Key Takeaways
- •Start your visa application process 6 months before travel—some countries have 8-12 week processing times
- •ESTA (USA) costs $21 and lasts 2 years; eTA (Canada) costs $7 CAD and lasts 5 years
- •Many nationalities can visit Mexico visa-free, but rules differ for air vs land entry
- •Traveling between all three countries requires valid entry authorization for each
- •Keep digital and physical copies of ALL documents—lost papers can end your trip
The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a unique challenge for international travelers: navigating entry requirements for three different countries. Whether you're planning to attend matches in just one nation or follow your team across borders, understanding visa requirements, application timelines, and documentation is crucial. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about entering the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the tournament, including special considerations for multi-country travel and common pitfalls to avoid.
Three-Country Tournament Complexity
The 2026 World Cup is the first to span three nations, with 48 matches in the United States, 10 in Canada, and 13 in Mexico. This geographical spread creates unique documentation challenges. Unlike previous tournaments where a single visa granted access to all venues, travelers must now secure entry authorization for potentially three different countries. The good news? Many nationalities can enter all three countries visa-free or with simple electronic travel authorizations. The challenge? Understanding which category you fall into and planning accordingly.
Match Distribution by Country
Understanding where matches are held helps you plan your visa strategy:
- •United States: All knockout rounds from Round of 16 onward, plus most group stage matches (Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle)
- •Canada: Group stage and Round of 32 matches (Toronto, Vancouver)
- •Mexico: Group stage and Round of 32 matches (Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey)
Single vs Multi-Country Strategy
You have two basic approaches: stay in one country for all your matches or travel across borders. Each has different documentation requirements. Single-country attendance simplifies visas but limits match selection. Multi-country travel offers more flexibility but requires authorization for each nation.
Important: Having a valid visa for one country does NOT automatically grant entry to the other two. Each country evaluates your entry authorization independently.
United States Entry Requirements
As the primary host nation with 78 matches including the final, most travelers will need US entry authorization. The US operates two main systems: the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for 41 eligible countries and traditional B-2 tourist visas for all others.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa using ESTA. This electronic authorization must be obtained BEFORE travel.
- •Cost: $21 USD per application
- •Validity: 2 years or until passport expires
- •Processing: Usually instant, but can take up to 72 hours
- •Application: Must be submitted at least 72 hours before departure
- •Multiple entries: Unlimited entries during validity period
VWP Eligible Countries
The following 41 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
B-2 Tourist Visa
If your country isn't on the VWP list, or if you've been denied ESTA, you'll need a B-2 tourist visa. This requires an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
- •Cost: $185 USD application fee (non-refundable even if denied)
- •Processing time: 2-6 months depending on embassy
- •Validity: Typically 6-12 months for single entry, or up to 10 years for multiple entries
- •Interview required: At US Embassy in your country
- •Documents needed: Valid passport, DS-160 form, photo, proof of ties to home country, financial evidence, travel itinerary
Common US Visa Mistakes
- •Applying too late—start 6 months before your trip
- •Not showing strong ties to home country (job, property, family)
- •Insufficient proof of funds for trip duration
- •Errors on DS-160 form (cannot be corrected after submission)
- •Missing interview appointment (rescheduling adds weeks of delay)
Pro Tip: If you're attending matches in multiple countries, time your US entry carefully. ESTA and tourist visas allow 90 days—enough to attend the entire tournament if you enter just before group stage begins.
Canada Entry Requirements
Canada hosts 10 World Cup matches across Toronto and Vancouver. Canadian entry requirements are generally straightforward for most nationalities, with the eTA system covering citizens of many countries.
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Citizens of visa-exempt countries need an eTA to fly to Canada. Note that land entry from the US doesn't require eTA.
- •Cost: $7 CAD per application
- •Validity: 5 years or until passport expires
- •Processing: Usually within minutes, can take up to 72 hours
- •Application: Must be obtained before boarding flight to Canada
- •Not required: For land entry from the US or sea entry
Who Needs an eTA?
Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada need an eTA. This includes citizens of most European countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others. US citizens do NOT need an eTA.
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
If you're not from a visa-exempt country, you'll need a Canadian visitor visa. This is required before travel and allows stays up to 6 months.
