FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada: Complete Visa and Entry Requirements Guide
If you're planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, you'll need to obtain the proper travel authorization before you arrive. Canada will host 13 matches across Toronto and Vancouver from June 11 to July 19, 2026, drawing hundreds of thousands of international visitors. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires most foreign nationals to hold either an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa—depending on your citizenship and method of travel. This guide explains exactly what you need to enter Canada for the World Cup, including application procedures, processing times, and expert tips to help ensure your travel documents are ready in time.
Table of Contents
1. Canada's Role in the FIFA World Cup 2026
2. Entry Requirements: What You Need to Know
3. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Explained
4. Visitor Visa (TRV) Requirements
5. Special Provisions for FIFA World Cup 2026
6. Application Timeline
7. Tips for a Successful Application
8. Key Takeaways
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. How Mirzoyan Immigration Can Help
Key Takeaways
Apply early: IRCC recommends beginning your application now—visitor visa processing can take weeks to months depending on your country
Check your requirements: Use IRCC's online tool at ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp to determine whether you need an eTA ($7 CAD) or visitor visa ($100+ CAD)
Tickets don't guarantee entry: A FIFA World Cup ticket does not substitute for proper travel authorization—border officers make final entry decisions
Flag your application: Include "FIFA World Cup 26" in your application to help IRCC track tournament-related travel
Work with a licensed RCIC: Mirzoyan Immigration Services provides personalized guidance to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and positioned for approval
Canada's Role in the FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 marks a historic moment for Canada as the country hosts World Cup matches for the first time in its history. Canada shares hosting duties with the United States (11 cities) and Mexico (3 cities) in this unprecedented three-nation tournament—the first of its kind in World Cup history. The expanded 48-team format means 104 total matches, with Canada hosting 13 fixtures across two cities.
Canadian Host Cities and Venues
Canada will showcase two world-class venues during the tournament:
BMO Field, Toronto: Canada's largest city will host group stage matches, round of 32, and round of 16 fixtures. The stadium is being expanded from 30,000 to 45,500 seats specifically for the tournament. Toronto serves as a major international travel hub with excellent transit connections. Canada's opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland, or Wales (Group B) takes place here on June 12, 2026.
BC Place, Vancouver: This covered stadium will host 7 matches including group stage games and knockout rounds. Vancouver previously hosted the Women's World Cup final in 2015. The city offers a compact downtown core, excellent public transit, and mild summer weather. Two of Canada's matches will be played here.
Why Early Planning Matters
IRCC has issued clear guidance to World Cup travellers: apply early, carry the right documents, and understand that a match ticket does not guarantee entry to Canada. Border officers make final admission decisions at the port of entry. With hundreds of thousands of fans expected, processing times may increase as the tournament approaches. Beginning your application now gives you the best chance of receiving your authorization well before your travel date.
Entry Requirements: What You Need to Know
Your entry requirements for Canada depend on two key factors: your citizenship and how you plan to travel (by air, land, or sea). Most visitors will need either an eTA or a visitor visa—you only need one, not both. IRCC provides an online tool to help you determine exactly which document you require.
Three Categories of Travellers
1. Visa-Exempt Travellers (eTA Required for Air Travel)
Citizens of approximately 54 visa-exempt countries need an eTA when flying to Canada. These include citizens of:
• All European Union member states
• United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea
• Mexico (visa required if arriving by land or sea)
• Qatar (as of November 25, 2025)
• Various Caribbean, South American, and Asian nations
Important: Visa-exempt travellers arriving by car, bus, train, or boat (including cruise ships) from the U.S. do not need an eTA—only a valid passport.
2. Visa-Required Travellers
Citizens of most other countries must apply for a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV). Major countries requiring a visa include:
• India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh
• Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Egypt
• Most African and Middle Eastern nations
• Russia, Ukraine, Turkey
3. Travellers Who Need Neither
Some travellers can enter Canada with just a valid passport or appropriate identification:
• U.S. citizens (valid U.S. passport required)
• U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) with valid passport and proof of status
• Canadian citizens (valid Canadian passport required)
• Canadian permanent residents (PR card or travel document required)
• French citizens residing in St. Pierre and Miquelon arriving directly from the territory
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Explained
An eTA is an electronic entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The official Government of Canada eTA website is the only authorized place to apply.
