CBSA Releases FIFA World Cup 2026 Travel Tips — May 2026

13 The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has released comprehensive travel guidance for fans, teams, officials, and media planning to visit Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, marking the first tri-national FIFA World Cup in history. This massive sporting event will be the largest FIFA World Cup to date, featuring 104 matches and 48 teams competing across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Canada will host teams from Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Panama, Croatia, Senegal, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Belgium, Qatar, and Switzerland. The CBSA emphasizes that proper preparation will ensure smoother border crossings and allow officers to focus on their primary security mission. In 2025, CBSA officers welcomed over 82 million travellers while stopping over 83,200 kg of illegal drugs from entering Canadian communities and keeping more than 17,700 weapons and firearms off the streets.

📋 Essential Document Requirements

All international travellers must understand that a FIFA World Cup ticket is not a ticket into the country. There is no special "FIFA visa" that bypasses standard entry requirements. Before making travel plans, you must learn about entry requirements by country or territory on the official government website. A passport remains the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when abroad. All international travellers, regardless of age, must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. This requirement applies to every person crossing the border, including infants and children. When travelling with children who are not your own or for whom you don't have legal custody, you must bring a consent letter from the parent or legal guardian authorizing you to travel with the child. Border officers are always watching for missing children, and without this letter, they may ask additional questions that could delay your entry. FIFA World Cup accredited travellers should have their accreditation letter ready to show a border officer when they arrive in Canada. Accredited persons can self-identify through the Advance Declaration system to help ensure efficient processing at the border.

✈️ Air Travel Guidelines

Travellers flying into Canada for the FIFA World Cup should use Advance Declaration to make their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of arrival. This system is available at 10 of Canada's international airports, including Vancouver, Toronto Pearson, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport in Montreal. Advance Declaration allows FIFA World Cup accredited persons to self-identify and helps ensure efficient processing by CBSA officers upon arrival. This streamlined process reduces wait times and creates a smoother experience for tournament visitors. For those arriving by private or charter aircraft, specific regulations apply. Aircraft must land at an approved airport of entry (AOE) during CBSA's hours of business. Detailed information about flying to Canada and requirements for private aircraft is available on the official government website. Charter flight operators and private aircraft owners must ensure they comply with all advance notification requirements and have proper documentation for all passengers aboard their aircraft.

🚗 Land Border Crossing Strategy

Fans driving into Canada for the FIFA World Cup should check CBSA's border wait times to plan their route effectively. Game days will mean significantly increased border traffic, making advance planning essential for timely arrival at matches. Early mornings offer the best opportunity to avoid lengthy wait times at border crossings. Holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest periods, so travellers should factor this into their scheduling. Consider using alternative ports of entry that typically have shorter wait times rather than defaulting to the most obvious crossing points. Check hours of operation for any port of entry using the Directory of CBSA Offices and Services before travelling. GPS applications can help you choose the best route based on current traffic conditions and border wait times. Border services officers are taking strong action against those who jeopardize road safety. Never drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol, as this will result in serious legal consequences and could prevent your entry into Canada for the tournament.

🚫 Prohibited and Restricted Items

Several items are strictly prohibited or restricted when entering Canada for the FIFA World Cup. Most handguns are prohibited from being imported into Canada, and travellers are encouraged not to travel with firearms. If you must transport firearms, you must check the specific rules on importing firearms into Canada and obtain proper permits. Cannabis restrictions are particularly important to understand. Crossing with cannabis in any form and in any amount, including products or oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is a serious criminal offence. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization. Certain foods including specific meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables are prohibited from entering Canada to prevent serious risks of plant pests, animal diseases, and human health threats. Plan your food items carefully before packing to avoid delays and potential penalties. Fireworks require special attention for FIFA World Cup visitors. If you're bringing fireworks into Canada, you must consult the importing, exporting and transporting fireworks guidelines to ensure the ones you're bringing are authorized. Note that fireworks are not permitted in FIFA World Cup fan zones or stadiums.

💰 Declaration Requirements and Commercial Goods

You must declare everything you have with you upon entry into Canada. You are responsible for everything inside your vehicle, boat, or luggage, and failure to declare items can result in penalties, fines, seizure, or prosecution. If you're travelling with CAN$10,000 or more in currency, you must declare it. There are no restrictions on the amount of money you can bring into or take out of Canada, and it is not illegal to do so, but declaration is mandatory. For business travellers and vendors, all goods imported for sale, resale, lease, or for use by your business are considered commercial goods. You must use the Canada Border Services Agency's Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system to properly declare commercial goods and pay applicable duties and taxes. Smuggling drugs is illegal and trafficking drugs across the border is a criminal offence with serious consequences in Canada and abroad. Be extremely cautious of people who ask you to carry anything for them, as you will be held responsible for all items in your possession.

Sources: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre. Last verified: May 28, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice, consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.

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