Visa & Travel Information

I. United States (U.S.)

1. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) & ESTA

Citizens of VWP countries must obtain Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before travel by air/sea and—since Oct 1, 2022—also for land arrivals. Valid for up to 2 years or until passport expiry; multiple entries allowed.

• Official ESTA fee: Currently US$40 on the DHS/CBP site
• Apply only on the official portal: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
• Important: ESTA is not a visa; CBP officers decide admissibility at the port of entry. Carry proof of onward travel and accommodation.

2. Visitor (B1/B2) & Transit (C-1) Visas

If you do not qualify for VWP/ESTA, apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa for tourism or a C-1 transit visa for immediate and continuous transit. Holders of a valid B1/B2 may usually transit without a separate C-1.

Transiting without a visa: VWP nationals with valid ESTA can transit the U.S.; others generally need C‑1. Airline staff will screen at departure.

3. Passport Validity ("Six‑Month Rule")

By default, visitors should have passports valid 6 months beyond their intended stay. Many nationalities are exempt under the U.S. "Six‑Month Club" and need only validity through their stay. Check the current CBP list PDF before travel.

4. Land Border Notes

VWP travelers entering by land must have an approved ESTA (since Oct 1, 2022). You may also need to pay/obtain an electronic I‑94 via CBP One, depending on circumstances.

CBP media release — ESTA required for land (Oct 1, 2022)

II. Canada

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Most visa‑exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) obtained online for CAD $7; valid up to 5 years or until passport expiry. Not needed for arrival by land/sea.

Apply at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

Transit Without Visa Programs

Some visa‑required nationals may use the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program or China Transit Program (CTP) when connecting through designated airports on participating airlines; otherwise a (free) transit visa is required for airside connections up to 48 hours.

TWOV/CTP overview

U.S. Green Card Holders

U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) are exempt from the eTA requirement for air travel but must carry proof of status.

Passport Validity

No fixed "6‑month rule"; documents must be valid for the duration of authorized stay. If your passport will expire soon, renew before applying; Canadian permits cannot be issued past passport expiry.

Canada passport validity notes

III. Mexico

Visa Exemptions

Nationals of many countries are visa‑exempt for short stays (typically up to 180 days). In addition, travelers of any nationality holding a valid multiple‑entry U.S., Canada, UK, Schengen or Japan visa—or permanent residence in those areas—are generally visa‑exempt for tourism/business (carry the visa/residence card with your passport).

Mexico visa exemptions (SRE)

Passport Validity

Mexico does not impose a blanket 6‑month validity rule; your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Airlines may apply stricter rules—renew early to avoid boarding issues.

FMM / FMMd (Forma Migratoria Múltiple)

Mexico has been phasing out the paper Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) for air arrivals. At many airports, INM now stamps your passport and lets you download the Digital FMM (FMMd) via QR or the INM portal within your authorized stay. Keep your passport and any entry receipt with you; the stamped date governs your stay.

Mexico FMMd (INM)

Land Entry & Driving

Beyond the border/free zones (and outside Baja California, Quintana Roo, and parts of Sonora), foreign‑plated cars require a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) from Banjercito, with a refundable deposit (US$200–$400 depending on model year). Purchase online (10–60 days before) or at Banjercito modules at the border. Mexican auto insurance is strongly recommended/required.

Banjercito — Temporary Import Permit (TIP) | https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/

IV. Health, Insurance & Customs Essentials

Vaccines

Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, polio, influenza) and COVID‑19. CDC traveler pages provide destination‑specific guidance; consider Hepatitis A/B and other vaccines per itinerary.

• CDC Travelers' Health — Mexico
• CDC Travelers' Health — Canada
• CDC Yellow Book

Food/water and vector‑borne risks vary by region; consult CDC Travel Health Notices. Carry any prescriptions in original packaging.

Travel Insurance

Medical care can be expensive, especially in the U.S.; carry proof of coverage with medical evacuation.

Customs

Review CBP, CBSA, and SAT (Mexico) rules on prohibited/restricted items and declaration limits before you pack.

