Visa & Entry Requirements
FIFA PASS — Priority Visa Appointment System
The U.S. Department of State has launched FIFA PASS (Priority Appointment Scheduling System) — giving FIFA World Cup 2026™ ticket holders access to priority consular interview slots, bypassing lengthy standard wait times.
- Log in to FIFA.com and submit the FIFA PASS opt-in form.
- Complete the DS-160 visa application, upload a photo, and pay the visa fee.
- Schedule your interview — answer "Yes" when asked if you're a FIFA ticket holder to unlock priority slots.
⚠️ FIFA PASS does not guarantee visa approval — standard screening applies. Fans from countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions (Proclamation 10998) are not exempt. Tickets from third-party sellers may not qualify.
state.gov
USA
Requirements
- • ESTA for visa waiver countries (42 nations)
- • B1/B2 tourist visa for all others
- • Passport 6+ month validity
- • Return ticket & accommodation proof
- • Sufficient funds
- ★ FIFA PASS priority appointments available for ticket holders
⚠️ Check if your country qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) before applying for a full visa. Full U.S. visa & FIFA PASS info →
Canada
Requirements
- • eTA for visa-exempt
- • Tourist visa for others
- • Passport 6+ month validity
- • Return ticket & accommodation
- • Sufficient funds
⚠️ Many nationalities need only an eTA ($7 CAD). Verify your country's entry requirements before travelling. Check your country →
Mexico
Requirements
- • FMM card (under 180 days)
- • Passport 6+ month validity
- • Return ticket required
- • No visa for most
- • Proof of accommodation
⚠️ Most nationalities don't need a visa for stays under 180 days, but some do. Travel cards (FMM) are provided by the airlines on arrival. Verify your status →
Currency & Money Tips
- • Credit cards widely accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- • Tipping is mandatory (15–20% for service)
- • Sales tax is added at checkout (prices on tags are pre-tax)
- • ATMs available everywhere; carrying $20-50 cash is sufficient
- • Credit cards widely accepted everywhere
- • Tipping expected (15–20%) similar to the US
- • GST/HST tax is added at checkout
- • "Loonie" ($1 coin) and "Toonie" ($2 coin) are common
- • Carry cash for small vendors, tacos, and markets
- • Credit cards accepted in established restaurants/hotels
- • Tipping expected (10–15%) - "Propina"
- • Notification of bank travel plans is recommended
Alcohol & Drinking Regulations
Know the rules before you celebrate. Strict enforcement applies in all host countries.
USA
The Law
The legal drinking age is 21 nationwide (Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act). Strict ID checks are mandatory at all venues.
Exceptions
- • 31 states allow minors to drink in private/religious settings with parents.
- • Using strict fake ID laws.
⚠️ Strict Enforcement: Under-21 enforcement is very strict. Bouncers will check ID.
Canada
The Law
18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec.
19 in all other provinces (including Ontario & BC).
Exceptions
- • Minors may consume at home under direct parent supervision in some provinces.
⚠️ Province Check: Know which province you are in as the age limit changes.
Mexico
The Law
The minimum age is 18 nationwide. Valid photo ID is required for purchase at all times.
Exceptions
- • No exceptions for public drinking.
- • Street/beach drinking is prohibited.
⚠️ Public Ban: Drinking on streets/beaches is illegal and strictly policed.
Budget Breakdown
Accommodation
Book early, consider hostels for budget options
Food
Street food is often the best value
Transport
Public transport is usually the best option
Activities
Many attractions offer student/senior discounts
Help When You Need It
Digital Concierge — Real Support, Any Time
Travelling to a foreign country is exciting — but navigating visas, local rules, ICE checkpoints, language barriers, and last-minute emergencies alone isn't easy. Our FWC26 Digital Concierge gives you a real person to contact, when it matters most.
- Visa questions, entry requirements & documentation advice
- ICE checkpoint guidance & your rights as a visitor in the US
- Lost passport, medical & legal referrals
- Local tips, transport, accommodation & match-day logistics
Secure payment via Stripe
Embassy & Consulate
Locate your country's embassy or consulate in the US, Canada, or Mexico for emergency assistance and document support.
Medical Emergency
Dial 911 (US/Canada) or 911 (Mexico) for emergencies. Most cities have English-speaking hospitals near match venues.
Lost Passport Assistance
Contact your embassy immediately. Keep a digital copy of your passport and travel documents stored securely online.
Legal Assistance
Contact your embassy for legal referrals. Many host cities will have multilingual legal support during the tournament.
Translation Services
Download Google Translate offline packs for English and Spanish. Many venues will have multilingual staff and signage.
Stolen Belongings & Fraud
File a police report immediately. Contact your bank to freeze cards and notify your travel insurance provider right away.
Additional Travel Tips
Booking Flights
- • Book flights 6–12 months in advance
- • Consider multi-city itineraries
- • Check for World Cup special fares
- • Book refundable tickets if possible
- • Consider travel insurance for flight protection
Getting Around
- • Research public transportation options
- • Download offline maps
- • Consider ride-sharing apps (Uber, Lyft)
- • Book airport transfers in advance
- • Learn basic local phrases
Planning Timeline
- • 12+ months: Apply for visas
- • 9–12 months: Book flights
- • 6–9 months: Book accommodations
- • 3–6 months: Purchase travel insurance
- • 1–3 months: Finalize itinerary
Safety & Health
- • Check vaccination requirements
- • Carry copies of important documents
- • Register with your embassy
- • Know emergency numbers
- • Stay hydrated and get travel insurance