Maple News reports that international visitors hoping to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada should be aware of stringent immigration rules concerning criminal inadmissibility. If you have a criminal record—past or present—you may be denied entry, regardless of your nationality or the nature of your offense.
Under Canadian immigration law, anyone who has committed, been charged with, or convicted of an offense abroad that corresponds to an offense in Canada may be deemed criminally inadmissible. This holds true even if the offense occurred years ago or if the sentence has already been fully served. As a result, visitors with any type of criminal history could see their travel plans to the World Cup disrupted or even cancelled outright.
Common offenses that can lead to inadmissibility include impaired driving (DUI), theft, assault, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and drug-related offenses. Importantly, inadmissibility can still apply even when charges were dropped, not pursued, or are still pending. Canadian officials assess the nature of each offense based on the equivalency under Canadian law at the time it was committed.
The implications can be far-reaching. Inadmissibility does not always depend on conviction—it can stem from an accusation alone. Travelers often spend months planning their dream trip only to learn at the border that they’re barred from entering due to a long-forgotten incident.
However, Maple News notes there are solutions available to overcome criminal inadmissibility. These include applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), which allows entry for a specific reason and duration despite inadmissibility, or pursuing Criminal Rehabilitation for older offenses. If the offense occurred more than ten years ago and meets specific criteria, you may even be deemed rehabilitated automatically.
Canada’s immigration officers also consider factors like public safety, the severity of the offense, and the passage of time since the incident. If you have a criminal record and intend to travel to Canada for the World Cup, it is highly advisable to begin taking remedial steps now—applications for rehabilitation can take over a year to process.
As Canada prepares to co-host one of the world’s largest sporting events, immigration rules will be enforced rigorously. To avoid disruption, travelers with a history of run-ins with the law should seek legal guidance and assess their admissibility well in advance.
It’s possible to experience the excitement of the World Cup in Canada—but only with adequate preparation and awareness of the country’s strict entry requirements.