VisaGuide
Entry requirements for the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The 2026 World Cup spans three countries — check what you need before booking flights.
Important: Visa requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate of each country before traveling. Information below is general guidance for World Cup 2026 travelers and may not cover every nationality.
United States
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Citizens of 41 VWP countries can apply for an ESTA online. Covers tourism stays up to 90 days.
Requirements
- •Valid passport from a VWP country (e.g., UK, Japan, Australia, most EU countries)
- •Return or onward ticket
- •No previous visa denials or overstays
- •No travel to certain restricted countries since 2011
Tips
- ★Apply at least 72 hours before travel
- ★ESTA is valid for multiple entries within 2 years
- ★If denied, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa instead
B1/B2 Tourist Visa
Required for citizens of countries not in the Visa Waiver Program. Involves an embassy interview.
Requirements
- •Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- •DS-160 online application form
- •Embassy/consulate interview appointment
- •Proof of ties to home country (employment, property, family)
- •Proof of sufficient funds for travel
- •Match tickets or tournament itinerary (recommended)
Tips
- ★Book your interview NOW — World Cup demand will create long waits
- ★Bring match tickets and hotel reservations to your interview
- ★Demonstrate strong ties to your home country
- ★Financial statements showing you can cover trip expenses
Mexico
Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of 65+ countries can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days. An FMM tourist permit is issued on arrival.
Requirements
- •Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- •FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) — filled out on arrival or online beforehand
- •Proof of accommodation and return ticket (may be requested)
Tips
- ★Keep your FMM safe — you need it to exit Mexico
- ★You can fill out the FMM online before traveling (INM website)
- ★Citizens with valid US, Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen visas may also enter visa-free
Tourist Visa
Required for citizens of countries not in Mexico's visa-free list.
Requirements
- •Valid passport
- •Completed visa application form
- •Passport photo
- •Proof of economic solvency (bank statements)
- •Hotel reservations and travel itinerary
- •Proof of employment or study
Tips
- ★Apply at your nearest Mexican consulate
- ★World Cup ticket proof strengthens your application
- ★Check if you qualify for visa-free entry through another visa (US/Canada/Schengen)
Canada
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (most EU, Australia, Japan, etc.) need an eTA to fly to Canada.
Requirements
- •Valid passport from a visa-exempt country
- •Email address for confirmation
- •Credit or debit card for payment
Tips
- ★US citizens and permanent residents do not need an eTA
- ★If entering Canada by land, eTA is not required
- ★Apply online at the official Government of Canada website
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt. Involves an online or paper application.
Requirements
- •Valid passport
- •Completed application form (online or paper)
- •Two passport-sized photos
- •Proof of financial support
- •Travel itinerary and purpose of visit
- •Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a VAC
Tips
- ★Apply as early as possible — processing times vary by country
- ★Include World Cup tickets and accommodation proof
- ★Some nationalities may need a medical exam
Traveling Between Host Countries
Multi-Country Travel
If attending matches in multiple countries, ensure you have valid entry documents for each. US, Mexico, and Canada have separate visa systems.
Some travelers may qualify for visa-free entry to Mexico if they hold a valid US, Canadian, Japanese, UK, or Schengen visa — even if their nationality normally requires a Mexican visa.
Key Dates
- •Start applying now — embassy wait times increase closer to the tournament
- •Tournament dates: June 11 — July 19, 2026
- •Allow extra passport validity beyond your travel dates (6 months recommended)
- •Keep digital and printed copies of all travel documents