Canada Eases Visa Procedures Ahead of 2026 World Cup with Biometric Exemption

The Canadian government has announced a series of temporary visa adjustments aimed at facilitating entry for international visitors ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Among these measures is the removal of the biometric submission requirement for certain applicants seeking a temporary visitor visa.

Authorities in Ottawa stated that this change applies to foreigners who receive an official invitation from Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), provided they meet several conditions, including submitting their visa application between November 25, 2025, and July 20, 2026, and possessing an official invitation letter that meets Canadian entry and immigration requirements.

The decision exempts these visitors from the usual collection of fingerprints and biometric photographs, a step previously seen as a common cause of visa processing delays due to limited appointment availability at service centers.

The exemption aims to speed up application processing and reduce congestion at biometric centers, facilitating entry for tournament organizers and partners into Canada.

The measures also continue previous procedures issued by Canada for certain workers involved in organizing the event, reflecting the country’s preparedness to host the global sporting event and accommodate the large number of visitors expected from around the world in the coming months.

However, authorities emphasized that the biometric exemption does not guarantee automatic visa issuance, and all Canadian entry and immigration requirements, including security screening and document verification, must still be met.

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