2026 World Cup: Canadian High Commissioner Says Tickets Do Not Guarantee Visas
- Fans with match tickets are not guaranteed Canadian visas to attend the World Cup and must go through a regular process
- Canadian High Commissioner Myriam Montrat, in a statement, also warned against visa scams related to the World Cup
- She emphasised safe migration and anti-human trafficking policies ahead of the tournament, which is set to kick off in June
Ghanaians hoping to attend the FIFA World Cup in Canada have been put on notice that buying a match ticket will not get them a visa.
Source: Instagram
Canada gives update for World Cup fans
Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, issued the warning on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
She was speaking at the National Forum on Trafficking Through Sports at the ISSER Conference Hall, Legon, organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
According to her, Canada has already put firm measures in place to prevent human trafficking ahead of the tournament.
"A match ticket is not a visa. Every traveller must still satisfy the required immigration procedures before travelling," she stated.
She cautioned the public against paying money to anyone claiming a World Cup ticket guarantees entry into Canada, warning that fraudsters are likely to use the buzz around the tournament to push false travel promises.
Prospective travellers, she advised, should rely only on official information from embassies and recognised agencies when making travel arrangements.
Montrat also reaffirmed Canada's commitment to working with international partners to combat human trafficking and promote safe migration, the core theme of the forum, which was organised to raise awareness about the exploitation of vulnerable people through sporting events.
See the Facebook post below:
In an earlier interview, about three months ago, Montrat advised prospective fans for the tournament to put in their applications as early as possible and not defy regulations, which may lead to deportations, and affect other potential travellers.
"I will urge everybody to apply as early as possible, respect the legislation and make sure to do what are supposed to do and return after the tournament," she said.
Watch the Facebook video below:
US outlines guidelines for World Cup visas
Similarly, the United States Embassy in Ghana has outlined the visa application process for citizens planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that violations such as overstaying could result in long-term entry bans.
Consul General Elliot Fertik disclosed this at media training for journalists and content creators held at the Embassy in Accra, where he walked attendees through requirements, procedures, and common pitfalls.
During the training on March 21, 2026, he explained:
“We are very excited to welcome people, but the United States does not tolerate people who overstay or violate the terms of their visas."
Source: Facebook
Canada bans eight food items on entry
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Canada had banned some items as it tightened its import rules to protect public health, agriculture, and the environment.
The decision was aimed at ensuring items coming into the country do not harm people, the environment, or the economy, such as food and animal products.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
