Fans heading to the World Cup have been issued by the UK government Foreign Office. They are being warned they could face travel disruption unless they check entry rules for all three host countries before departure.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated guidance to fans travelling to the United States, Canada and Mexico for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to 19 July 19, 2026. Officials say travellers risk being caught out because visa requirements, passport rules and local laws differ between each country – meaning anyone crossing borders must comply with every set of rules.
The FCDO said: “Check the entry requirements for each country before you go. Rules differ, and you’ll need to meet them all to cross the borders smoothly.”
Separately, more than 120 rights groups have urged fans to “exercise caution” when travelling to the United States. The coalition – including the American Civil Liberties Union – cites what it calls “the Trump administration’s violent and abusive immigration crackdown”, warning minority groups may be “vulnerable to serious harm”.
It has called on FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino to press Donald Trump’s administration to uphold visitors’ rights. FIFA said it is “committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights”.
And the US Travel Association dismissed the warning as “sabotage”, saying discouraging travel harms US workers and businesses.
Check travel rules before you go
The guidance stresses that even short trips between host nations could require additional documentation, including visas or electronic travel authorisations.
Matches will be played across major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas in the US, as well as Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, and Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
The FCDO warned that tourist hotspots – not just stadium cities – will be significantly busier than normal, with pressure on flights, hotels and local transport.
Ticket fraud warning
Fans are urged to take extreme care when buying match tickets:
- Only purchase via official FIFA channels
- No tickets will be sold at stadiums
- Printed tickets or screenshots may not be accepted
- ID checks may be required on entry
Officials warn that counterfeit tickets can appear genuine but may be rejected at the gate – even if they scan – leaving supporters unable to enter.
Travel advice for fans
- Take out comprehensive travel insurance covering your full trip
- Book accommodation early due to very high demand
- Allow extra time for travel on match days
- Check local rules for fan zones and public viewing areas
The FCDO also highlights that laws vary widely, particularly in the US where rules differ by state, and across Canadian provinces and Mexican regions.
Details of Foreign Office advice can be found here:
Extra checks for Mexico
Travellers heading to Mexico are advised to plan routes carefully and be aware of restricted areas when moving between cities.
The guidance also notes that it is illegal to bring e-cigarettes or vaping devices into Mexico, alongside differing rules on alcohol and drugs.
Plan ahead or risk disruption
Fans are encouraged to sign up for updates and monitor official sources throughout the tournament, including the official FIFA app.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
