Canada World Cup visa requirements are a key consideration for anyone planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with matches hosted in Toronto and Vancouver.
Whether you are travelling as a fan, volunteer, media professional, or temporary worker, confirming your entry requirements early is critical.
Who Needs A Canada World Cup Visa
Your entry document depends on your nationality and travel mode.
Most foreign nationals will need either:
- A Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa), or
- An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Visitor visas are required for citizens of visa-required countries and are placed in your passport. Processing can take weeks or months.
An eTA is required for visa-exempt nationals travelling by air only and is electronically linked to your passport. eTAs are usually processed within minutes or days.
US citizens, US permanent residents (green card holders), and French nationals travelling from Saint Pierre and Miquelon do not need a visitor visa or eTA but must carry valid travel documents.
Do You Need A Match Ticket To Apply
A FIFA World Cup match ticket is not required to apply for a visitor visa or eTA. Holding a ticket also does not guarantee visa approval.
However, IRCC recommends mentioning your purpose of travel:
- eTA applicants can state “FIFA World Cup 26” in the background questions
- Visitor visa applicants can include it in the travel purpose section.
This helps IRCC track World Cup-related travel but does not affect decision-making.
Working Or Volunteering At The FIFA World Cup 2026
Certain individuals may be able to work or volunteer in Canada during the tournament without obtaining a work permit, but this depends on their specific role and their formal accreditation by FIFA.
Work permit exemptions may apply to:
- FIFA players and team officials
- Match officials
- Accredited media and broadcast staff
- Volunteers invited directly by FIFA
Even if you are exempt from a work permit, you may still need a visitor visa or an eTA, depending on your nationality and travel method. Individuals who are not officially accredited or directly invited by FIFA may require a Canadian work permit, depending on their job responsibilities during the tournament.
Criminal Inadmissibility And Entry Risks
Canada applies strict criminal admissibility rules. Even minor foreign convictions may result in entry refusal if they equate to a Canadian offense.
Inadmissibility may arise from:
- Past criminal convictions
- Pending criminal charges
- Serious driving offenses
Possible solutions include:
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
- Deemed Rehabilitation
- Criminal Rehabilitation
TRPs are discretionary and approved only if the need to enter Canada outweighs the risk.
Important Travel Notes For World Cup Visitors
All travelers should plan ahead and be aware of the following:
- Processing times vary by country and application type.
- You must declare currency over CAD $10,000 at entry.
- Alcohol, tobacco, animals, and food products are regulated.
- Valid travel documents are mandatory for all entrants.
- Early applications reduce the risk of missing the event.
Top Tips For Canada World Cup Visa Applicants
- Apply as early as possible to avoid long processing delays.
- Confirm whether you need a visitor visa or an eTA based on your nationality and travel method.
- Do not rely on match tickets as proof of eligibility.
- Declare your World Cup travel purpose honestly in your application.
- Address any criminal inadmissibility issues before applying.
Key Takeaways
- Canada World Cup visa requirements depend on nationality, travel method, and purpose of visit.
- Most travelers need either a visitor visa or an eTA.
- Some World Cup workers and volunteers may be work-permit exempt but still need entry authorization.
- Criminal inadmissibility can block entry even for short visits.
- Early preparation is essential for attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada.
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