- •Cost: $100 CAD per person
- •Processing time: 3-8 weeks
- •Documents required: Valid passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, letter of invitation (if applicable)
- •Biometrics: May be required ($85 CAD fee)
- •Multiple entry: Usually granted for the passport validity period
Special Consideration: US-Canada Border Crossing
If you're attending matches in both US and Canada, crossing by land is common. Remember: you still need valid entry authorization for both countries, but the eTA isn't required for land entry to Canada from the US.
Mexico Entry Requirements
Mexico is generally the most accessible of the three host nations, with visa-free entry for citizens of over 60 countries. However, the rules vary based on whether you're entering by air or land.
FMM Tourist Card
All visitors to Mexico must complete an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) tourist card, regardless of nationality.
- •Cost: Free for air arrivals; approximately $30-33 USD for land entries
- •Validity: Up to 180 days (officer decides duration at entry)
- •Distribution: Provided on aircraft or at land border
- •Keep it safe: Must be returned when leaving Mexico (lost card = fine)
- •Online option: Some travelers can complete FMM online before travel
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of over 60 countries can enter Mexico without a visa for tourism stays up to 180 days. This includes US, Canada, EU countries, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others.
Visa Requirements
Some nationalities require a visa to enter Mexico. Additionally, even visa-free nationals need a visa if they don't arrive directly from their home country. Check Mexico's consulate website for your specific situation.
US-Mexico Border Crossing
If you're combining US and Mexico matches, land border crossings are common at San Diego-Tijuana, El Paso-Ciudad Juárez, and Laredo-Nuevo Laredo. Processing times vary—allow 2-4 hours during peak times.
Important: Keep your FMM tourist card until you leave Mexico. Airlines require it at departure. Lost cards result in fines of $50-$100 USD and potential delays.
Multi-Country Travel Considerations
Following your team or attending matches in all three countries? Here's what you need to know about crossing borders during the tournament.
Entry/Exit Tracking
Each country tracks your entries and exits. Keep these documents:
- •All boarding passes from international flights
- •Entry stamps in passport (though US often uses electronic stamps)
- •Printed confirmations of ESTA, eTA applications
- •FMM tourist card (Mexico) with entry stamp
- •Departure cards if provided
Border Crossing Strategy
Plan your border crossings strategically:
- •Allow full days for border crossings—don't schedule matches the same day
- •US-Canada crossings are efficient but can have 1-2 hour waits
- •US-Mexico crossings take longer—budget 2-4 hours
- •Flying between countries is faster but more expensive
- •Keep digital and physical copies of all documents
Example Multi-Country Itinerary
A typical 14-day trip attending matches in all three countries:
- •Days 1-5: Mexico City & Guadalajara matches (enter via air)
- •Day 6: Cross land border to US (El Paso or Laredo)
- •Days 7-10: Dallas, Houston, or Atlanta matches
- •Day 11: Fly or drive to Toronto
- •Days 12-14: Toronto matches and departure
Complete Documentation Checklist
Don't leave home without these essential documents. Create both physical and digital copies of everything.
Essential Documents for Everyone
- •Valid passport (must be valid 6 months beyond your intended stay)
- •World Cup match tickets (printed and digital)
- •Accommodation confirmations
- •Return flight ticket (proof of onward travel)
- •Travel insurance documentation
- •Credit cards and cash
- •Emergency contact information
USA Entry Documents
- •ESTA approval (if VWP country) or visa in passport
- •Copy of DS-160 confirmation (if visa holder)
- •Proof of sufficient funds ($100-$150 per day recommended)
- •Hotel reservations or invitation letter
- •CBP admission stamp (keep until departure)
Canada Entry Documents
- •eTA confirmation email (if applicable)
- •Visitor visa (if required)
- •Proof of funds
- •Return ticket
- •Letter from employer if traveling during work period
Mexico Entry Documents
- •FMM tourist card (keep until departure)
- •Proof of funds
- •Hotel reservations
- •Return ticket or proof of onward travel
Digital Backup Strategy: Scan all documents and store in Google Drive, Dropbox, or email them to yourself. Also share copies with a trusted friend or family member at home.