eTA Key Details
• Cost: CAD $7
• Processing time: Most applications approved within minutes; some may take several days
• Validity: Up to 5 years or until passport expiry
• Authorized stay: Up to 6 months per visit
• Requirements: Valid passport, credit/debit card, email address
How to Apply for an eTA
The application process is straightforward and entirely online:
• Visit the official Government of Canada eTA application page
• Have your passport ready—you'll need to enter the number exactly as it appears
• Complete the online form (cannot be saved, so have all information ready)
• Pay the $7 CAD fee
• Receive approval via email (check spam folder)
• In the Background Questions section, type "FIFA World Cup 26" to flag your purpose of travel
Conditional eTA Eligibility
Citizens of certain visa-required countries may qualify for an eTA instead of a visitor visa if they meet specific criteria:
• Have held a Canadian visitor visa within the past 10 years, OR
• Currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa
• Are travelling to Canada by air only
• Have a valid passport from an eligible country (including Philippines, Morocco, Costa Rica, Argentina, and others)
Note: These travellers still need a visitor visa if arriving by land or sea.
Visitor Visa (TRV) Requirements
A visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) is an official document placed in your passport showing you meet Canada's entry requirements. Unlike the quick eTA process, visitor visa applications require more documentation and significantly longer processing times—often weeks to months depending on your country.
Visitor Visa Key Details
• Cost: CAD $100 processing fee + $85 biometrics fee (if required)
• Processing time: Varies by country—typically 2 to 8 weeks, but can be longer
• Validity: Up to 10 years or until passport expiry
• Type: Usually multiple-entry (at officer's discretion)
• Authorized stay: Up to 6 months per visit (unless otherwise specified)
Required Documents for Visitor Visa
IRCC requires comprehensive documentation to assess your application. Standard requirements include:
• Valid passport (with at least one blank page)
• Completed IMM 5257 (Application for Visitor Visa) form
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, pay stubs, employment letter)
• Evidence of ties to home country (property, employment, family)
• Travel itinerary and purpose of visit
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a Visa Application Centre
• Medical exam (if required based on country of residence)
How to Apply for a Visitor Visa
Applications must be submitted online through the IRCC Portal:
• Create an IRCC online account
• Complete the online questionnaire to determine your document checklist
• Gather and upload all required documents
• Pay the application fee online
• Schedule and attend biometrics appointment (if required)
• Wait for processing and decision
• Submit passport for visa stamping (if approved)
In the "Tell us more about what you'll do in Canada" section, type "FIFA World Cup 26" to flag your purpose of travel for tracking purposes.
Special Provisions for FIFA World Cup 2026
IRCC has implemented specific measures to facilitate entry for FIFA World Cup participants and workers. A dedicated FIFA World Cup 26 webpage provides official guidance for fans, workers, volunteers, and media personnel.
Work Permit Exemptions
Canada has introduced a temporary public policy (valid until July 31, 2026) exempting certain FIFA-invited personnel from work permit requirements:
• FIFA players, team personnel, referees, and match officials
• FIFA-invited media and broadcast personnel
• FIFA-invited volunteers
• FIFA-invited workers (technical operations, broadcasting, logistics, security)
Important: Even if exempt from a work permit, these individuals may still require a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada, depending on citizenship.
Flagging Your Application for FIFA
IRCC requests that all FIFA-related travellers flag their applications for tracking purposes. This helps IRCC monitor and manage the expected surge in applications. Include "FIFA World Cup 26" in the appropriate free-text field of your eTA or visitor visa application. While this does not expedite processing or guarantee approval, it helps IRCC understand travel patterns.
Multi-Country Travel Considerations
Many fans plan to watch matches in multiple host countries. If you're attending games in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, you'll need to meet each country's entry requirements separately. The United States has launched the FIFA Pass system, offering prioritized visa appointment scheduling for ticket holders. Mexico has not announced specific FIFA-linked visa measures as of December 2025. Plan ahead and apply early for all required authorizations.
Processing Times and Application Timeline
Processing times vary significantly based on the type of authorization, your country of residence, and current application volumes. IRCC strongly recommends applying as early as possible—ideally several months before your intended travel date. Check the IRCC processing times tool for current estimates.
