Qatar Embassy Issues World Cup Travel Guidance

The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Ottawa has issued important guidance for Qatari citizens planning to travel to Canada during the FIFA World Cup 2026, especially those attending the Qatar vs. Canada match scheduled for June 18, 2026, at BC Place in Vancouver.

The guidance comes ahead of one of the key World Cup fixtures to be hosted in Canada as part of the expanded 2026 tournament, which will take place across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Canada will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver, while official tournament platforms list Canada vs. Qatar in Vancouver during the group stage.

The embassy urged citizens to complete travel requirements before arriving in Canada, including checking passport validity, obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization when required, and buying match tickets only through official platforms or authorized sellers to avoid fraud and ticketing problems.

It also advised travellers to book flights and accommodation early because of expected high demand during the tournament, and to plan transportation carefully within Canada, where distances between cities can be significant. Vancouver is one of Canada’s main host cities, meaning hotels, transport, and tourism services are expected to be busy around match days.

During their stay, Qatari citizens were encouraged to respect Canadian laws and local regulations in British Columbia, follow personal safety advice, avoid sharing personal information with unknown parties, and be cautious of suspicious messages or offers. The embassy also recommended proper health insurance for the duration of the visit, as medical costs in Canada can be high for non-resident visitors.

The advisory also encouraged travellers to follow official FIFA and local authority updates, keep digital copies of important documents, including passports, tickets, and insurance papers, and remain connected with the embassy in case of emergency.

The early advisory reflects the importance of consular preparation ahead of a major global tournament expected to bring large numbers of fans to Canada. For Arab and Gulf supporters, the message is clear: attending the World Cup begins before match day, with proper entry documents, official tickets, accommodation planning, and awareness of local laws.

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