Application Timeline and Process
Timing is everything when applying for travel authorization. Here's when to complete each step:
6 Months Before Travel
- •Check visa requirements for your nationality
- •Ensure passport validity (renew if expires within 6 months of trip)
- •Begin B-2 visa application if required (schedule interview)
- •Apply for Canadian visitor visa if required
- •Check if any countries require biometrics
3 Months Before Travel
- •Complete any visa interviews
- •Follow up on visa applications (check processing status)
- •Book flights (need confirmation for some visa applications)
- •Gather supporting documents (employment letter, bank statements)
1 Month Before Travel
- •Apply for ESTA (USA) if from VWP country
- •Apply for eTA (Canada) if visa-exempt
- •Confirm all visas have been approved
- •Make copies of all documents
- •Review entry requirements one final time (rules can change)
1 Week Before Travel
- •Print all confirmation emails
- •Create document folder (physical and digital)
- •Download offline maps of host cities
- •Verify passport location (don't pack it too early!)
- •Set up travel insurance
Special Situations and Common Issues
Several situations require extra attention and planning:
Previous Visa Denials
If you've been denied a visa to any country previously, this can affect future applications. Always answer application questions honestly. Previous denials don't automatically mean future denials, but omitting this information can result in lifetime bans.
Criminal Records
Criminal convictions, even minor ones, can affect entry to all three countries. US and Canada particularly scrutinize DUI convictions. Consult an immigration attorney if you have any criminal history.
Dual Citizens
If you hold citizenship in multiple countries, research which passport offers easiest entry. For example, US citizens always enter the US on their US passport, regardless of other citizenships.
Extended Stays
Planning to stay longer than 90 days? Tourist visas have maximum stays. Overstaying can result in future travel bans. Apply for longer-term visas if needed.
Children and Minors
Children need the same documentation as adults. Minors traveling without both parents may need notarized consent letters from absent parents. US and Canada strictly enforce this.
COVID-19 and Health Requirements
While most COVID-specific entry requirements have been lifted, health regulations can change. Check official sources 2-4 weeks before travel.
Current Status (as of 2024)
- •USA: No COVID vaccination or testing requirements
- •Canada: No COVID vaccination or testing requirements
- •Mexico: No COVID vaccination or testing requirements
General Health Precautions
- •Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
- •Consider travel health insurance that covers COVID
- •Bring masks for crowded indoor spaces like airports
- •Carry hand sanitizer and basic first aid
- •Know how to access healthcare in each country
Where to Check Updates
- •US: travel.state.gov and cdc.gov/travel
- •Canada: travel.gc.ca
- •Mexico: embamex.sre.gob.mx
- •Your country's foreign affairs website
Health requirements can change rapidly. Check official government sources 1-2 weeks before departure, not just at the start of planning.
Conclusion
Navigating visa requirements for the three-country 2026 World Cup might seem daunting, but with proper planning and attention to deadlines, the process is straightforward. Start early—six months before travel—to avoid stress and rush fees. Remember that each country evaluates your entry independently, so secure authorization for every nation you plan to visit. Keep meticulous records, make backup copies of all documents, and verify requirements one final time before departure. The effort is absolutely worth it: the 2026 World Cup promises to be an unforgettable celebration of football across North America. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for all three countries if I'm only attending matches in one?
No, you only need entry authorization for countries where you'll actually attend matches. However, if you enter one country and cross to another (even just driving through), you'll need valid authorization for both.
How far in advance should I apply for visas?
Start 6 months before your trip. US B-2 visas can take 2-6 months for interview appointments plus processing. ESTA and eTA can be done closer to travel (minimum 72 hours before), but earlier is always better.
Can I use the same passport for entry to all three countries?
Yes, as long as your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip and has blank pages for stamps. Some travelers with dual citizenship might benefit from using different passports.
What happens if my visa application is denied?
Visa denials are usually based on insufficient proof of ties to your home country or inadequate financial resources. You can reapply after addressing the issues that led to denial, but allow extra time. Application fees are not refunded.
Do children need the same documentation as adults?
Yes, children need their own passports and entry authorizations (ESTA, eTA, or visas). Minors traveling without both parents need notarized consent letters from absent parents for US and Canada entry.
Can I work remotely while in these countries on a tourist visa?
Working for a foreign employer while physically in the US, Canada, or Mexico on a tourist visa is a gray area. Technically, you're not supposed to "work" but checking emails is usually acceptable. Extended remote work requires different visa types.