V. Quick Scenarios (Illustrative)

Key Official Sources

• U.S. ESTA (official): https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
• CBP ESTA FAQ: https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1870?language=en_US
• Six‑Month Passport Validity: CBP bulletin | PDF
• U.S. Transit Visa (C‑1): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/other-visa-categories/transit.html
• Canada eTA: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html
• IRCC tool — Check visa/eTA need: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/check-visa-eta.html
• China Transit Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/transit/without-visa/china-transit-eligibility.html

Passport Validity Requirements

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from the United States. This is a requirement for entry into the USA.

Visa & Entry Requirements by Country

United States

• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA before travel by air/sea and—since Oct 1, 2022—also for land arrivals. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. Valid for up to 2 years or until passport expires.
• B-2 Tourist Visa: If not eligible for ESTA, you'll need to apply for a B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate well in advance (processing can take weeks or months).
• Cost: ESTA costs $40 USD (official fee as of 2025). B-2 visa costs $185 USD.

Canada

• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an eTA to fly to or transit through Canada. Apply at Canada.ca. Valid for 5 years or until passport expires.
• Visitor Visa: Some nationalities require a visitor visa. Check requirements at Canada.ca.
• Cost: eTA costs $7 CAD. Visitor visa costs $100 CAD.

Mexico

• Tourist Card (FMM): Many nationalities can enter Mexico visa-free for tourism up to 180 days. You'll receive a tourist card upon arrival.
• Visa Required: Some nationalities require a visa. Check with the nearest Mexican embassy or consulate.
• Cost: Tourist card is typically free when entering by air, but may have a fee at land borders.

Multi-City Flight Hacks

Traveling between 16 host cities across 3 countries requires smart planning. Here are proven strategies:

1. Open-Jaw Tickets

• Fly into one city and depart from another (e.g., arrive in New York, depart from Los Angeles).
• Often cheaper than round-trip to the same city, especially for international flights.
• Reduces backtracking and saves time.

2. Multi-City Booking

• Book a multi-city itinerary with 3-4 stops (e.g., New York → Dallas → Los Angeles → Seattle).
• Compare prices on Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak using their multi-city search.
• Consider regional airlines for shorter hops (e.g., Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines).

3. Hub Strategy

• Use major hubs as bases: New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago.
• Book separate round-trip flights to your hub, then use budget airlines for regional travel.
• Example: Fly to NYC (hub), then use budget flights to Boston, Philadelphia, etc.

4. Budget Airlines for Inter-City Travel

• USA: Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines offer low-cost domestic flights.
• Book Early: Book early for best deals on flights between USA host cities.

5. Alternative Transportation

• Trains: Amtrak for scenic routes (e.g., NYC to Boston, Los Angeles to San Francisco).
• Buses: Greyhound, Megabus, FlixBus for budget-friendly options (longer travel times).
• Rental Cars: Consider for flexibility, especially if visiting multiple cities in one region (e.g., Texas: Dallas, Houston, Kansas City).

6. Booking Tips

• Book Early: Flight prices increase significantly as World Cup approaches. Book 3-6 months in advance.
• Be Flexible: Mid-week flights are often cheaper. Consider flying on match days to save.
• Set Price Alerts: Use Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner to track price changes.
• Redeem Miles: Use frequent flyer miles or credit card points for expensive routes.
• Check Multiple Sites: Compare prices across airlines, OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), and booking sites.

Accommodation Tips

• Book Early: Reserve accommodation 6-12 months in advance for best rates and availability. Prices increase 55%+ during World Cup.
• Consider Alternative Locations: Stay in neighboring cities and commute to matches (e.g., stay in New Jersey for NYC matches, stay in suburbs for downtown matches).
• Group Bookings: Share apartments or larger rentals with other fans to reduce costs.
• Airbnb vs Hotels: Compare both options. Airbnb may offer more space and kitchen facilities, while hotels provide more services and reliability.
• Flexible Cancellation: Book properties with flexible cancellation policies in case your plans change.
• Location Matters: Prioritize accommodation near public transit for easy stadium access.

Cross-Border Travel Tips

If your itinerary includes matches in more than one country, plan carefully:

• Carry All Documents: Have all necessary visas, eTAs, or ESTAs for each country you plan to enter.
• Border Crossing Times: Allow extra time for border crossings (2-4 hours at airports, 1-3 hours at land borders during peak times).
• Proof of Onward Travel: Be prepared to show proof of onward travel or return tickets to immigration officials.
• Declare Items: Know customs regulations for each country. Don't carry prohibited items across borders.
• Currency: Have local currency for each country or use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.