As Canada prepares to host matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has released important travel guidance for fans, teams, media representatives, and officials planning to enter the country for the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. With thousands of international visitors expected to arrive in Canada, the CBSA is encouraging travellers to prepare their Canada travel documents and understand Canada entry requirements and Canada travel requirements well before departure.
The CBSA has clarified that a FIFA World Cup ticket does not provide entry into Canada.
Travellers must meet Canada's regular Canada entry requirements and should verify whether they require a Visitor visa Canada or other travel authorization before making travel arrangements.
The agency also emphasized that there is no special "FIFA visa" available for the event. Visitors should ensure they have valid Canada travel documents, including a passport, before travelling.
All international travellers entering Canada must carry acceptable identification and travel documents.
For individuals travelling with children who are not their own or for whom they do not have legal custody, the CBSA recommends carrying a signed consent letter from the child's parent or legal guardian. Border officers may request additional information if supporting documentation is unavailable.
Visitors arriving by air are encouraged to use Canada's Advance Declaration system, which allows travellers to submit customs and immigration information up to 72 hours before arrival.
The service is available at several major Canadian airports, including:
According to the CBSA, Advance Declaration can help speed up processing upon arrival and improve the overall border experience.
FIFA-accredited travellers are also advised to carry their accreditation letters and present them to border officers when entering Canada.
Travellers arriving on private or charter aircraft must ensure that their flight lands at an approved airport of entry operating during CBSA business hours.
The agency recommends reviewing Canada entry requirements before departure to avoid delays.
The CBSA expects increased traffic at land border crossings during tournament periods, particularly on match days. Travellers should familiarize themselves with Canada border rules and Canada border requirements before travelling.
Travellers entering Canada by vehicle are encouraged to:
The agency also reminded travellers that impaired driving involving drugs or alcohol remains a serious offence.
Visitors arriving by boat or private watercraft must report to the CBSA immediately upon entering Canada.
Reporting requirements may vary depending on the travel itinerary, nationality, and number of passengers onboard.
The CBSA reminded travellers that all goods brought into Canada must be declared in accordance with Canada customs declaration requirements.
Travellers remain responsible for everything carried in their luggage, vehicle, or vessel.
Individuals entering Canada with CAN$10,000 or more in cash or monetary instruments are required to declare those funds upon arrival. While there is no limit on the amount that can be carried, declaration is mandatory.
Businesses importing goods for sale, resale, lease, or commercial use during the FIFA World Cup 2026 must declare those items through the CBSA's Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system and pay any applicable duties and taxes.
The CBSA also highlighted several important restrictions.
Certain agricultural products, including specific meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, may be prohibited from entering Canada due to plant, animal, and public health concerns.
Travellers are also encouraged to review Canada border rules before carrying any restricted goods.
The agency strongly recommends that travellers avoid bringing firearms into Canada.
Most handguns remain prohibited for importation, and anyone intending to transport firearms must comply with Canada border requirements before arrival.
Despite cannabis being legal within Canada under certain circumstances, travellers are prohibited from bringing cannabis across the border without authorization from Health Canada.
This restriction applies to all cannabis products, including those containing THC or CBD.
The CBSA warned that crossing the border with cannabis without proper authorization may result in serious criminal consequences.
The agency also reminded visitors that transporting illegal drugs across international borders is a criminal offence.
Travellers should never carry items on behalf of another person without knowing exactly what they contain.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the largest tournament in the competition's history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the three host countries.
Canada is expected to welcome teams from several nations, including Germany, Belgium, Croatia, Ghana, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Panama, Qatar, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal.
The CBSA stated that it has implemented additional personnel, equipment, intelligence resources, and partnerships with Canadian and international agencies to help maintain Canada border security throughout the tournament.
The CBSA is encouraging all visitors to prepare early, verify Canada entry requirements, carry proper Canada travel documents, declare goods accurately, and familiarize themselves with Canada border rules before travelling.
Proper planning can help reduce delays at the border and ensure a smoother travel experience during one of the world's largest sporting events.
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