Canadian border authorities are warning international football fans that having a ticket to FIFA World Cup matches in Canada does not guarantee entry into the country. With thousands of supporters expected to arrive in the coming weeks for games in Vancouver and Toronto, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has stressed that normal immigration and border rules will apply. Officials clarified that there is no special FIFA visa or entry programme, despite misleading information circulating on social media. Travellers must ensure they have the correct documentation depending on their nationality and mode of travel. This may include a valid passport, visa, or electronic travel authorization (eTA). U.S. citizens may use alternative documents in some cases, such as enhanced driver’s licences or birth certificates, but most international visitors will still require standard travel authorisation. Authorities also warned that border wait times are likely to increase significantly due to the high volume of arrivals, advising travellers to prepare for delays. The article also highlights concerns about online scams promoting fake “FIFA visas” that falsely claim to guarantee entry or even work opportunities in Canada. Officials have confirmed these are fraudulent. In addition, new public health measures linked to an Ebola outbreak in parts of central Africa have led to temporary suspensions of certain immigration documents from affected countries, as part of coordinated measures with the United States and Mexico ahead of the tournament. Travellers bringing minors who are not their own must carry written consent from the child’s legal guardians, along with appropriate identification. Even accredited FIFA personnel are not exempt from standard border checks, although they are encouraged to use advance declaration systems. Officials emphasise that while the World Cup will bring a festive and busy atmosphere, all visitors must comply fully with Canadian immigration requirements.

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Members of the Mohawk community of Akwesasne, a territory that spans the U.S.-Canada border across Ontario, Quebec, and New York State, are expressing concern over the potential presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in their region. For generations, Akwesasne residents have crossed the international border freely for work, family visits, and daily activities, asserting inherent rights that predate the establishment of the border itself. The Jay Treaty of 1794 affirms the right of Indigenous people born in Canada to enter the United States for employment, study, and residence, although Canada does not formally recognize the treaty. Tensions have increased after St. Lawrence County, New York, passed a resolution authorizing ICE to train selected sheriff’s deputies to access federal immigration databases for individuals in custody. While local officials emphasize that ICE’s role would be limited and that no formal agreement has yet been signed, some Akwesasne residents fear that expanded cooperation could lead to increased scrutiny or wrongful detention. Community members cite recent ICE enforcement actions elsewhere in the U.S., including incidents involving Indigenous individuals, as a source of anxiety. Local tribal police leadership states that ICE has not operated within the territory and stresses ongoing communication with federal agencies to prevent misunderstandings. Tribal councils have encouraged residents to carry status cards and tribal identification when traveling to reduce the risk of complications. Despite the uncertainty, many community members affirm their resilience and commitment to maintaining cross-border family, cultural, and ceremonial connections, emphasizing that their identity and territorial rights transcend the imposed international boundary.

Canada has announced new Canada Ebola Border Measures in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and heightened regional concerns involving Uganda and South Sudan.