2026 World Cup Visa Guide: Entry Requirements for USA, Canada, and Mexico

One-Sentence Answer (Featured Snippet)

There is no unified "World Cup visa" for 2026—you must meet the separate entry requirements for each country (USA, Canada, Mexico) you plan to visit during the tournament.

The Critical Myth to Bust First

Many fans assume that attending a tri-nation World Cup means one visa covers all three countries. This is false. The United States, Canada, and Mexico maintain completely independent immigration systems. Whether you need a visa, an electronic travel authorization, or can enter visa-free depends on your nationality and which countries you plan to visit.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need for each host nation and how to navigate cross-border travel during the tournament.

Quick Reference: Entry Requirements by Host Country

Your Situation	USA	Canada	Mexico
Visa Waiver Country Citizen	ESTA ($21)	eTA (CAD $7)	Visa-free (up to 180 days)
US Visa Holder (B1/B2)	Valid visa	May need eTA or visa	Visa-free (up to 180 days)
Non-Visa Waiver, No US Visa	B1/B2 visa required	Visitor visa required	Visitor visa required

Note: This is a simplified overview. Requirements vary by nationality—always verify with official government sources.

United States Entry Requirements

The USA will host the majority of 2026 World Cup matches, including the Final at MetLife Stadium. Here's how to enter:

Option 1: Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

Citizens of 41 countries can travel to the USA without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Instead, you apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).[1]

ESTA Basics:

Cost: $21 USD
Validity: 2 years (or until passport expires)
Processing: Usually approved within 72 hours (apply at least 3 days before travel)
Stay limit: Maximum 90 days per visit
Apply at: esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official site only)

VWP Countries Include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and others.[1]

ESTA Denial Risks:

Previous visa overstays
Travel to certain countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen)
Criminal history
Previous US immigration violations

If ESTA is denied, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa.

Option 2: B1/B2 Visitor Visa

If your country isn't in the Visa Waiver Program, or you're ineligible for ESTA, you need a B1/B2 tourist visa.[2]

B1/B2 Visa Process:

Complete DS-160 form online
Pay the $185 USD application fee
Schedule an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate
Attend the interview with required documents
Wait for visa processing (times vary dramatically by country)

Critical Warning: Wait Times

US visa interview wait times have skyrocketed since the pandemic. As of early 2025:

India: 300-400+ days for tourist visas
Brazil: 200-400+ days
Mexico (for Mexicans without border crossing cards): 100-200+ days
Many countries: 100-300 days

If you need a B1/B2 visa, start the process NOW. Do not wait until the tournament is near.[2]

Documents to Prepare:

Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond intended stay)
DS-160 confirmation page
Interview appointment confirmation
Photo meeting US visa requirements
Proof of ties to home country (employment, property, family)
Financial evidence (bank statements, pay slips)
Travel itinerary (match tickets help demonstrate purpose)

US Entry for the World Cup: Special Considerations

While there's no special "World Cup visa," having confirmed match tickets and accommodation bookings strengthens your application by demonstrating clear travel purpose and intent to return home.

Canada Entry Requirements

Canada hosts matches in Vancouver and Toronto. Entry requirements depend on your nationality.

Option 1: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Citizens of visa-exempt countries (other than US citizens) need an eTA to fly to Canada.[3]

eTA Basics:

Cost: CAD $7
Validity: 5 years (or until passport expires)
Processing: Most approved within minutes
Apply at: canada.ca/eta

eTA-Eligible Countries (partial list): Most EU countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and others.[3]

Note for US Citizens: American citizens do not need an eTA or visa to enter Canada. A valid US passport is sufficient for stays up to 6 months.

Option 2: Visitor Visa

If you're not eTA-eligible, you need a Canadian Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).[3]

Canadian Visitor Visa Process:

Create account on IRCC portal
Complete application form
Pay CAD $100 application fee
Submit biometrics at a Visa Application Centre
Wait for processing

Processing Times: Generally faster than US visas, but plan for 2-8 weeks depending on your country.

Mexico Entry Requirements

Mexico hosts matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. The country has relatively relaxed entry policies for tourists.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of most countries can enter Mexico without a visa for tourism stays up to 180 days.[4]

Visa-Free Countries Include: All EU countries, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and many others.

The "US Visa Privilege"

Here's a key benefit for World Cup travelers: If you hold a valid US visa (including B1/B2), you can enter Mexico without a separate Mexican visa, regardless of your nationality.[4]

This means:

If you successfully obtained a US visa for the World Cup, Mexico is automatically accessible
This applies even if your home country normally requires a Mexican visa
You must have a valid US visa (not just an ESTA)

When You Need a Mexican Visa

Citizens of certain countries (without a valid US, Canadian, UK, Japanese, or Schengen visa) need to apply for a Mexican tourist visa at a Mexican consulate. Check the official Mexican government site for current requirements.

Cross-Border Travel During the Tournament

Scenario 1: USA ↔ Canada

If you're traveling between, say, Seattle and Vancouver to catch matches:

By Air:

Re-entry to USA requires valid ESTA or visa
Entry to Canada requires valid eTA or visa
Both countries' entry requirements must be independently satisfied

By Land (Driving/Walking):

US citizens entering Canada: Passport sufficient
Others entering Canada by land: eTA not required (it's for air travel only), but you must be visa-exempt or have a visitor visa
Re-entering USA: ESTA/visa must be valid; be prepared for CBP questioning about your travels

Pacific Highway & Peace Arch Crossings (Seattle-Vancouver corridor): Expect longer wait times during the tournament. NEXUS card holders enjoy faster processing.[5]

Scenario 2: USA ↔ Mexico

For matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Monterrey:

By Air:

US visa holders: Enter Mexico visa-free (up to 180 days)
ESTA holders only: Check if your nationality requires a Mexican visa
Re-entry to USA: Ensure your ESTA/visa remains valid

By Land:

Popular crossings: San Diego-Tijuana, El Paso-Ciudad Juárez, Laredo-Nuevo Laredo
FMM tourist card may be required (often handled at the border or airport)
Return to USA: CBP may require additional documentation; carry proof of legal US status

Scenario 3: Triple-Country Itinerary

If your World Cup journey includes all three nations:

Start with the strictest requirement: If you need a US B1/B2 visa, begin that process first (longest wait times)
Canada next: Apply for eTA or visitor visa
Mexico last: Often easiest if you have a US visa

Timeline: When to Start Your Visa Applications

Right Now (6+ Months Before Tournament)

Assess your needs: Which countries will you visit?
Check passport validity: Renew if less than 6 months validity beyond July 2026
Begin US B1/B2 application if required: Wait times can exceed 12 months

3-6 Months Before Travel

Apply for ESTA: If eligible, this is fast but don't leave it to the last minute
Apply for Canadian eTA or visitor visa
Confirm Mexican entry eligibility

1-3 Months Before Travel

Verify all approvals received
Print/download authorization documents
Book travel and accommodation
Obtain match tickets through official channels

Final Weeks

Prepare physical documents: Passport, visa printouts, ticket confirmations
Check for policy changes: Immigration rules can change; verify before departure
Register with your country's consular services for emergency assistance

Important Reminders

Avoid Common Mistakes

Don't use unofficial visa websites: Scam sites charge excessive fees for ESTA/eTA applications. Use only .gov/.gc.ca official sites.
Don't assume one visa covers all: Each country has independent requirements.
Don't lie on applications: Misrepresentation leads to bans and future travel difficulties.
Don't forget return tickets: Immigration officers may ask for proof you'll leave.
Don't overstay: ESTA allows 90 days in the USA, not 90 days per entry. Overstaying destroys future travel eligibility.

Special Circumstances

If you have a criminal record: Disclosure requirements vary. Some convictions bar entry entirely (DUI can prevent Canada entry). Consult an immigration lawyer.

If you've been refused before: Previous denials can complicate future applications. Be honest about your history.

If you're traveling with children: Carry birth certificates and, if applicable, custody documents or consent letters from non-traveling parents.

FAQ

Q1: Is there a special World Cup visa for 2026? A: No. Each country (USA, Canada, Mexico) maintains its own immigration system. You must meet each country's requirements separately.

Q2: I have ESTA approval. Can I enter Canada and Mexico? A: ESTA only authorizes US entry. For Canada, you need an eTA or visitor visa. For Mexico, check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry.

Q3: How long can I stay in the USA with ESTA? A: Maximum 90 days per visit. You cannot extend this or reset it by quick trips to Canada/Mexico.[1]

Q4: My US visa interview is scheduled for after the World Cup starts. What can I do? A: Check for expedited appointment availability. Some embassies offer emergency slots for time-sensitive travel. Having confirmed match tickets may help justify an expedite request.[2]

Q5: I'm a US citizen. What do I need for Canada and Mexico? A: For Canada, a valid US passport is sufficient (no eTA needed). For Mexico, passport only for stays up to 180 days.

Q6: Can I drive from the US to Canada during the World Cup? A: Yes, but expect delays at major crossings. Consider NEXUS enrollment for faster processing, though enrollment interviews also have wait times.[5]

Related Guides

References

[1] US Visa Waiver Program & ESTA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html [2] US B1/B2 Visitor Visas: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html [3] Canada eTA and Visitor Visa: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html [4] Mexico Visa Requirements: https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-requieren-visa-para-mexico/ [5] NEXUS Trusted Traveler Program: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/nexus