FIFA WC sets new benchmark for trusted, seamless travel across borders

Madrid : As the FIFA World Cup kicked off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) presented its latest research, highlighting how the tournament marks a turning point in global border management and brings together two decades of innovation to deliver one of the most seamless and secure travel experiences ever achieved. At the center of this is the 2026 World Cup's adoption of a "trusted travel" model, where pre-approved, low-risk travelers benefit from faster and more predictable border clearance while maintaining robust security standards. In the United States alone, more than 5.9m Electronic System for Travel Authorization applications were submitted in the lead-up to the tournament, with over 5m approvals enabling visa-free travel. Meanwhile, over 1.6m travelers enrolled in Trusted Traveler Programs, allowing expedited entry across the three host nation borders. Innovation has also extended to traveler facilitation and information. Initiatives such as FIFA PASS, which prioritizes visa appointments for ticket holders, and COMPASS, an AI-powered digital assistant, have helped travelers navigate entry requirements more efficiently while supporting border authorities in managing demand. In Mexico, citizens of more than 65 countries are able to enter visa-free for stays of up to 180 days. Also, travelers holding valid visas or residency for the United States, Canada, Japan, the UK or the Schengen Area have been exempt from Mexican tourism visa requirements. Mexico has also strengthened security and seamless travel through its trusted traveler program, allowing eligible travelers to use automated kiosks and expedited immigration lanes at participating Mexican airports. In Canada, travellers have been required to obtain either a Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization prior to arrival, with applicants encouraged to reference "FIFA World Cup 26" to support timely processing. Canada's trusted traveler program has enabled eligible visitors to use kiosks and e-gates for expedited clearance. For other travelers, the ArriveCAN app has allowed visitors to complete customs and immigration declarations up to 72 hours before arrival through its Advance Declaration feature.