been received.
Concerns Raised by FIFA
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously emphasized the importance of fan access for World Cup events. In 2017, he remarked that all qualifying teams, including fans, need the ability to enter the host country.
Infantino’s claim was echoed in 2018 when Trump wrote to him, assuring that eligible individuals would be permitted entry into the U.S. Nonetheless, ongoing travel restrictions pose significant hurdles.
Haitian Population in the U.S.
The Haitian diaspora in America may provide some support for the team. The Census Bureau’s 2024 Current Population Survey estimates approximately 852,000 Haitian immigrants residing in the U.S., primarily in Florida.
The travel bans affecting Haiti have raised concerns among supporters and officials alike. While the athletes are authorized to participate, the absence of their dedicated fans could diminish the World Cup experience.
Other Nations on the Travel Ban List
Haiti is not alone in facing these travel restrictions. Iran is the only other nation with citizens affected by travel bans related to the World Cup. Such policies continue to spark debate about national security versus the spirit of international sporting events.
As the tournament approaches, the situation for Haitian fans remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions aimed at finding solutions still in the early stages.
