In a significant boost for international football enthusiasts, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 have unveiled a groundbreaking policy: free electronic visas for fans traveling to the tournament. This initiative, detailed in an official statement released on CAF's website on Friday, aims to eliminate barriers for supporters from visa-requiring countries, making it easier than ever to witness Africa's premier football spectacle.
The policy specifically targets citizens of nations that typically need a visa to enter Morocco. According to CAF, these fans can now obtain electronic visas at no cost through the innovative YALLA app. "Electronic visas to enter Morocco — obtained through the YALLA app — are now free of charge for supporters attending the competition, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026," the statement read. This move comes at a time when global interest in AFCON is surging, with ticket sales reflecting unprecedented demand from across the continent and beyond.
The announcement underscores CAF's efforts to enhance accessibility amid this growing enthusiasm. With more fans securing their spots, the free e-visa program is poised to attract even larger crowds to Morocco's vibrant host cities. The tournament, often hailed as Africa's biggest football event, will unfold over nearly a month, featuring intense matches that celebrate the continent's rich football heritage. By waiving visa fees, CAF and the LOC are not only facilitating travel but also fostering a more inclusive atmosphere for what promises to be a memorable edition of the competition.
A key requirement for all attendees remains the Fan ID, which is mandatory for entry into stadiums and official fan zones. This identification system ensures security and streamlined access during the event. Fortunately, CAF has integrated this process seamlessly with the visa application. "CAF Supporters can apply for both the Fan ID and e-visa in one place inside the YALLA app, streamlining travel and stadium access," the organization explained. This all-in-one approach is designed to simplify what could otherwise be a cumbersome procedure for international visitors.
Further elaborating on the user-friendly process, CAF noted: "The Fan ID application and e-visa request are completed seamlessly within the YALLA app, ensuring a faster, easier, and secure experience for international visitors and local fans alike." To get started, fans are instructed to download the YALLA app from Google Play or the App Store, or alternatively access it via the YALLA website. From there, they fill out the Fan ID form and, if applicable, submit the e-visa request. Approval typically follows a straightforward review, after which supporters gain eligibility to purchase match tickets directly on CAF's dedicated ticketing platform.
This integrated system represents a modern solution to traditional travel hurdles. In an era where digital tools dominate, the YALLA app stands out as a central hub for AFCON-related needs. It not only handles visa and ID applications but also promises enhanced security features to protect user data. For fans hailing from far-flung corners of the world, this means less time spent on bureaucracy and more focus on the excitement of the games ahead.
The broader vision behind these measures is to create a "seamless, secure fan experience" for what CAF describes as Africa's showpiece event. The 2025 AFCON will be hosted across nine state-of-the-art stadiums spread over six dynamic cities in Morocco: Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez. Each venue has been selected for its capacity to handle large crowds and deliver top-tier facilities, ensuring that matches are played in environments befitting the tournament's prestige.
CAF emphasized its partnership with the LOC in rolling out these initiatives. "CAF, with support from the LOC, reaffirms its commitment to delivering a world-class spectator experience throughout Africa’s greatest football celebration," the statement affirmed. This collaboration highlights a shared goal of elevating AFCON to global standards, rivaling other major international tournaments in terms of organization and fan engagement.
Ticket sales data released alongside the visa announcement paint a picture of robust interest. To date, 298,000 tickets have been snapped up across the first two phases of sales on CAF's platform. These purchases span an impressive 33 African countries and 106 nations worldwide, illustrating the event's truly international appeal. From neighboring North African states to distant supporters in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, football fans are uniting in anticipation of the action.
The tournament's schedule—from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026—positions it as a highlight of the winter sports calendar. Teams from across Africa will compete in a format that includes group stages, knockouts, and a grand finale, all under the watchful eye of passionate crowds. Morocco, as host, brings its own footballing pedigree, having previously organized successful events and boasting a fervent local fanbase.
This free visa policy is more than a logistical update; it's a strategic move to amplify AFCON's global footprint. By removing financial barriers to entry, CAF is inviting a diverse array of spectators to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of African football. The YALLA app's role cannot be overstated—it serves as a digital gateway, bridging the gap between planning and participation.
For those unfamiliar with the process, let's break it down further. Upon downloading YALLA, users create an account and navigate to the AFCON section. The Fan ID requires basic personal information, a recent photograph, and proof of ticket purchase or intent to buy. For e-visa applicants, additional details like passport scans and travel itineraries are uploaded. Processing times are expected to be efficient, with approvals notified via the app. Once in hand, the digital visa and Fan ID can be presented at Moroccan borders and stadium gates, often via QR codes for contactless verification.
Security is a paramount concern, especially for an event of this scale. CAF has assured that all data handled through YALLA complies with international standards, incorporating encryption and verification protocols. This builds trust among users, particularly those traveling from regions with stringent data privacy laws.
Looking ahead, the success of this visa waiver could set a precedent for future AFCON editions. It aligns with broader trends in sports tourism, where host nations incentivize attendance to boost economies and cultural exchanges. Morocco stands to gain from increased visitor spending on accommodations, dining, and souvenirs, while fans enjoy hassle-free journeys.
In summary, the free electronic visas via the YALLA app mark a pivotal enhancement for AFCON Morocco 2025. Coupled with mandatory Fan IDs and record-breaking ticket sales, these developments signal a tournament primed for excellence. From the opening whistle on December 21 to the final showdown on January 18, supporters can look forward to an unparalleled experience across Morocco's six host cities and nine iconic stadiums.
As CAF continues to innovate, the message is clear: Africa's greatest football celebration is open to the world. Fans are encouraged to act swiftly—download YALLA, secure your Fan ID and visa if needed, and join the 298,000-strong contingent already geared up for the action. With global demand at an all-time high, AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be not just a sporting event, but a unifying festival of football fervor.
