Thousands of Scotland fans travelling to North America will face different drinking, vaping and ID laws, with experts warning that what is legal at home could land them in trouble abroad.
Key Differences Across the US, Mexico and Canada
The Tartan Army is expected to descend on North America in huge numbers for Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998. Supporters are being urged to familiarise themselves with local laws before taking to the streets of Boston and Miami.
From different drinking ages to strict vaping restrictions and ID requirements, what is perfectly legal in Scotland could lead to problems abroad. Football expert Jon Fisher of 101 Great Goals has warned supporters not to assume the rules will be the same as they are at home.
"This is exactly the kind of thing that can ruin a once-in-a-lifetime trip," Jon said. "The World Cup is going to be incredible, but fans have to remember they are travelling across countries where the laws can change from one border, state or venue to the next."
The expert emphasises: "The message is simple: check the rules before you travel, check them again before match day and don't assume."
United States
One of the biggest surprises for young supporters will be the legal drinking age in the United States. While Scots can legally buy alcohol from the age of 18, the legal drinking age across the US is 21 years old.
This means supporters aged 18, 19 and 20 will not be able to consume or buy alcohol in bars, restaurants, supermarkets, stadiums or official fan zones while in the States. Jon said: "In America, that same supporter is still underage, and that can come as a massive shock to young fans travelling for the World Cup."
"Parents, older siblings and mates need to be careful too. Buying a drink for someone who is 19 or 20 might feel completely normal at home, but in the US it can become a serious issue very quickly."
Fans should also be aware that public drinking rules are often stricter than in Scotland. In Florida, public consumption of alcohol is generally prohibited on streets, pavements and in public parks. Massachusetts does not have a statewide ban on public drinking, but most cities and towns enforce local bylaws prohibiting open containers of alcohol in public spaces.
Another important difference is ID. The UK Foreign Office advises travellers to carry their passports with them in the United States, stating that visitors should always have proof they have permission to enter or remain in the country. Fans planning to buy alcohol should also expect to be asked for ID regardless of their age. A UK driving licence may not always be accepted, so supporters should check requirements before heading to bars, fan zones or stadiums.
Mexico
For supporters travelling to Mexico during the tournament, the legal drinking age is 18, which may feel more familiar. However, laws around vaping are significantly tougher. Fans are being advised not to bring e-cigarettes, vapes or vape liquids into Mexico and should not expect to be able to buy them there.
Jon explained: "Mexico is another danger for supporters. The drinking age may be 18, which feels more familiar to British fans, but the rules around vapes are much tougher. Packing a vape because you use one at home could cause problems before you've even got out of the airport."
Smoking and vaping in public places in Mexico can lead to fines, making it important for supporters to understand local laws before travelling.
Canada
Fans heading through Canada should also remember that drinking laws differ from Scotland. The legal drinking age is 19 in most provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia, where World Cup matches will be held in Toronto and Vancouver. Supporters aged 18 should not assume they can legally buy alcohol there simply because they can at home.
Even where something is permitted locally, stadium regulations may be stricter. FIFA has stated that smoking, vaping, tobacco products and electronic smoking devices are not permitted inside World Cup stadiums, including both inner and outer perimeters. Supporters should avoid bringing vapes, lighters, matches or tobacco products to stadium entrances, as they could be confiscated or lead to delays.
With thousands of Scotland fans expected to make the journey across North America, Jon emphasised the importance of following the rules and sticking to them while in the States, to avoid any unwanted surprises.
Scotland's group stage matches are set to take place in Boston and Miami. The first game kicks off at Boston Stadium on Saturday, June 13, against Haiti. The second game against Morocco will also be held in Boston Stadium on Friday, June 19, and the third will see Steve Clarke's side face Brazil on Wednesday, June 24, at Miami Stadium. If Scotland advances, fans will likely travel across the United States, Canada and Mexico during the tournament.
