FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada: Can I Enter with a DUI or Criminal Record?
With the news of both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo expected to participate in the World Cup 2026, excitement is at its peak. The FIFA World Cup is easily one of the most anticipated international sporting events that soccer lovers world wide look forward to every four years. Over one million visitors travelled to watch the FIFA World Cup in person in 2022 to Qatar.
In 2026, for the first time, Canada has been designated as one of the host countries for the FIFA World Cup. Canada’s city of Toronto will host six matches and the city of Vancouver will hold seven matches.
If you are an American soccer fan planning to drive or fly to Canada for the World Cup, you might want to make sure that you are admissible before you book all your flights and hotels. Do you have a DUI charge or another criminal record? If you do, there is a chance you might be denied entry at the border and sent back to the United States unless you obtain the proper permits. Let’s be informed about what exactly could make you inadmissible to Canada and what you can still do to be able to attend these once-in-a-lifetime soccer matches!
Contact us to choose the best option for youWhat is criminal inadmissibility in Canada?
Criminal Inadmissibility means that you are not allowed to enter Canada due to a past or an ongoing criminal charge. If you have a past or ongoing criminal charge/conviction, a Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will assess it and decide whether you should be deemed criminally inadmissible and denied entry to Canada or deemed admissible based on factors surrounding your offence(s). Read more about what makes you criminally inadmissible to Canada.
Can I travel to Canada for the World Cup with a DUI?
If you have a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offence on your record, you will most likely be denied entry to Canada. Canada considers impaired driving offences to be serious crimes, and one single DUI charge may lead to you being turned away at the Canadian border. However, specifically for cases of impaired driving charges (DUI, DWAI, OWI, DWI, reckless driving, reckless operation) convicted before December 18, 2018, you may qualify to be deemed rehabilitated by the passage of time. It must be the only conviction on your record, and ten years must have passed since the date of completion of the most recent sentence to be eligible. Read more about being deemed rehabilitated by the passage of time and entering Canada with a DUI
Can I be denied entry to Canada at the border for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes, whether you arrive in Canada by land, sea or air, the Canadian border officers hold the full authority to deny entry to whoever they deem to be criminally inadmissible even if your offence was from years ago. During a time like the World Cup, where high-traffic is expected at the border, border officials could make the screening stricter due to public security and safety concerns. This is why it is especially important to come to the border prepared when attempting to enter Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How can I enter Canada with a criminal record or DUI?
There are several ways to prepare for a smooth entry into Canada to attend the World Cup in 2026 based on your eligibility and how much time you have.
Temporary solution: Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a permit that allows temporary entrance to Canada to those that would otherwise be inadmissible. To be approved, you must provide evidence that your need to enter Canada outweighs the potential risk of letting you in the country. A TRP will indicate the date you are allowed to enter Canada and the date that you must leave the country. There are two ways to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit, through the consulate and through a port of entry. Applying through the consulate is recommended, as there is a higher chance of being approved, but the processing time is longer than the port of entry method. Applying through the port of entry has a higher risk of denial and if denied, you must turn around and cancel all travel plans at the last minute, but the process is immediate if approved. There is no guarantee for an approved TRP as each case of criminality is different and it is at the discretion of the reviewing immigration officer. Read more about Temporary Resident Permits or consult a lawyer to avoid being turned away from the border ahead of your FIFA plans.
Permanent solution: Criminal Rehabilitation (CR)
Criminal rehabilitation (CR) is a permanent solution to criminal inadmissibility. If it has been more than five years since the completion of your most recent sentence for your most recent offence, you are qualified to apply for CR. You must provide proof of good character and rehabilitation in your application. Since the processing time could be over a year, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible. Read more about Criminal Rehabilitation or consult an experienced lawyer for assistance to assess your chances of admissibility.
How to get started if you have a criminal record
Criminal inadmissibility is not always a straightforward process. It can be complex and confusing at times. In many cases, a person could have a criminal record but still not be necessarily considered criminally inadmissible. In others, it may be possible to apply for a TRP, CR or legal opinion letter to clarify your case and status. The application process can look different for each case, and it is recommended to consult a lawyer to professionally assess your case. If you are not sure where to begin, Canadim offers a free initial consultation and an experienced immigration lawyer may give you personalized advice on your World Cup plans.
Contact us to choose the best option for youFrequently asked questions
What if I don’t have the time to apply before the world cup?
If you found out that you may be criminally inadmissible just before your trip, you might still have a chance to see the matches in person. If you have approximately 4-8 months until your travel plans, it could still be worth it to try applying for a TRP through the consulate. The processing times are unpredictable, but it is less riskier than applying at the border. If you do not have 4-8 months before your trip, applying for a TRP at the port of entry may be your only option. You must come to the border with your accurately completed application. Getting an experienced lawyer to prepare your application and check its quality may greatly improve your chances of entry.
Do I need a permit to enter Canada just for one day with a criminal record?
Yes, regardless of how long you plan to stay in Canada, if you are criminally inadmissible, you could be denied entry and turned away. A short-term solution for entering Canada for a day would be to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit.
Will Canada make an exception for FIFA World Cup visitors with a criminal record?
No, Canada will not make an exception for the FIFA World Cup visitors that are criminally inadmissible. Canada will likely become stricter at the borders due to increased border traffic and concerns of public safety.
Is going to the World Cup a good reason for a TRP or CR?
Yes, Canada prepares to welcome approximately one million tourists and visitors for the World Cup, and many American visitors will be applying for a TRP or CR at this time. To avoid the sudden high volume of applications before the World Cup, it is recommended to apply as soon as possible.
What if I already bought FIFA tickets and book hotels but got denied at the border?
Unfortunately, having booked accommodations and tickets already is not a factor in the CBSA officer’s assessment of criminality. It is very important to be prepared with the proper permits and documentation as it could cost you your entire pre-planned trip. We strongly recommend consulting with a lawyer before you finalize your trip.
What if I fly to Canada while being criminally inadmissible?
If you are criminally inadmissible and book a flight to Canada, two things may happen.You may be denied boarding at your departure or be sent back to the United States on the first flight back by the customs officer in a Canadian airport. It is not recommended to travel to Canada without the proper documents if you are criminally inadmissible as the expense of purchasing the next available flight back will be at your own expense and airlines will likely not offer a refund.
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