Canada-US border preparation for World Cup 2026 fans: eTA and documents

The excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is already building, with Canada, Mexico, and the United States set to co-host this monumental event. Millions of fans will be traveling, many of them crossing international borders multiple times. If you're planning to attend matches in both Canada and the US, getting a clear grasp of Canada's entry requirements and preparing thoroughly for border crossings isn't just helpful – it's critical. This guide focuses specifically on the Canadian leg of your journey, offering practical advice for travel between the two host nations.

Determining your Canadian entry document: eTA or visitor visa

Canada has specific entry requirements that depend heavily on your nationality and how you plan to arrive. This is often the most important first step for any fan heading to Canada, particularly if you're coming directly from the United States.

Most travelers from visa-exempt countries will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they are flying into Canada. This online authorization is linked to your passport and usually takes only a few minutes to apply for. However, and this is a key point for many North American travelers, if you're from a visa-exempt country and enter Canada by land (perhaps driving from a US host city) or by sea, you typically won't need an eTA. In these cases, a valid passport is generally all that's required. This difference is worth noting for fans who might fly into one country