Foreign Affairs officials urge Mexican travelers to carry documents at all times as the U.S. tightens immigration enforcement for the tournament.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) warned that during the 2026 World Cup, the likelihood of travelers to the United States being affected by immigration raids will be high, due to stricter security and control measures for foreigners than usual.
The warning is part of an informational document released this week by the Ministry, which includes travel recommendations in anticipation of the arrival of thousands of Mexicans in US and Canadian cities for the tournament.
The SRE emphasizes that respect for the law will be key to avoiding serious immigration problems. It warns that “committing a crime could be grounds for deportation” and urges travelers to exercise extreme caution regarding suspicious offers, noting that “easy money can jeopardize your freedom.” In that same vein, the Foreign Ministry emphasizes that transporting illegal substances to the United States or Canada is punishable by imprisonment and even deportation, and therefore urges travelers not to accept packages or deliveries from third parties under any circumstances.
The document reminds travelers that the World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament hosted by three countries and that “there are several factors you should consider.”
In the precautions section, the ministry explicitly underscores that “immigration measures in the United States will be more stringent than usual for security reasons. Therefore, the likelihood of being caught in an immigration raid is high.” Given this scenario, it recommends carrying complete and readily available immigration and tourist documentation at all times, as well as being informed about what to do in case of detention.
It also highlights that the objective, through Mexico’s diplomatic missions abroad, is “to protect the safety of Mexican citizens traveling or residing abroad, as well as to ensure that their human rights are respected at all times.” Therefore, he insists on the need to strictly comply with the entry requirements, such as carrying a passport valid for at least six months and that matches the identity of the holder, in addition to having the corresponding visa.
