Who needs an ETA and who needs a tourist visa?

• ETA: For citizens of many countries in Europe, Asia, as well as Chile, Mexico, and Israel (under certain conditions). Stay of up to 6 months for tourism or sporting events.
• Tourist visa: For all other travelers, e.g. citizens of countries that are not eligible for an ETA.

ETA – for fans from visa-exempt countries
The program currently includes 44 countries. Fans from these countries can visit Canada without a traditional visa but must obtain an ETA authorization, which is applied for online.

Länder mit welchem ein ETA möglich ist:

Europe:
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Cyprus, Malta, Luxembourg, Monaco, Andorra, Liechtenstein, San Marino, United Kingdom (and many of its overseas territories)

Asia / Pacific:
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa

Americas / Middle East / Others:
Chile, Mexico, Israel (under certain conditions)

Applying for an eTA

• Online application at least 72 hours before departure
• Biometric passport required (no temporary passport / no child’s passport)
• Validity: usually 5 years or until the passport expires
• Multiple entries permitted, maximum stay of up to 6 months

Tips for the 2026 World Cup

• Keep your World Cup ticket and accommodation details ready
• Plan for peak times at airports
• Apply for the ETA early to avoid delays

Tourist visa – for fans who are not ETA-eligible
Fans who are not eligible for an ETA must apply for a tourist visa. This Canadian Visa allows tourist stays as well as attendance at sporting events.

Who should apply for a tourist visa?

• Applicants who, due to their nationality, are not eligible to apply for a Canadian ETA
• Applicants whose ETA application has been refused

Applying for a tourist visa – step by step

• Complete the online application form
• Prepare and upload the required documents:
• Passport
• Photo
• Residence permit for Germany (if applicable).
• Evidence of strong ties in Germany (such as employment or family)
• Proof of financial means
• Pay the Consular and VFS Fingerprint fee
• 3. Schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VFS) to submit biometric data
• 4. Attend your VFS Visa Center appointment to provide your fingerprints.

Once the Canadian Visa Office has assessed your application, they will decide and affix a visa counterfoil to your passport, or issue a letter explaining why a visa could not be granted.

Having a FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket or Flight Ticket does not automatically mean that you qualify for a visa. Like all visa applicants, ticket holders undergo thorough security screening and vetting, and they must demonstrate they qualify for a visa.

Practical notes

• The visa allows stays of up to 6 months
• A visa does not guarantee entry – the final decision lies with Canadian border officers
• Applying early increases the chances of timely approval

Special aspects of the FIFA World Cup 2026

• Millions of fans are expected, resulting in high demand for eTA and tourist visa applications
• Fans from countries with restrictive entry requirements should plan especially early

Practical entry tips

• Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay
• Keep documents readily available: eTA confirmation or tourist visa, return ticket, proof of accommodation
• Answer questions at entry honestly and clearly
• Allow enough time for security checks
• Check current entry requirements

Summary for fans

• eTA: for eligible countries, stays of up to 6 months
• Tourist visa: ffor all other fans
• Plan early: the World Cup will attract millions of visitors
• Complete documentation makes entry easier

With careful preparation, nothing will stand in the way of an unforgettable World Cup experience in Canada.

Visa application for the FIFA World Cup 2026

To ensure that your trip to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada runs smoothly, we reliably support you with applying for a Canadian ETA. Our goal is to make sure your dream of attending the World Cup does not fall apart. We guide you step by step through the process, review your documents, and answer all your questions so that you can enter the country safely and stress-free.

Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with tourist visa applications for citizens who are not eligible for an ETA. In these cases, the application must be submitted independently via the official website of the Canadian authorities. https://visa.vfsglobal.com/deu/en/can