Scotland have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with an electrifying victory in the final match of their qualifying campaign. The men's team will be heading to the USA, Canada and Mexico next year and thousands of Scots will be going with them.
So what do the Tartan Army need to know about international travel?
Visas have gone digital since the last time the Scotland men's team made it to a World Cup in 1998. Scotland manager Steve Clarke says he already has his ESTA – the USA's electronic pre-travel authorisation which tourists with British passports must obtain before entry. Canada has a similar system, known as an ETA. Mexico requires tourists to complete an online form prior to arrival. Travelling fans should review the entry requirements of the host nations and, if necessary, seek advice from a regulated immigration adviser there before travel.
For any teams looking to scope out their Scottish competition before next summer, the UK recently introduced its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visitors. Most international visitors must apply online for an ETA before travel. It costs £16 and lasts for two years or until the expiry date of the applicant's passport – whichever is sooner.
Some international visitors to the UK will need a visit visa instead, including citizens of countries on the Home Office’s visa national list. This includes other World Cup qualifying teams, like Algeria, Uzbekistan and Cabo Verde. Visitors from countries not on the visa national list with past immigration issues or criminal convictions, which must be disclosed in an ETA application, may also find their application is refused and that a visit visa application is required instead.
The visitor rules permit short trips to the UK for up to six months. Working is generally not permitted, subject to a few limited exceptions. However, visiting footballers can take part in tournaments or events, promotional activities and short periods of training, provided they are not being paid by a UK sporting body.
For those looking to stay longer, an appropriate visa will be required. Professional footballers may qualify for the International Sportsperson visa. This allows internationally recognised elite sportspeople to play professional sport in Scotland and the UK. To be eligible, the player must be sponsored by their club and endorsed by the relevant UK-based sport governing body, which for footballers is the Scottish Football Association. Scotland’s men’s and women’s football leagues currently host several hundred international players. They include Denmark’s Kasper Schmeichel, who was in goals against Scotland for their World Cup qualifier but normally plays for Celtic just a short distance from Hampden Park.
With Scotland playing in the men’s World Cup next year and co-hosting the women’s World Cup in 2035, Scottish football is on the international stage. Scottish and international fans should make sure they have their visas arranged in plenty of time so they can be at the crucial games. For those inspired to make use of their own football talent, there are visa options for international players to start and grow their careers in the nation that brought football to the world.
Do you need advice on visas for sportspeople? Contact our specialist Global Mobility and Immigration team now at 03330 430350.
