Can I Attend the 2026 World Cup in Vancouver or Toronto if I Have a DUI?

The World Cup is coming to Canada in 2026! Toronto will be hosting 6 games including a Round of 32 match, and Vancouver will be hosting 7 games including Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches. Impaired driving is a serious crime in Canada, however, which means visitors with a past DUI or similar offense could be denied entry.

Even a non-criminal violation related to alcohol and driving, or a DUI arrest reduced to reckless driving, can cause a person to be refused admittance at the Canadian border. Even if you will not be driving while in the country, if border agents determine you are inadmissible there is a high likelihood you will be turned away. While American citizens can fly into Canada without getting pre-screened, citizens of France, Germany, UK, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, Spain, Colombia, Netherlands, and several other countries require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Consequently, many people can be blocked from even getting on an airplane destined for Canada if they have a past DUI or other criminal record.

Soccer fans with a DUI history can request access to Canada by applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation (CR). Both applications involve convincing the Government of Canada that you are safe. A TRP is faster, but only provides short-term access and requires a "compelling" reason for travel. CR is slower, but can permanently overcome criminal inadmissibility. Some people apply for both at the same time, with the goal of getting into Canada quickly while also fixing things long-term.

Hoping to attend a World Cup game in Toronto or Vancouver but have a DUI arrest in your past? Contact our team today for a free consultation!

Can I Attend the World Cup in Canada if My DUI Is Old?

Now that drunk driving is considered serious criminality in Canada (similar to a felony), a DUI conviction can render a foreign national inadmissible to the country for life. This being said, if someone has a single DUI from before Canada strengthened their driving laws, and no other arrest history, they might be "grandfathered in" for Canada's previous 10-year amnesty policy called Deemed Rehabilitation. Before attempting to enter Canada with an old DUI, however, it is advisable to consult with a qualified Canadian lawyer regarding eligibility. This is important because enforcement of Deemed Rehabilitated status at the border can be stringent, and the onus is always on a traveler to prove they qualify when challenged by border agents. Visitors who require an eTA to fly into Canada will often need to prove their admissibility before they even arrive at the border.

Toronto World Cup Schedule

The following World Cup games will be played at BMO Field in Toronto Ontario (capacity 45,736):

• Friday June 12th 2026 - Group B
• Wednesday June 17th 2026 - Group L
• Saturday June 20th 2026 - Group E
• Tuesday June 23rd 2026 - Group L
• Friday June 26th 2026 - Group I
• Thursday July 2nd 2026 - Round of 32

Vancouver World Cup Schedule

The following World Cup games will be played at BC Place in Vancouver British Columbia (capacity 54,500):

• Saturday June 13th 2026 - Group D
• Thursday June 18th 2026 - Group B
• Sunday June 21st 2026 - Group G
• Wednesday June 24th 2026 - Group B
• Friday June 26th 2026 - Group G
• Thursday July 2nd 2026 - Round of 32
• Tuesday July 7th 2026 - Round of 16

If you wish to attend one of these games but have an arrest history, it would be smart to plan ahead. In certain scenarios, there might be additional options available beyond a TRP or CR application. For example: if you have a low range drink driving in Australia, it might be possible to argue it should not equate to a full DUI in Canada. A similar argument can also be possible for a zero tolerance or "not a drop" under 21 DUI in USA, but an experienced immigration lawyer should always be consulted.

Is Canada DUI Entry Worth It?

Applying for special permission to visit Canada with a DUI involves a lot of paperwork. Upon learning about Canada's DUI entry policy, a person planning on watching a World Cup football match in Toronto or Vancouver will typically need to decide if it is worth the hassle verses canceling their trip. There are many factors that could impact such a decision. If England has a game in Toronto, English fans obviously want to go to Toronto not another host city. Maybe a person has already secured tickets or paid for their hotel. Many "follow your team" hospitality packages include every game regardless of which country it is in. Maybe the individual has already committed to friends or family that they will go to Vancouver with them, it is certainly a bucket list city with beautiful mountains and ocean. All this being said, Canada seems to be the most aggressive country on the planet when it comes to DUI entry, so some individuals will likely just avoid the nation and head to America or Mexico instead.

Questions about traveling to Canada for the World Cup with a criminal history? Fill out our contact form for free information!