With the FIFA World Cup 2026 starting today, Canada is preparing to co-host the tournament alongside the United States and Mexico. Matches in Toronto and Vancouver will bring significant international travel flows, placing pressure on transport networks, accommodation capacity, and cross-border mobility.
“For travel managers and security teams, the best approach is to combine real-time information, expert insight and heightened situational awareness. In Canada, the overall risk environment is stable, but environmental hazards, crowd density, and protest activity will require close monitoring.” – Diego Maloney, Senior Analyst at Riskline.
Getting around Canada
Canada will host matches in two cities: Toronto and Vancouver. Due to long distances between venues, air travel will be the primary option for domestic movement.
Major international gateways include Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR), both offering extensive global connections.
Domestic travel options:
- Frequent flights between Toronto and Vancouver (Air Canada, WestJet)
- VIA Rail available but significantly slower for cross-country travel
- Strong reliance on air transport for intercity movement
Local transport:
- Toronto: UP Express, TTC subway, buses, and streetcars
- Vancouver: Canada Line SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus network
- Both cities offer strong transit access to stadiums
Advance planning is strongly recommended due to expected match-day congestion.
Entry requirements
Visitors will generally enter Canada as tourists during the tournament period. There is no special FIFA visa.
Depending on nationality, travellers will require:
- A visitor visa, or
- An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Key points:
- Match tickets do not guarantee entry
- Passports must be valid for the duration of stay
- Border processing delays are likely during peak periods
Travellers crossing between Canada, the US, and Mexico should expect additional border checks and extended processing times.
Security environment
Canada is considered the lowest-risk host country, with stable governance and strong public safety systems. However, major international events can increase temporary risks linked to crowding, protests, and environmental disruption.
Crime
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag theft may increase in crowded areas, particularly around transport hubs, fan zones, and tourist districts. Violent crime remains rare and is not typically targeted at visitors.
Protests and civil unrest
Peaceful demonstrations are common in Canadian society, especially in major urban centres. While most remain orderly, minor scuffles can occur on occasion. Police generally manage events without excessive force.
During the World Cup, mobilisation is most likely around social justice issues, human rights, and international conflicts. Localised roadblocks or transport disruptions may occur, but large-scale unrest is unlikely given the absence of recent mass mobilisation since the COVID-19 restriction protests in 2022.
Terrorism risk
Canada has a low terrorism threat profile and is not a frequent target of attacks. Security will be significantly increased around stadiums, fan zones, and transport infrastructure during the tournament.
Health and environment
Wildfires and air quality
Wildfires represent the most significant environmental risk during the Canadian summer. Fire activity is most common in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, while Ontario is typically less affected.
Smoke can travel long distances, sometimes crossing borders and impacting air quality in major US cities such as New York. Wildfire smoke contains harmful particles that can affect health even at low exposure levels.
Heat and storms
Summer heatwaves may affect both host cities, while thunderstorms are common in eastern Canada. Severe weather can disrupt air travel, particularly at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), where flight delays and ground stops are possible.
Staying safe
Canada is a safe destination, but World Cup conditions will increase temporary crowd-related risks.
Crowd safety
High-density crowds are expected around stadiums, fan zones, and transport hubs. Risks include congestion during peak arrivals and departures, and limited movement in confined pedestrian areas.
Travellers should avoid peak ingress and egress times where possible and follow local security guidance at all times.
Cultural considerations
Canada is multicultural and generally tolerant. However, travellers should avoid sensitive topics with strangers, including:
- Indigenous peoples and related political issues
- Immigration, race, religion, and identity topics
- Quebec sovereignty discussions
Religious pluralism is widely accepted, and Canada has no official religion.
Scams: what to watch for
- No official FIFA visa exists
- Tickets must be purchased through official FIFA channels
- Accommodation scams and inflated pricing are expected during the tournament period
- Avoid unsolicited travel packages, giveaways, or unofficial resale platforms
Pre-departure checklist for travel managers
- Confirm visa or eTA requirements
- Monitor wildfire and weather alerts in real time
- Pre-book airport and stadium transfers
- Build buffer time into domestic and international itineraries
- Share real-time transport and safety updates with travellers
- Ensure travellers carry valid documentation and digital backups
- Establish clear communication and emergency response protocols
Travelling beyond Canada?
Travellers attending matches across North America should plan for additional border procedures when moving between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Each country presents different entry requirements, security environments, and environmental risks.
Take a look at our Travel Risk and Safety Guides for Mexico and the United States.
Download the complete FIFA World Cup 2026 Informer.
Prepare. Plan. Stay safe. Score big. ⚽