Philippines fans: Visa or eTA to attend World Cup Canada 2026

Filipino fans heading to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup need the right travel document. Most will apply for a visitor visa, also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). But thanks to Canada's expanded eTA program, many eligible Filipino travelers could now get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead. Knowing which document you need is the first step in planning your trip to cheer on your favorite teams.

Do Filipino citizens need a visitor visa or an eTA for Canada?

Most Philippine citizens need a visitor visa (TRV) to enter Canada. This is standard for countries not considered visa-exempt. A TRV is an official document from a Canadian visa office, placed in your passport, that lets you travel to Canada. The TRV application is more involved, often asking for supporting documents, biometrics, and sometimes an interview.

Canada's expanded eTA program, however, lets some eligible travelers from countries like the Philippines apply for an eTA instead. This applies to people who have either held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or currently have a valid US non-immigrant visa. If you meet these conditions and are flying, an eTA is often much quicker and easier. If not, the visitor visa is still the main way to go.

The most accurate way to confirm what you need is to use the official "Find out if you need a visa" tool on the Canadian government's website. It considers your nationality, how you're traveling, and past travel history.

Who qualifies for an eTA from the Philippines?

Not all Filipino citizens qualify for an eTA; it's for those who meet specific conditions. You can get an eTA if you: