Get ready for an incredible World Cup this summer! This year is the first time since 2002 that the FIFA men’s World Cup will be hosted by three nations — the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
If you’re flying or taking a road trip south to catch matches in one of the 11 host cities in the U.S., or in Mexico in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, you will need to make plans to ensure border crossings go smoothly.
Take the time to learn what you should know about border crossings for the U.S. and Mexico including required documents, the details on traveller programs that can cut time at the border, and border restrictions.
Canadian football fans generally do not need visas for short visits to the U.S. or Mexico. You should also know that there are no dedicated border lanes or automatic entry for World Cup ticket holders.
On match days, plan to arrive four to six hours early at the border. If you want to save time at the border, consider purchasing a NEXUS card.
If you are not a Canadian national, but you are travelling from Canada to the U.S. or Mexico, check visa and travel document requirements for your country of origin.
The U.S.: Canadians travelling by air must carry a valid passport. If you are driving, a valid NEXUS card or Enhanced Driver’s License are also accepted.
Mexico: Canadians arriving by land, air or sea require a valid passport, a completed Digital Migration Form (usually provided by airlines), and to pay a tourist fee (usually included in airfare).
The U.S.: Canadians can usually remain in the country for up to six months without a visa. When you arrive, you must declare the expected number of days you will stay in the country.
Mexico: Canadians can usually remain in the country for up to 180 days, nearly six months, without a visa.
Eligible Canadians entering the U.S. can apply for the NEXUS program for expedited border entry.
NEXUS program: Low-risk travellers can apply for a NEXUS card for faster processing at border crossings, airports, and marine customs. NEXUS travellers also receive faster security screening at U.S. airports.
How to apply for a NEXUS card: Apply on the Trusted Traveler Programs website and pay a $50 USD fee. You must also pass background checks and complete an interview at a NEXUS enrolment centre. Membership lasts five years.
If you are travelling with family members, remember that all family members, including infants and children, must have their own NEXUS card.
NEXUS application ahead of World Cup: Your application “may be processed within 30 business days,” according to the Government of Canada.
The estimate doesn’t include the time to schedule an appointment at an enrolment centre. Currently, there is a backlog of applications, so you should fill out your application as early as possible.
For short trips, Canadian football fans won’t need a visa in most instances. But if you are travelling from Canada and you are not a Canadian national, FIFA PASS may expedite border crossings.
FIFA PASS is a scheduling system that allows World Cup ticket holders who need visas to book interviews ahead of other visa applicants to ensure more timely processing.
On match days, plan to arrive four to six hours early at the border, and to arrive at the stadium two to three hours before kick-off. To avoid long waits, it is best not to travel on match days.
Flying or driving across borders in the early morning, from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., is also advisable. You can also check traffic at the U.S. border in real time on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or app.
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This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Allianz Global Assistance is not responsible for the use of external websites or the content or accuracy of external website information.
