Exciting news for all football fans: Canada, which co-hosted the FIFA World Cup 2026, has relaxed visa requirements for international visitors.
Notably, the country is already preparing for the rush of visitors expected during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now, the government has introduced another temporary visa change to make travel easier for certain guests invited by FIFA.
The Government of Canada has announced a second temporary public policy linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This one focuses on visa processing.
Certain foreign nationals who receive an official invitation letter from FIFA will not need to provide biometrics when applying for a Temporary Resident Visa, also known as a TRV.
Normally, visa applicants must visit a biometric collection centre to give fingerprints and a photo. That step can take time, especially when appointments are limited. By removing this requirement for eligible applicants, Canada is trying to reduce delays ahead of the tournament.
To benefit from this temporary measure, applicants must:
The policy applies to both new applications and those already in process as of November 25, 2025.
If you meet these conditions, you may not need to attend a biometric appointment at all.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring thousands of officials, staff, partners and related personnel to Canada. Biometrics can slow down visa timelines because applicants must book and attend an in-person appointment.
By waiving this step for selected FIFA invitees, Canada is cutting out one of the biggest bottlenecks in the Temporary Resident Visa process.
For travellers, that means:
This follows an earlier public policy that introduced work permit exemptions for certain FIFA-invited foreign nationals connected to the tournament.
The biometric exemption is temporary. It will remain in effect until July 20, 2026, unless the government decides to end it earlier. After that date, standard biometric rules are expected to apply again.
In 2025, Canada rolled out special rules to support the 2026 FIFA events. Foreign nationals travelling for short-term, FIFA-related work may not need a standard work permit.
This temporary work permit exemption is designed to make entry simpler for those helping organise and manage the tournament.
Canada is not the only host country making travel easier for World Cup visitors. The United States, which will also host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has introduced a faster visa interview option for eligible ticket holders.
Travellers who purchased their match tickets directly from FIFA can now request priority visa interview appointments through FIFA PASS.
To use this option, ticket holders must first opt in to FIFA PASS on FIFA’s official website. Once enrolled, they can request a prioritised US visa interview slot as part of their visa application process.
If you are heading to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup activities and have a FIFA invitation letter, review the new rules before applying for your Temporary Resident Visa.
Eligible applicants who apply between November 25, 2025, and July 20, 2026, may be exempt from biometrics. The policy also covers applications already in process from November 25, 2025.
Keep in mind, the visa is not automatic. You must still meet Canada’s admissibility requirements. If you qualify, these temporary measures could save you time and help you reach the tournament faster.
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