The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice
UK tourists heading to USA, Mexico and Canada have been given new guidance(Image: Westend61 via Getty Images)
Fans heading to the World Cup are being warned they could face travel disruption unless they check entry requirements for all three host nations before setting off. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated guidance to supporters travelling to the United States, Canada and Mexico for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to 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 regulations. 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.
Content cannot be displayed without consentCheck travel rules before you go
Travellers are strongly advised that even brief journeys between host nations may require extra paperwork, such as visas or electronic travel authorisations. Matches will be held across major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas in the US, along with Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, and Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
The FCDO has warned that tourist hotspots – not just the host cities – will be considerably busier than usual, with added pressure on flights, hotels and local transport.
Ticket fraud warning
Supporters are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when purchasing match tickets:
Only purchase via official FIFA channelsNo tickets will be sold at stadiumsPrinted tickets or screenshots may not be acceptedID checks may be required on entry
Officials caution that counterfeit tickets can look convincing but may be turned away at the gate – even if they scan – leaving fans locked out.
Advice for fansTake out comprehensive travel insurance covering your full tripBook accommodation early due to very high demandAllow extra time for travel on match daysCheck local rules for fan zones and public viewing areas
The FCDO also points out that laws vary considerably, particularly across US states, 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.