US Joins Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Others in Facing Higher Hotel Costs in Canada Due to Temporary Tax Increases in Toronto and Vancouver From 2026: Everything You Need To Know

Published on November 24, 2025

Toronto and Vancouver have introduced temporary tax increases to fund preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These hikes in accommodation taxes will impact travelers from the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and other nations. In Toronto, the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) will rise to 8.5%, up from 6%, starting June 1, 2025, and lasting until July 31, 2026. Vancouver will implement a 2.5% Major Events MRDT (Accommodation Tax) on hotel stays. These increased taxes are designed to help cover the substantial costs of hosting the World Cup. While travelers from the U.S. and Mexico can still enter Canada without a visa, those from other nations will need to consider both the visa fees and higher accommodation prices when planning their trips to the tournament.

Temporary Tax Increases to Fund FIFA World Cup 2026 Preparations in Toronto and Vancouver

In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both Toronto, ON, and Vancouver, BC, have introduced temporary tax increases to help fund the event. Starting June 1, 2025, Toronto will implement a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) of 8.5%, up from the usual 6%, lasting until July 31, 2026. This increase is primarily aimed at covering the costs associated with hosting the World Cup. In Vancouver, an additional 2.5% Major Events MRDT (Accommodation Tax) will be applied to accommodations, specifically to help fund the city’s preparations and its contribution to the tournament. These taxes reflect the significant financial investment required to ensure both cities are fully prepared for the World Cup.

United States: Rising Costs, Same Access

U.S. travelers heading to Canada for the 2026 World Cup will see an increase in accommodation costs due to Toronto’s 8.5% Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and Vancouver’s 2.5% Major Events MRDT. While these tax hikes will raise hotel prices, U.S. citizens will still enjoy visa-free entry for short visits. Despite this, the higher accommodation rates may strain travel budgets, especially for those booking hotels near event venues. U.S. fans will need to adjust their finances accordingly, but the process for entering Canada remains unaffected by the tax increase.

Mexico: Higher Hotel Bills, Same Easy Access

Mexican nationals traveling to Canada for the World Cup will face an additional burden with the rise in hotel taxes in Toronto and Vancouver. The 8.5% MAT and 2.5% MRDT will make accommodations more expensive during the tournament. However, as part of the Visa Waiver Program, Mexican citizens can still enter Canada without a visa for short visits. While the visa process remains unchanged, the increased accommodation fees could impact travel budgets, especially for those planning to stay in popular World Cup cities.

Brazil: Extra Costs for Football Fans

Brazilian fans heading to Canada for the 2026 World Cup will encounter higher accommodation prices due to the 8.5% MAT in Toronto and 2.5% MRDT in Vancouver. These taxes will increase the cost of staying in prime locations near World Cup events. Brazilian citizens, who typically require a visa to enter Canada, will need to consider the additional financial burden of the tax hikes when planning their trip. With these increased costs, Brazilian fans will need to budget accordingly for their Canadian adventure, despite the visa requirements remaining unchanged.

Argentina: Pricey Stays for World Cup Visitors

Argentine fans traveling to Canada for the World Cup will face higher accommodation expenses as a result of the 8.5% MAT in Toronto and 2.5% MRDT in Vancouver. These taxes, applied to hotel stays, could affect those planning to attend matches in major Canadian cities. Since Argentine citizens need a visa to enter Canada, they will need to account for both the visa fees and the added accommodation costs. Despite the higher prices, the overall entry process remains the same, though budgeting for the trip will be more important than ever.

Colombia: Hotel Taxes Rise for World Cup Fans

Colombian travelers attending the 2026 World Cup in Canada will find themselves facing increased accommodation costs due to Toronto’s 8.5% MAT and Vancouver’s 2.5% MRDT. These additional taxes will raise the price of lodging in key event cities. Colombian nationals, who require a visa to enter Canada, will need to factor in these higher hotel rates into their overall travel budget. While the visa application process remains unchanged, the added financial strain from increased accommodation fees may impact their plans, requiring careful budget adjustments.

Chile: Higher Hotel Rates for World Cup Travelers

Chilean fans heading to Canada for the 2026 World Cup will see an increase in hotel costs due to the 8.5% MAT in Toronto and 2.5% MRDT in Vancouver. These additional taxes will likely drive up accommodation expenses, especially for those staying near major World Cup venues. Chileans will still need a visa to enter Canada, and the higher accommodation costs will be an important factor when planning their trip. Despite the tax increases, the entry process for Chilean travelers remains the same, but the added expenses will need to be considered.

Toronto and Vancouver have introduced temporary tax increases to fund preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These hikes in accommodation taxes will impact travelers from the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and other nations.

Conclusion

Toronto and Vancouver’s temporary tax increases are essential to fund preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping both cities manage the financial demands of hosting the event. Travelers from US, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and other nations will face higher accommodation costs due to the increased taxes. While the tax hikes may strain travel budgets, access to Canada remains unaffected, with U.S. and Mexican citizens still enjoying visa-free entry. For other international visitors, the process to enter remains unchanged, but budgeting for the additional costs will be necessary.