Visiting Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? What to Know About Criminal Records & Visit Visa Entry Rules

Canada is preparing to welcome millions of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with matches hosted in Toronto and Vancouver. But if you’re planning to travel to Canada on a visit visa and you have any criminal history, even something from years ago, your World Cup trip could be at risk.

For many travellers, the biggest shock is learning that even minor offences—including those that were treated lightly in your home country—can make you criminally inadmissible to Canada.

At Eiffel Immigration, we’ve seen countless fans, tourists, and business visitors turned away at the border because they didn’t understand Canada’s strict rules on admissibility.

Before you book your flights or purchase your match tickets, here’s what you must know.

Why a Criminal Record Can Affect Your Visit Visa Entry to Canada

Canada’s immigration laws are very clear: If you are not a Canadian citizen, any past criminal offence—charged, convicted, or even just alleged—can lead to criminal inadmissibility.

This applies even if at the time of application for Visit Visa:

1. The offence happened many years ago

2. You received no jail time

3. It was considered a minor offence where you live

4. You completed your entire sentence

5. The incident was dismissed or expunged in your country

To Canada, what matters is how your offence translates under Canadian law, not what it meant in your home country.

This often surprises travellers who assume small misdemeanours won’t affect their visit visa entry. But Canadian immigration authorities treat some foreign misdemeanours as serious criminal offences.

Common Offences That Can Lead to Inadmissibility to your Visit Visa

Some of the most frequent examples include:

1. DUI / DWI (drunk driving or impaired driving)

2. Assault or domestic assault

3. Theft or shoplifting

4. Drug possession or trafficking

5. Dangerous or careless driving

Even a single DUI—no matter how old—can prevent you from coming to Canada for the World Cup. This is because impaired driving is considered a serious criminal offence under Canada’s Criminal Code.

Example: A Realistic Scenario Many World Cup Visitors May Face while applying for Visit Visa

Imagine this situation:

Michael, a US citizen, had a DUI conviction four years ago. It was considered a minor misdemeanor in his state. His sentence included a fine and alcohol education, which he completed.

Michael assumes he is safe to travel.
But when he tries to enter Canada to attend a World Cup match:

1. Canadian officers check the equivalent offence under Canadian law

2. In Canada, impaired driving can carry a maximum penalty of 10+ years

3. The offence is classified as serious criminality

As a result, Michael can be refused entry, even though he has no other criminal history.

Many travellers are shocked to be turned away at the airport or land border—especially after spending money on tickets, flights, hotels, and transport.

How Canada Assesses Criminal Records at the Border at the time ETA or Visit Visa

To understand your chances of entry, immigration officers look at:

1. What offence you committed

2. How it maps to Canada’s Criminal Code

3. The maximum penalty the offence carries under Canadian law

4. Whether it is categorized as:

   1. Summary offence

   2. Indictable offence

   3. Hybrid offence

   4. Serious criminality

In Canada:

1. Summary offences = less serious (similar to misdemeanours)

2. Indictable offences = serious (similar to felonies)

3. Hybrid offences = treated as indictable for immigration purposes

This means even a “minor” incident in your country could be treated as a serious offence in Canada.

So What Can You Do If You Have a Criminal Record?

If you hope to enter Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and have any past charges or convictions, you must take steps before travelling.

There are three main legal pathways to overcome criminal inadmissibility:

Option 1 — Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

A Temporary Resident Permit allows you to enter Canada for a specific purpose even though you are inadmissible.

1. Valid for a specific time (from one day to three years)
2. Can be used for events such as business, family emergencies, or travel
3. Can be applied for at a consulate or port of entry (depending on nationality)

However, attending a sports event is not always considered a “compelling reason,” meaning TRP approvals for World Cup visitors carry risk.

An immigration professional can help strengthen your case.

Option 2 — Deemed Rehabilitation

This applies only to those with non-serious criminality, depending on:

1. How long ago the entire sentence was completed

2. How the offence translates in Canada

3. Whether you have more than one offence

Timeframes:

1. Summary offences → usually 5 years after completion

2. Single indictable offence → typically 10 years

If enough time has passed, you may be automatically considered rehabilitated.
A legal opinion letter can help border officers clearly understand your case.

Option 3 — Criminal Rehabilitation (Permanent Solution)

This is the most secure long-term option.

Criminal Rehabilitation:

1. Permanently clears your inadmissibility

2. Applies to both serious and non-serious offences

3. Can be requested 5+ years after completing your sentence

Processing often takes 12–24 months, so travellers planning for the World Cup should start now.

If you apply for Criminal Rehabilitation, it can strengthen your chances of also receiving a TRP if needed sooner.

Which Option Is Right for You before you apply for Visit Visa for Fifa World Cup 2026?

Factors include:

1. Type and seriousness of your offence

2. How much time has passed

3. Whether your goal is short-term travel or long-term clearance

4. Your country’s entry requirements to Canada (visa-required vs. eTA)

Because every case is unique, it is highly recommended to speak with a licensed immigration consultant who can assess your admissibility and plan the right strategy before applying for Visit Visa.

Planning for Visit Visa for Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Start Now.

With millions expected to travel to Canada, visit visa processing and inadmissibility reviews may take longer closer to match dates.

If you have any criminal record, even minor, the safest approach is to:

1.  Assess your criminal history under Canadian law
2. Choose the right pathway early
3. Apply months in advance
4. Avoid last-minute refusals at the border

Eiffel Immigration can help you:

1. Evaluate your admissibility

2. Prepare a TRP or Rehabilitation application

3. Draft legal opinion letters

4. Ensure you avoid border issues during the World Cup travel rush