Officials on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border urge travelers to prepare for long waits as Seattle and Vancouver host FIFA World Cup matches
By La Conner Community News staff
As more than 6 million international visitors are expected to travel to North America for the FIFA World Cup 2026, border agencies in both the United States and Canada are preparing for what could become one of the busiest periods in recent history for crossings between Washington state and British Columbia.
The tournament, which runs from June 11 through July 19, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Vancouver will host seven matches while Seattle will host multiple games, creating the potential for thousands of fans to travel between the two cities during the monthlong event.
To prepare, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency have increased staffing, expanded coordination with international partners and urged travelers to plan ahead before heading to the border.
“This first tri-national FIFA World Cup will be the largest to date,” the Canada Border Services Agency said in a recent advisory to travelers.
For residents of Northwest Washington, the impacts may be felt at Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden-Aldergrove and Sumas crossings, as well as at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Vancouver International Airport.
Preparing for increased border traffic
Canadian officials are warning travelers to expect longer-than-normal waits at land crossings, particularly around holidays and major sporting events.
The agency specifically noted that Canada Day on July 1, Independence Day on July 4 and the Seattle Mariners-Toronto Blue Jays series from July 3-5 could add to already heavy World Cup-related traffic. Travelers are encouraged to monitor border wait times, consider alternate crossings and check hours of operation before departing.
On the U.S. side, Customs and Border Protection has created a dedicated World Cup Task Force and expanded staffing and screening operations at ports of entry nationwide as officials prepare for millions of international arrivals.
CBP says it processed more than 5 million Electronic System for Travel Authorization applications and more than 1.6 million trusted traveler applications, including NEXUS, Global Entry and SENTRI, between October 2025 and April 2026 as part of World Cup preparations.
No special World Cup visa
Both countries are emphasizing that World Cup tickets do not grant entry across international borders.
Canadian officials cautioned travelers that there is no special “FIFA visa” and urged visitors to verify entry requirements before making travel plans. All international travelers must carry proper identification, and passports remain the most widely accepted travel document.
Border officials on both sides are also reminding travelers that customs laws remain fully in effect during the tournament.
Security remains a priority
While agencies are focused on keeping travelers moving, they say security remains their primary mission.
The Canada Border Services Agency reported welcoming more than 82 million travelers in 2025 while intercepting more than 83,000 kilograms of illegal drugs and more than 17,700 weapons and firearms. Canadian officials say they are working closely with counterparts in the United States and Mexico to prevent illegal drugs, weapons and organized crime activity during the tournament.
CBP is also preparing for increased inspections of imported goods and counterfeit merchandise. Officials seized more than 1.8 million counterfeit apparel and footwear items in fiscal year 2025 and expect heightened demand for World Cup-related products.
The agency will additionally provide aerial surveillance, enforce temporary flight restrictions around venues and coordinate with local, state and federal law enforcement partners throughout the tournament.
A unique challenge for the Northwest
Unlike previous World Cups, the 2026 tournament will be spread across three countries, creating unprecedented demands on border infrastructure.
The Seattle-Vancouver corridor is expected to become one of the busiest travel routes during the event as fans follow teams, attend matches and explore host cities on both sides of the border.
For border communities from Blaine to Sumas, the World Cup could bring a significant economic boost, but also longer waits, heavier traffic and heightened security measures.
Officials say preparation will be key.
“The best way to save time is to be open and honest with the border services officer,” the Canada Border Services Agency advised travelers.
