Visiting Canada for the FIFA World Cup? Watch Out for These Immigration Scams

Toronto and Vancouver will host 13 matches during the tournament, while hundreds of thousands of international visitors are expected to travel across North America to watch the world’s biggest sporting event.

With that influx of visitors, Canadian authorities are warning travellers to be cautious. Over the past several months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the RCMP have all issued warnings about immigration scams targeting FIFA fans.

Some scams falsely claim that visitors need a special “FIFA visa” to enter Canada, while others involve representatives promising guaranteed approval of visas or guaranteed entry into Canada.

If you’re planning to visit Canada for the World Cup, these are the scams you need to avoid and the immigration must-do’s before travelling.

There’s No Such Thing as a “FIFA Visa”

One of the most common misconceptions circulating online is the idea that visitors need a special “FIFA visa” to attend matches in Canada:

Certain videos circulating on social media are sharing misleading information about traveling to Canada during the FIFA World Cup 26™.

Let’s be clear: there is no “FIFA visa” or special visitor visa for the World Cup that allows you to work or settle in Canada. Visitors to… pic.twitter.com/ujsvSlCrgl

— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) January 30, 2026

Canadian authorities have repeatedly stated that no such visa exists. Despite this, government agencies say some individuals and organizations continue to market fake FIFA visas or special immigration pathways supposedly created for World Cup spectators.

Visitors travelling to Canada for the tournament must follow the same immigration rules that apply to any other visitor.

For citizens of countries requiring a visitor visa to enter Canada, you must obtain that visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) prior to travelling to Canada. This applies whether entering Canada by air or by land at the U.S. border.

For citizens of countries that are visa-exempt, you must obtain an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are flying to Canada. You do not need an eTA if entering Canda at the land border with the U.S. Note: U.S. citizens and U.S. green card holders have easier requirements (listed below).

Use this IRCC tool to check if your country requires a visitor visa or an eTA to enter Canada.

For many travellers, this may seem obvious. However, reports of misleading immigration advice have become common enough that both IRCC and the CBSA have issued public warnings ahead of the tournament. If someone claims they can obtain a special FIFA visa on your behalf, that’s a red flag.

U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents

Citizens of the United States do not need a visitor visa or an electronic Travel Authorization to enter Canada. U.S. citizens can enter Canada using a valid U.S. passport.

U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) do not require a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada. If entering Canada by land or water, U.S. permanent residents simply need to show their valid PR card (green card). If entering Canada by air, U.S. permanent residents need to show their U.S. PR card and the passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document).

Your World Cup Ticket Is Not Enough to Enter Canada

Another misunderstanding fuelling scams is the belief that purchasing a FIFA World Cup ticket automatically gives someone the right to enter Canada. This is not accurate.

In reality, buying a ticket and being allowed to enter the country are two completely separate processes. Even if you have tickets for a match in Toronto or Vancouver, you still need the proper authorization to enter Canada.

Heading to Canada for FIFA World Cup 26™?

Remember, having an event ticket doesn’t guarantee your entry into Canada. Check out the @CitImmCanada website early to find out what documents you need for a smooth + secure arrival: https://t.co/vrHXdKrv4k#FIFAWorldCup#WeAreCanada https://t.co/jpApcTEk8v pic.twitter.com/GUzBtnWT9G

— Canada Border Services Agency (@CanBorder) December 10, 2025

IRCC has specifically warned that a FIFA ticket does not guarantee approval of a visitor visa or eTA application. Travellers must still meet Canada’s normal entry requirements and complete the required immigration process.

It’s also important to remember that a visa or eTA is not the final step. As with any visitor arriving in Canada, border officers make the final decision on admission when a traveller reaches a Canadian port of entry.

Don’t Trust an Immigration Consultant or Lawyer Who Guarantees Approval

The Government of Canada is also warning travellers to be skeptical of immigration representatives who promise guaranteed results.

Beware of immigration agents who promise entry to Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. No one can guarantee you a Canadian visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).

You’re responsible for all the information in your application, even if a representative completes it for…

— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) May 28, 2026

No immigration consultant, lawyer, agent, or third party can guarantee that a visa application will be approved. Likewise, nobody can guarantee that a traveller will be admitted to Canada at the border.

According to government guidance, common warning signs of immigration fraud include promises of guaranteed approval, claims of special connections with Canadian immigration officials, requests for unusually large payments, and pressure to act quickly before an opportunity supposedly disappears.

Travellers should also be wary of anyone encouraging them to submit false information. While it may be tempting to trust a representative who claims they can improve your chances of approval, applicants remain responsible for the information included in their immigration applications.

Providing false or misleading information can lead to serious consequences, including application refusals and findings of misrepresentation that may prevent someone from entering Canada for several years.

If you’re looking for an immigration consultant you can trust, Moving2Canada offers in-house consulting services that can help you prepare for your travel:

Apply Early and Use Official Sources

For travellers who genuinely need a visitor visa or eTA, the safest approach is also the simplest: use official government resources and apply as early as possible. If you haven’t applied already – do it as soon as possible!

Visitor Visas Can Take Several Weeks to Process

With the World Cup set to kick off on June 11 – the time to process visitor visa applications is running out. Depending on your travel date, there may not be enough time remaining to process your visitor visa application before you travel. You can check the average processing time for your country here.

If you haven’t applied for your visitor visa, do it as soon as possible. You can apply for a visitor visa here.

eTAs Are Typically Processed in Minutes – But They Can Take Days

Most applications for electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs) are approved within minutes of receipt. However, this is not always the case, and in some situations, it can take several days for an eTA to be approved. For this reason, it’s important to apply for your eTA early – don’t wait until the same day as your flight, or even the day before – do it as early as you can.

You can apply for an eTA here.

Processing times for immigration documents vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence, citizenship, and the volume of applications being processed. With demand expected to increase around the World Cup, waiting until the last minute could create unnecessary stress and uncertainty. A little extra diligence before applying can help visitors avoid both scams and costly travel disruptions later.

The FIFA World Cup will be one of the largest international events ever hosted in Canada, bringing football fans from around the world to cities across the country.

Unfortunately, large global events often attract scammers looking to capitalize on excitement and confusion. Before paying an immigration representative, responding to a social media advertisement, or applying for a so-called FIFA visa, take a moment to verify the information through official government sources.

The good news is that travelling to Canada for the World Cup does not require any special immigration pathway. For most visitors, the process is exactly the same as it would be for any other trip: make sure you have the right travel authorization, apply early if necessary, and be cautious of anyone promising shortcuts.