Colombia & Ecuador Fans: Your Canada Visitor Visa Guide for the 2026 World Cup
Football fans from Colombia and Ecuador dreaming of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canadian host cities like Toronto and Vancouver should start planning their travel now. Unlike many other nationalities, Colombian and Ecuadorian passport holders need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), often called a visitor visa, to enter Canada. Getting this visa sorted early is key to avoiding last-minute stress and potential disappointment.
Do Colombian and Ecuadorian fans need a visa for Canada?
Yes, Colombian and Ecuadorian citizens need a visitor visa to enter Canada. This often confuses people, especially with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) now available for many visa-exempt countries. But the eTA is only for those nationalities Canada has approved, and Colombia and Ecuador aren't on that list. So, fans from these countries can't just apply for an eTA; they'll need to complete the full visitor visa application.
If you're unsure whether your specific passport needs a visa or an eTA, the official Canadian government website has a tool to check. It’s always best to confirm your requirements directly using the official 'Find out if you need a visa' tool for the most current information. Other World Cup attendees, like Brazil fans or Argentina & Uruguay fans, will also need a TRV.
How the Canada visitor visa application works
Applying for a Canada visitor visa usually happens online, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The process involves a few main steps.
First, you'll need to gather all your supporting documents. This often takes the longest, so it's smart to start early. Once ready, complete the online application form on the official IRCC portal, providing your personal details, travel history, and trip information. After paying the application fee online, you'll get a letter telling you to provide your fingerprints and a photo (biometrics) at a Service Canada location or a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your home country or region. This biometrics step is mandatory for most people and is an essential part of getting your visa.
Make sure to complete each step carefully. Incomplete applications or missing biometrics can cause big delays or even a refusal. For more on visitor visas and eTAs, the main /trv-eta page has plenty