Visa Requirements for World Cup 2026

Three host countries, three different entry systems. Most international fans will only attend matches in one country, but if you're following your team through the knockout rounds you may cross all three borders. This guide breaks down what you need for each, how long it takes, and the FIFA-specific entry pathways available.

🇺🇸 United States — ESTA or B-2 Visa

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

Citizens of 41 countries qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and enter on an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Cost is $21, valid for two years or until passport expires.

Processing time: Usually within 72 hours; most approvals arrive within 30 minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before flight departure.

VWP countries include the UK, most of Europe, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and others. Full list at travel.state.gov.

B-2 Tourist Visa

Required for nationals of all non-VWP countries — including most of Latin America (except Chile), Africa, the Middle East, and several Asian and European countries. Apply at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Processing time: Currently 2–14 months depending on the embassy. Mexico City, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires have shorter waits (2–4 weeks for visa appointments in 2026). London, Mumbai, and Lagos have longer waits.

Apply now if you haven't. Embassies are flagging World Cup applicants for priority where capacity allows, but seats are limited.

🇲🇽 Mexico — Visa or FMM Card

Visa-exempt entry

Citizens of 65+ countries — including the US, Canada, all EU members, UK, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and South Korea — can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days as a tourist.

You'll still need a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) tourist card. Since 2023 most international arrivals at major airports (CDMX, Cancún, Guadalajara, Monterrey) no longer receive a paper FMM stamp — instead, your entry is recorded electronically with a passport stamp. The officer writes the maximum days granted directly on the stamp.

Important: The officer's discretion sets your length of stay. Politely request 90+ days if you plan to attend multiple matches across the group + knockout stages.

Visa-required nationalities

Citizens of most African countries, parts of the Middle East, and some Asian countries (India, China, Vietnam, Pakistan, etc.) need a tourist visa. Apply at the nearest Mexican consulate.

Shortcut: If you already hold a valid US, Canadian, UK, Schengen, or Japanese visa, you can enter Mexico visa-free for tourism — no need to apply separately.

🇨🇦 Canada — eTA or Visitor Visa

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Citizens of about 60 countries (UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and others) qualify for the eTA. Apply online at canada.ca/eta. Cost is CAD $7, valid 5 years.

Processing time: Usually minutes — sometimes a few days if biographic data triggers a review.

Visitor Visa (TRV)

Required for everyone else. Apply through the Canadian visa office responsible for your country.

Processing time: 1–4 months as of mid-2026. Apply as far in advance as possible.

Cross-border travel between hosts

Many fans will cross multiple borders during the tournament. Plan ahead:

Documents to carry

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
• Printed or screenshot copy of ESTA / eTA approval (officers may ask)
• Onward travel proof — return ticket or onward flight
• Hotel reservation for the first few nights (visa officers may ask)
• Match tickets printed or in FIFA app — proves purpose of visit
• Travel insurance proof — recommended, sometimes asked at Mexican land borders

Quick-reference table

Visa rules change frequently. Always verify with the official source for your nationality: travel.state.gov (USA), gob.mx/inm (Mexico), canada.ca/immigration (Canada).