While travel between Canada and the U.S. is still at historic lows over Donald Trump’s annexation threats and disrespectful comments toward the northern neighbor at the start of 2025, the FIFA 2026 World Cup is expected to bring in more than 350,000 international visitors to host cities Toronto and Vancouver.
Along with coming in to the matches themselves, a large portion of the 1.2 million international fans expected to arrive to North America this summer will use the occasion to travel between the U.S., Canada and Mexico and otherwise make a trip out of their arrival.
The most recent estimates show that at least six million of those who live in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico also plan on crossing borders to see a World Cup game in another country.
In response to the projected travel spike, the U.S. State Department updated its advisory page for Canada to draw attention to specific issues that can arise in relation to traveling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We encourage all Americans heading to Canada to review the expiration date of their travel document”: U.S. State Department
While the advisory for Canada remains at the lowest “exercise normal precautions” level, a new crime section now states that “petty crime is common in popular tourist locations” while “most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching, pickpocketing, and car break-ins or theft.”
Another section urges Americans coming in to Canada for the World Cup to check that they have proper documents such as a valid passport, passport card or NEXUS pass in place as lines at border crossings may face additional traffic and any problem could cause more delay and travel disruption than usual.
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“We encourage all Americans heading to Canada to review the expiration date of their travel document,” the advisory also reads. “Apply for or renew your U.S. passport or passport card well before travel to avoid any last-minute stress or extra fees. Check processing times to renew by mail or online through the online passport renewal program.”
Another section reminds travelers that, even if recreational cannabis is legal in the state from which one is coming into Canada and within Canada itself, transportation of cannabis products cross-border is prohibited by the laws of both countries.
As the Canadian host cities, Toronto and Vancouver are expected to see the largest numbers of World Cup fans this summer.
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Reminder to World Cup travelers: “It is illegal to bring cannabis across the border”
The advisory further urges Americans to brush up on the list of items that Canada prohibits from being brought into the country and make sure none are accidentally left behind in the car that one uses to cross over.
Those caught doing so can face, depending on the amount and severity of the infraction, face fines, criminal charges and immediate denial of entry.
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“Carefully check your bags, clothing pockets, and inspect your vehicle before travel,” the section on prohibited items reads. “It is illegal to bring cannabis across the border, including products such as edible cannabis, cannabis extracts, and items containing CBD. Similarly, it is illegal to transport undeclared firearms and ammunition across the border.”
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