Advice for Canadians travelling to the United States — FIFA World Cup 2026™

Travelling to the United States

Entering the United States as a tourist

• You must provide proof of your Canadian citizenship upon entry to the U.S. Canadian visitors can usually stay in the United States for up to six months without a visa. You must declare your intended duration of stay upon entry into the United States.
• You should carry proof of match tickets and confirmed accommodations as border officers may request their verification.
• Possessing a ticket does not guarantee entry into a country. All travellers must ensure they meet the necessary visa and entry requirements prior to departure.
• For more information, consult U.S. Visa and Travel Information for FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fans (U.S. Department of State).

Dual citizens

• Canadians with dual citizenship from another country should travel to the U.S. on their Canadian passport.
• Travellers who hold both Canadian and U.S. citizenship are required by law to enter the United States on their U.S. passport.
• When travelling between Canada and the United States, you should carry both passports.
  • This will facilitate your entry into the United States and your return to Canada.

Biometrics

• Most ports of entry to the United States use facial recognition technology to verify your identity. In addition, digital fingerprints are required for some travellers.
• Learn more about advanced biometrics (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

Travelling between the United States and Canada

Drugs

• Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Cannabis

• It is illegal to take cannabis across the Canadian border, whether you are entering or leaving the country.
  • This includes products containing cannabis, such as edible cannabis, cannabis extracts and cannabis topicals, and all products containing cannabidiol (CBD).
• If you travel to another country, including the United States, with any amount of cannabis in your possession, you could:
  • be charged with a criminal offence
  • be denied entry in the future
• This applies to all countries, whether cannabis is legal there or not.
• Important: Even if you are authorized to use cannabis for medical purposes, you cannot transport cannabis or products containing cannabis (including CBD) across the border unless specifically authorized by Health Canada and in line with the laws of the country to which you are travelling.
• It is your responsibility to learn about the laws, including the legal status of cannabis use and possession, in your destination country.
• Cannabis and the U.S.-Canada border (U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada)

While you're there

Transportation

• Many of the competition venues for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ are in the centre of the host cities:
  • Atlanta
  • Boston
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • Kansas City
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • New York New Jersey
  • Philadelphia
  • San Francisco Bay Area
  • Seattle
• This will impact traffic, parking, public transit and access to various parts of the city.
• Plan extra time to get around.

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.

Travelling between the United States and Mexico

• 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 the United States

• Dial 911 for emergency services in the United States.

Emergency consular assistance

• Consular services are available during the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
• Canadians in the United States seeking emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian Citizen Services unit managed by the Embassy of Canada in the U.S.:
  • by phone at 1-844-880-6519
  • by email at ccs.scc@international.gc.ca.
• Also, at any time, you may contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Lost, stolen or damaged passport

• If your passport or travel document is lost, stolen or damaged, please contact Canadian Citizen Services in the U.S. at 1-844-880-6519.
• In some cases, it may be necessary for you to reschedule your travel plans.

What are consular services?