Essential Travel Documents for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in Canada

Posted on 13/12/2025

Prepare Your Travel Documents for the FIFA 2026 World Cup

Are you eagerly anticipating the next FIFA World Cup after the unforgettable final in Qatar in 2022? Canada is gearing up to welcome a significant influx of tourists from around the globe as it prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026. This prestigious international football tournament is expected to draw thousands of enthusiastic fans, eager to witness the thrilling matches and experience the diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes of Canada. The tournament will take place in several key Canadian cities, each with unique attractions, from Toronto’s vibrant urban life to Vancouver’s stunning natural beauty.

If you plan to visit Canada for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, it’s important to understand the travel documents required for entry. This includes determining whether you need a visitor visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and a valid passport. Let’s review the key requirements to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Arriving by Air

If you plan to enter Canada by air, you must meet certain entry requirements as a tourist. In most cases, these include having an appropriate travel document, such as a visitor visa or an eTA, and a valid passport.

During the FIFA World Cup, additional options may be relevant for travelers. For example, U.S. citizens arriving by air can use various travel documents, while U.S. Permanent Residents must present their Green Card along with proof of identity (a passport is recommended).

• S. citizens arriving by air may use travel documents other than a passport.
• S. Permanent Residents arriving by air need their Green Card and proof of identity, with a passport being the preferred option.

Arriving by Land or Sea

Entry requirements can differ when arriving by car, other vehicles, or by boat (including cruise ships). Nationals of visa-exempt countries—such as Australia, France, the UK, or Chile—can travel to Canada by air using an eTA, which is quicker and less expensive than a visitor visa (CAD 7 for an eTA versus CAD 100 for a visa). However, if traveling by land from the United States, these travelers only need a valid passport.

• Visa-exempt country nationals can enter by air with an eTA, or by land with a valid passport.

Special Cases: Brazil and Mexico

Certain countries, like Brazil and Mexico, have specific requirements:

• Brazilians may use an eTA for air travel to Canada if they hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa (B1 or B2). However, when arriving by land at a border crossing, they must have both a visitor visa and a passport.
• Mexicans may also use an eTA for air travel if they hold a U.S. non-immigrant visa. For land border crossings from the U.S. into Canada, a visitor visa and passport are required.

Keep in mind, these rules for land border crossings also apply to arrivals by boat or train.

Travel Preparation Tips

• Apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at least a few days before your flight, as you will need it to board your plane to Canada.
• Consider applying for your Visitor Visa before booking your flight to avoid any entry issues.
• Above all, make sure your travel documents are in order so you can fully enjoy the excitement of the World Cup—don’t forget to bring your GOOOOOOOL!!! spirit!

 

Posted in News Tips and tagged eTA, Visitor Visa