What Indian FIFA fans should know about US, Canada and Mexico visa requirements for World Cup travel plans
Indian football fans are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Even though India is not part of the final 48 teams, the event offers fans a chance to watch their favourite international players in action. The tournament’s schedule, spread across North America, also makes travel planning an important part of the experience.
US FIFA Pass speeds up visa access for World Cup travellers
For those going to the US, a new system, FIFA Pass, has been introduced to help fan travellers get their visas processed faster. If you hold a match ticket through FIFA, you qualify for priority visa-interview appointment scheduling. More than 400 additional consular officers have been deployed globally to meet demand.
The standard vetting process remains in place. A ticket helps only with priority; it does not guarantee visa approval.
Canada’s special measures for World Cup workforce, not fans
Canada has introduced a temporary policy allowing certain foreign nationals, those officially invited by FIFA to work at the Cup or the associated congress, to enter without a work permit during December 2025 to July 2026.
However, this exemption applies only to invited workers directly involved in organising the event. Regular fans travelling to Canada for matches still need to follow the usual visa or travel-authorization rules (visitor visa or eTA) without any automatic exemptions.
Visa rules across the three host nations
Indian passport holders need visas for all three countries. The process varies, making early preparation essential.
For the United States, travellers must apply for a B1/B2 visa. Interview appointments are in high demand, so applications should begin at least six months ahead. Demand is likely to surge as the World Cup approaches.
Canada requires either an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa depending on past travel history. Travellers with a valid US visa may be eligible for simplified processing, and those who have visited Canada or held a US visa in the last 10 years might not need standard biometrics.
Mexico requires a Tourist Card (FMM). However, Indian travellers who already have a valid US visa can enter Mexico without applying for a separate Mexican visa. This will make travel between US and Mexican host cities easier for match-going fans.
US FIFA Pass speeds up visa access for World Cup travellers
For those going to the US, a new system, FIFA Pass, has been introduced to help fan travellers get their visas processed faster. If you hold a match ticket through FIFA, you qualify for priority visa-interview appointment scheduling. More than 400 additional consular officers have been deployed globally to meet demand.
Canada’s special measures for World Cup workforce, not fans
Canada has introduced a temporary policy allowing certain foreign nationals, those officially invited by FIFA to work at the Cup or the associated congress, to enter without a work permit during December 2025 to July 2026.
However, this exemption applies only to invited workers directly involved in organising the event. Regular fans travelling to Canada for matches still need to follow the usual visa or travel-authorization rules (visitor visa or eTA) without any automatic exemptions.
Visa rules across the three host nations
Indian passport holders need visas for all three countries. The process varies, making early preparation essential.
For the United States, travellers must apply for a B1/B2 visa. Interview appointments are in high demand, so applications should begin at least six months ahead. Demand is likely to surge as the World Cup approaches.
Canada requires either an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa depending on past travel history. Travellers with a valid US visa may be eligible for simplified processing, and those who have visited Canada or held a US visa in the last 10 years might not need standard biometrics.
Mexico requires a Tourist Card (FMM). However, Indian travellers who already have a valid US visa can enter Mexico without applying for a separate Mexican visa. This will make travel between US and Mexican host cities easier for match-going fans.
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