With the FIFA World Cup approaching, excitement is growing in Senegal. However, beneath this enthusiasm lies concern that the suspension of immigration visas announced by Donald Trump’s administration in the United States could complicate the travel plans of many Senegalese people who had hoped to visit for the event. While the measure primarily affects permanent immigration visas, the wider tightening of migration controls is causing anxiety among potential travellers.

Ever since their historic victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final, excitement in Senegal has been running high. Green, yellow and red jerseys remain on proud display in Dakar’s markets and neighbourhood shops. In cafés, debates rage on, with memories of winning the trophy already mingling with dreams of winning the next World Cup.

However, behind the excitement and visions of American stadiums packed to the rafters, a shadow looms. Many Senegalese people had hoped to travel to the US and demonstrate their talent on the world stage, but the US administration’s decision to freeze visas has dampened their enthusiasm.

Mamadou Diouf, a 34-year-old supporter of the Senegal national football team, holds up his passport, which is still without a visa. “My friends and I saved for almost two years to support the Lions at the World Cup. We don’t intend to stay; we just want to witness this historic moment,” he says.

Following the announcement of a visa freeze affecting 75 countries, including Senegal, Mamadou fears that securing even a tourist visa may soon become impossible. “When people talk about immigrants abusing social welfare, it’s as if we’re all judged the same way. But we only want to travel and return home.”

An atmosphere of mistrust

In Dakar, Aminata Sarr, manager of a travel agency, says that enquiries about flights to the United States have dropped sharply in recent weeks. “People are apprehensive,” she explains.

Although the suspension applies only to permanent immigration visas, the announcement has fuelled uncertainty and mistrust. Some clients are now asking, “Could we be refused a visa, even for tourism?”

According to the United States Department of State, the suspension is intended to reassess visa eligibility criteria and ensure that new arrivals do not become a ‘burden on Americans’. The US administration has also launched a thorough review of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The American Dream… soccer style!

Ibrahima Ndiaye, a student and avid supporter of the Senegal national football team, is closely following the latest developments. “The World Cup isn’t just about sport,” he says. “It’s a showcase for Senegal. Many young people want to go and present a different image of our country.”

However, Ndiaye believes that the timing is unfortunate. “There’s increasing talk of tightening immigration rules just as millions of fans from around the world will be travelling for the competition.”

The measure is also raising concern beyond football fans, among Senegalese families pursuing family reunification or employment-based migration. “Some cases have been pending for years. People were hoping that they would finally be reunited with their loved ones by 2026,” says a Dakar-based lawyer who specialises in immigration law. The United States Department of State says it has already revoked more than 100,000 visas since Donald Trump returned to power. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of deportations have been recorded in recent months.

Between hope and uncertainty

Although no specific announcement has yet been made regarding tourist visas for the World Cup, uncertainty remains. Nevertheless, Amy Ngom remains optimistic: “We’re praying that everything goes smoothly. Football brings people together. Perhaps the US authorities will distinguish between immigration and a simple passion for sport.”

In the streets of Dakar, jersey vendors continue to have faith. Meanwhile, the Senegal national football team is preparing for the tournament. Supporters are holding their breath.

Beyond the realm of political decisions lies a collective dream: to witness thousands of Senegalese fans cheering on their national team at the world’s premier football tournament.

On Wednesday, 21 January, the United States suspended all applications for permanent immigration visas from 75 countries, including 26 African States such as Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Senegal.

Unlike tourist visas, this measure applies to “long-stay” visas, which permit family reunification or employment in the US. Washington claims that this decision is intended to enable a thorough review of the procedures used to grant these residence permits.

Donald Trump argues that immigrants should be “financially self-sufficient” and should not be “a burden on Americans”. His administration has therefore launched a comprehensive review of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which governs the issuance of immigration visas.

The criteria for visa eligibility could change substantially. As well as financial resources, factors such as applicants’ age and health may now be considered during the assessment process. Although the suspension is officially described as temporary, it could be prolonged. U.S. authorities have indicated that the freeze will remain in place until they can ensure that new migrants will not put a strain on American resources.

By the end of November 2025, Donald Trump had signalled his intention to tighten immigration policy dramatically, raising the possibility of cancelling “millions” of admissions granted under Joe Biden. 

Since he returned to office, more than 100,000 visas have reportedly been revoked and hundreds of thousands of people have either been deported or left the country voluntarily, according to figures released by US authorities.