Advice for Canadians travelling to Mexico — FIFA World Cup 2026™

While you're there

Transportation

• Many of the competition venues are in the centre of the host cities of Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.
  • This will impact traffic, parking, public transit and access to various parts of the city.
• The rainy season runs from late May through November, with heavy rain and flooding expected between June and November.
  • These conditions can also affect traffic circulation and public transit.
• Take precautions, plan your route in advance and allow extra time to get around.

Driving

• Traffic in Mexico City is usually heavy all day.
• In some of the host cities, there may be no access to roads surrounding the competition venues for the duration of the tournament.

Public transportation

• All host cities have public transportation options.
• Costs are generally low, but cash payments are not accepted – you will need to obtain a transit card and load money onto it.
• Public transportation, especially on match days, may be crowded and there is a risk of pickpocketing.

Taxis and ride-sharing services

• Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available in the host cities.
• When using taxis:
  • only use officially marked, government-authorized taxis
  • avoid hailing taxis on the street
  • never share a taxi with strangers
  • avoid using your credit or debit card to pay inside a taxi:
    • Credit card fraud occurs.
    • Drivers may charge excessive amounts, sometimes without the customers' knowledge.
  • have small bills available for payment
• When using ride-sharing services:
  • confirm the driver’s identity and licence plate before getting in the car
  • use the security features in the ride-share app

Demonstrations

• Foreigners should avoid participating in demonstrations that may be deemed political by Mexican authorities as Mexican law prohibits political activities by foreign citizens.
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities and call 911 in case of emergency.
• Anticipate potential disruptions to public transportation and increased traffic and consider alternative routes.

Safety and security

• Large-scale events can increase the risk of theft and pickpocketing:
  • in crowded public places
  • at transportation hubs
  • on public transportation
• You can reduce your risk while you are away by being prepared and taking precautions such as:
  • being aware of your surroundings
  • protecting your passport and travel documents

Protect your important documents

• Always keep your passport in a safe, dry place.
• Carry the photocopies of the identification page of your passport and other travel documents in case they are lost or stolen.

Sun and heat safety

• Expect high temperatures, especially in Monterrey.
• Stay hydrated while attending outdoor events and wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces, where possible.
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke - Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Laws and culture

• Consuming drugs, drinking alcohol on public streets and urinating in public are considered offenses that can lead to fines and, in some cases, arrest.
• Police officers have been known to demand money from tourists doing these activities, asking for immediate cash payment in exchange for their release or to avoid paying the fine.
  • This practice is common in tourist areas.
  • If this happens:
    • do not hand over your money or your passport
    • ask for the officer’s name, badge and patrol car number
    • ask for a copy of the written fine, which is payable at a later date, or insist on going to the nearest police station
    • contact 911 to reach emergency services
• In Monterrey, arrests for administrative offences can lead to hours of detention at police stations.
  • If you are fined, you can only pay the fine at a police station.

Travelling between Mexico and the United States

• Travel between Mexico and the U.S. border should be made by air due to criminal activity and violence in border areas. 
• If you decide to travel by land across the Mexico and United States border, be aware that: 
  • the situation can be tense in the border area between Mexico and the United States and there may be a regional advisory to avoid non-essential travel to one of the border states
  • many travel insurance policies will not cover you if you travel to regions where the Government of Canada has issued a travel advisory to “avoid all non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” 
• If you plan to cross the land border: 
  • remain extremely vigilant 
  • use only official border crossings 
  • avoid travelling at night

If you need help in Mexico

• Dial 911 to reach emergency services in Mexico – multilingual services may be available during the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
• If you’re a victim of a crime, you should report it to local authorities while you're still in Mexico by making a formal complaint in person at the closest public prosecutor's office.

Emergency consular assistance

• Consular services are available throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
• Canadians in Mexico in need of emergency consular assistance can:

Lost, stolen or damaged passport

• If your passport is lost, stolen or damaged, please contact the Embassy of Canada to Mexico by email at mxicocs@international.gc.ca.
• In some cases, it may be necessary for you to reschedule your travel plans.

What are consular services?