With the 2026 World Cup being hosted simultaneously in the United States, Mexico and Canada, thousands of fans around the world now need to start preparing to watch the matches and make the most of the trip. However, a key issue for those who intend to move between countries during the event is the type of visa required for each destination.
Despite the proximity and complementarity of the three sites, each site has its own migration rules, requiring advance planning to avoid setbacks. According to specialist Adriana Santos, Director of Schultz Visas Consulares, the traveler must ensure that he or she is licensed and compliant with the laws of each individual country.
Although each country’s visas are sufficient for travel during the World Cup, Visa Director Schultz warns that immigration controls tend to be more stringent during times of high tourist flow. To avoid problems, she recommends that travelers have all the necessary documents on hand: a passport valid for at least six months, round-trip tickets, confirmation of stay, event tickets, travel insurance, and financial resources consistent with the length of stay.
For those who already have a valid US tourist visa (B1/B2), there are some advantages when entering neighboring countries. In Mexico, for example, travelers with a valid US visa and in good standing can enter without having to apply for a Mexican visa, as long as they are for tourism, business or transit.
As for Canada, the expert explains that some nationalities, such as Brazilians, can request an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is an electronic authorization available to those who already have a valid American visa and arrive in the country by air.
“ETA is an interesting option for those traveling to Canada by plane, as the process is entirely online and is usually approved in minutes or a few hours. The cost is around 7 Canadian dollars per person, but is not valid for those entering the country by land or sea,” Santos highlights. “In these cases, it is necessary to obtain a tourist visa, which must be stamped on the actual passport and is subject to more stringent deadlines and consular requirements,” he adds.
Therefore, the expert recommends analyzing the cases separately, checking the requirements of each country before traveling, and verifying all permissions to avoid immigration problems. “The more prepared the tourist is, the less chances there will be any inconvenience,” the specialist emphasizes.
Recently, the US government announced that it will implement a priority visa system for 2026 World Cup fans who have purchased tickets.
However, Santos suggests that travelers plan everything in advance, check the validity of their visas and seek specialist advice, if necessary. “Proper documentation and advance preparation are the best guarantee for a smooth and safe journey,” he concludes.