Travel, Visas & Entry Requirements

Regardless of which host country you are visiting, you will need a valid (unexpired) passport and, depending on your nationality, a valid visa, travel authorization, or visa exemption.

A World Cup ticket does not guarantee a visa or admission to any host country. FIFA recommends applying for visas as early as possible and ensuring your passport remains valid for at least one year after your planned trip.

Most international visitors to the US need either an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or a B1/B2 visitor visa.

Citizens of 42 countries in the Visa Waiver Program can apply for an ESTA, which permits stays of up to 90 days. If you do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program or your ESTA is denied, you will need to apply for a B1/B2 visa through a US embassy or consulate.

The US Department of State has set up a dedicated page for World Cup travelers with detailed instructions on visa applications, interview scheduling, and the FIFA PASS expedited appointment process.

• ESTA eligibility and applications — esta.cbp.dhs.gov
• B1/B2 visa applications and FIFA PASS — state.gov/fifa-world-cup-26
• Canadian citizens generally do not require a visa to enter the US for tourism

Most travelers need either a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. The eTA is required for visa-exempt nationals traveling by air and is linked electronically to your passport.

Visitor visa applications are submitted through the Government of Canada. Processing times vary by country, so applying well in advance is recommended. Minors (under 18) follow the same entry rules as adults but may need additional documentation depending on whether they are traveling alone or with a guardian.

• Find out what you need to travel to Canada — canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship
• eTA applications — canada.ca/eta
• Visitor visa applications — canada.ca

Many nationalities can enter Mexico without a visa for tourist stays of up to 180 days. This includes nationals of a broad list of countries, permanent residents of Canada, the US, Japan, the UK, or Schengen Area countries, and holders of valid multiple-entry visas from those countries.

Travelers who do not qualify for a visa exemption must apply for a visitor visa through a Mexican consular office. Nationals of Ukraine, Turkey, and Russia may apply for a single-entry Electronic Travel Authorization (SAE) for air travel.

• Mexico visa exemption list — gob.mx
• SAE (Electronic Travel Authorization) — inm.gob.mx/sae
• Minors require notarized authorization from a parent or legal guardian to leave Mexico

FIFA has introduced the FIFA PASS, a voluntary process that allows World Cup ticket holders traveling to the United States to request an expedited visa interview appointment. This is available for fans who purchased tickets through FIFA.com or On Location.

If you purchased tickets through WorldStage (a resale marketplace), the FIFA PASS may not apply to your tickets. However, the standard US visa application process at state.gov/fifa-world-cup-26 remains available to all travelers regardless of where tickets were purchased.

With millions of fans expected at the tournament, airport and border wait times will be longer than usual. Enrolling in a trusted traveler program can significantly speed up your entry.

• Global Entry — fast-track clearance for entry into the US (cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry)
• NEXUS — expedited entry into both the US and Canada for eligible citizens and residents
• Viajero Confiable — Mexico's trusted traveler program for automated kiosks at participating airports (inm.gob.mx/viajero-confiable)
• Mobile Passport Control — a free app for US citizens and Canadian B1/B2 visa holders at select US airports

Each host country has published travel guidance for World Cup fans covering items you can and cannot bring, customs procedures, and safety tips. Review these before you travel.

• USA — cbp.gov/travel/cbp-welcomes-you-fifa-world-cup-2026
• Mexico — embamex.sre.gob.mx (tourism section)
• Canada — canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/soccer-2026

WorldStage offers optional visa support services for international travelers attending the World Cup. Our packages are designed to reduce the stress of multi-country travel planning — from reviewing your documents before submission to coordinating the full application alongside your ticket order.

These are support services, not guarantees of approval. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant government authorities. Contact our team to discuss which package fits your situation.

• Document Review — checklist, gap review, and appointment prep guidance
• Priority Application Guidance — single coordinator, draft review, and travel dossier
• Ticket + Visa Coordination — combined workflow for premium buyers and hosted groups