The High Commission of Canada in Pakistan has issued a warning to Pakistani nationals about fraudulent agents and online scams offering guaranteed visas or electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
Officials stressed that applicants must submit visa or eTA requests only through the official Government of Canada website.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
In its advisory, the High Commission cautioned that using unofficial channels could result in financial loss, visa refusal, or even future travel bans. Canada, which will co-host the tournament alongside the United States and Mexico, expects over 500,000 international visitors during the event.
Officials said the high demand for travel has created opportunities for scammers to target fans seeking to attend the matches.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clarified that there is no special visa category for World Cup attendees.
Pakistan Embassy issues Mexico visa advisory for FIFA World Cup 2026 travelers
Fans traveling to Canada must apply for a standard visitor visa or eTA based on nationality and travel mode. Applicants are not required to purchase match tickets before applying, and holding a ticket does not guarantee approval of a travel document.
For Pakistani travelers, the current processing time for Canadian visitor visas is estimated at 20 to 30 weeks, making early applications essential.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
The High Commission urged applicants to avoid agents promising fast-track approvals and to rely solely on official sources to ensure a safe and lawful travel process.
The advisory highlights Canada’s efforts to protect travelers from fraud and ensure a smooth visa application process for the global sporting event.
