Apply as early as possible especially for the USA.
US visa appointment wait times for many countries are running at 2 to 4 months. The tournament starts June 11, 2026. If you need a B1/B2 visa and have not applied yet, do so immediately. Canada and Mexico processing times are generally shorter but still require advance planning.
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United States
Hosting 11 cities including the Final in Dallas and Semi-Finals in Los Angeles. Most visitors need either ESTA or a B1/B2 tourist visa to enter.
ESTA Cost
$21
Visa Waiver countries
B1/B2 Visa Fee
$185
Non-VWP countries
Processing Time
2-4 months
B1/B2 visa interview wait
ESTA Visa Waiver Program
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Usually approved within minutes. Valid for 2 years, up to 90 days per visit.
UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Chile and 20 more.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa
Required for most of Asia, Africa, South America and Middle East. Embassy interview required. Apply months in advance.
India, Brazil, China, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru and most of Africa and Asia.
Travel Ban Countries
Presidential Proclamation 10998 suspends B1/B2 visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries. Athletes are exempt but fans are not.
Check the US State Department website for the full current list of affected countries before applying.
FIFA PASS Priority Appointment System: If you purchased FIFA World Cup tickets before April 15, 2026 and opted in to the FIFA PASS system, you may be eligible for priority visa appointment scheduling. This does not guarantee a visa but can significantly reduce wait times. Check your FIFA account for eligibility.
Visa Bond Requirement: Nationals of certain countries may be required to post a refundable bond of $5,000 to $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance. This is refunded if you comply with visa terms and depart on time. Check the US State Department website for the current list of affected countries.
📋 How to apply for a US B1/B2 Visa
1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Go to ceac.state.gov and complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form. Have your passport and travel details ready.
2
Pay the $185 application fee
Pay the MRV fee at your nearest US Embassy payment location or online depending on your country.
3
Schedule your visa interview
Book an appointment at your nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Wait times vary book immediately given the tournament date.
4
Attend your interview with documents
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, bank statements showing sufficient funds, match tickets and accommodation proof.
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Canada
Hosting 13 matches across Toronto (BMO Field) and Vancouver (BC Place). No special World Cup visa all visitors enter under standard Canadian immigration rules.
eTA Cost
CAD $7
Visa exempt countries
Visitor Visa Fee
CAD $100
TRV application
Processing Time
2-8 weeks
Visitor visa (TRV)
No requirement
US citizens and US permanent residents do not need a visa or eTA to enter Canada. Carry your passport or green card.
United States citizens and permanent residents only.
eTA Required
Electronic Travel Authorisation. Apply online at canada.ca. Usually approved within minutes, sometimes up to 72 hours. Costs CAD $7. Required for air travel only not for land crossings from USA.
UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, Qatar and others. Note this is separate from US ESTA, you need both if visiting both countries.
Visitor Visa (TRV) Required
Temporary Resident Visa required. Apply at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. Processing typically 2-8 weeks.
India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Morocco and most of Africa and South Asia.
Important: Your eTA or Canadian visa is separate from your US ESTA or visa. Even if you have an approved US ESTA, you still need a Canadian eTA if flying into Toronto or Vancouver. Always check requirements for each country individually.
📋 How to apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV)
1
Check if you need a TRV or eTA
Use the official IRCC tool at canada.ca/en/immigration to confirm which document you need based on your nationality.
2
Create a GCKey account and apply online
Apply through IRCC's online portal. You may also need to provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre near you.
3
Submit supporting documents
Passport, bank statements, employment proof, match tickets, accommodation bookings and travel itinerary.
4
Wait for processing
IRCC urges World Cup applicants to apply as early as possible due to high expected volumes during the tournament period.
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Mexico
Hosting 13 matches across Mexico City (Estadio Azteca Opening Match), Guadalajara and Monterrey. Mexico has the most flexible entry policy of the three host nations.
Visa Free Stay
180 days
Most nationalities
FMM Form
Free
Required for all visitors
Processing Time
4-6 weeks
If visa required
Visa Free
Can enter Mexico without a visa for up to 180 days as a tourist. Still need to complete the FMM tourist form on arrival or online.
USA, Canada, UK, all EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, most of Latin America and many others over 60 nationalities total.
Visa Free with Valid Document
If you hold a valid multiple-entry visa or permanent residence from USA, Canada, UK, Schengen Area or Japan, you can enter Mexico visa-free even if your nationality would normally require a visa.
India, China, Russia, Pakistan and others if holding valid USA, UK, Schengen, Canadian or Japanese visa. This is a major shortcut for many World Cup fans.
Visa Required
Apply at the nearest Mexican consulate or embassy. Processing is generally faster than USA or Canada allow 4 to 6 weeks.
India, China, Russia and several others who do not hold a valid USA, UK, Schengen or Canadian visa.
Good news for Indian, Chinese and other fans: If you already have a valid US B1/B2 visa or a valid Schengen visa to attend the World Cup, you can enter Mexico visa-free. This means you may only need to arrange visas for USA and Canada not Mexico.
📋 How to apply for a Mexican Tourist Visa
1
Check if you qualify for visa-free entry
First confirm whether your nationality is visa-free or whether your existing US/UK/Schengen visa qualifies you for visa-free entry to Mexico.
2
Contact your nearest Mexican consulate
If a visa is required, contact the Mexican embassy or consulate in your country to get the specific requirements and book an appointment.
3
Complete the FMM tourist form
All visitors to Mexico must complete the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM). This can be done online before travel or provided by your airline.
Important disclaimer: Visa requirements, processing times and entry rules can change at any time without notice. The information on this page was last verified in May 2026 from official government sources including the US State Department, IRCC Canada and the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Always verify current requirements directly with the official embassy or consulate of each country before applying. TravelToWC26 is not responsible for any visa application outcomes or entry denials.