Recommended Application Timeline for World Cup Fans
• December 2025 – February 2026: Begin your application now (6+ months before tournament)
• March – April 2026: Final recommended window for visa applications (3-4 months out)
• May 2026: Last-chance applications—higher risk of delays
• eTA applicants: Apply at least 72 hours before departure (earlier is better)
Tips for a Successful Application
For All Applicants
• Apply early: Processing times can be unpredictable, especially during high-demand periods
• Use official sources only: Apply through canada.ca and ircc.canada.ca—avoid third-party websites
• Double-check passport numbers: Entering the wrong number will cause problems at check-in
• Ensure passport validity: Your passport should be valid beyond your intended departure date from Canada
For Visitor Visa Applicants
• Demonstrate ties to home country: Include employment letters, property documents, and family obligations
• Show sufficient funds: Bank statements showing stable finances help establish you can support your trip
• Provide a clear travel plan: Include flight bookings, accommodation confirmations, and match tickets
• Schedule biometrics immediately: Don't wait—biometrics must be completed before processing continues
• Be honest and consistent: Misrepresentation can result in refusal and future bans
At the Border
• Carry supporting documents: Bring copies of accommodation bookings, match tickets, return flights, and financial proof
• Be clear about your plans: State you're attending FIFA World Cup matches and provide specific dates and cities
• Know your departure date: Border officers want assurance you'll leave when required
• Declare goods appropriately: Be aware of limits on alcohol, tobacco, and currency over $10,000 CAD
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa or eTA if I have a FIFA World Cup ticket?
Yes. A FIFA World Cup ticket does not replace the requirement for proper travel authorization. Depending on your citizenship, you will need either an eTA or a visitor visa to enter Canada. Having a ticket does not guarantee visa or eTA approval, and it does not guarantee entry—border officers make final admission decisions.
How long does it take to get a Canadian visitor visa for the World Cup?
Processing times vary by country, ranging from 2 to 8 weeks for most applications. Some high-volume countries may experience longer wait times of 4 to 16 weeks or more. The processing time includes the time needed to provide biometrics. IRCC recommends applying at least 3 to 6 months before your intended travel date.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa to enter Canada for the World Cup?
No. U.S. citizens are exempt from both the eTA and visitor visa requirements. They need only a valid U.S. passport to enter Canada. U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) are also exempt from the eTA requirement but must show their valid Green Card along with their passport.
What is the cost of a Canadian visitor visa versus an eTA?
An eTA costs only CAD $7 and is processed quickly (usually within minutes). A visitor visa costs CAD $100 for processing, plus an additional $85 if biometrics are required—bringing the total to approximately CAD $185. Visa applications also take significantly longer to process.
Can I travel to multiple World Cup host countries with one visa?
No. Canada, the United States, and Mexico each have separate entry requirements. You must obtain the appropriate authorization for each country you plan to visit. For example, you may need a Canadian eTA, a U.S. ESTA or visa, and a Mexican visa (if applicable) to attend matches in all three countries. Apply early for each.
What should I do if my visa application is refused?
If your visitor visa application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. You may reapply with additional supporting documentation addressing the concerns raised. Working with a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Mirzoyan Immigration can help identify weaknesses in your original application and strengthen your new submission.
Are there special visa procedures for FIFA-invited workers or volunteers?
Yes. Canada has implemented a temporary public policy exempting certain FIFA-invited personnel from work permit requirements. This includes players, team staff, referees, match officials, FIFA-invited media, volunteers, and workers. However, these individuals may still need a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada depending on their citizenship. They should follow the instructions in their FIFA invitation letter.
How Mirzoyan Immigration Can Help
Navigating Canadian entry requirements for the FIFA World Cup 2026 can be complex, especially if you're from a visa-required country with limited time before the tournament. At Mirzoyan Immigration Services, we provide personalized, one-on-one guidance from a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly the first time.
Unlike large firms where your file may be passed between assistants, when you work with Mirzoyan Immigration, you work directly with your consultant throughout the entire process. We offer transparent, flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs.
Our services include:
• Entry requirement assessment based on your citizenship and travel plans
• Document preparation and review for visitor visa applications
• Application form completion and submission assistance
• Guidance on demonstrating ties to home country
• Support for previously refused applications
• Ongoing support until you receive your travel authorization
You can verify our RCIC status on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) Public Register.
Ready to secure your entry to Canada for the World Cup? Contact Mirzoyan Immigration Services today for a consultation. Visit our dedicated TRV page to learn more and book your appointment.
