Morocco has announced a temporary expansion of its electronic travel authorisation system (AEVM) to cover eight additional African countries as it gears up to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year.

The measure, which will run from September 25, 2025, to January 25, 2026, applies to citizens of Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gabon, Niger, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia.

Authorities say the move is aimed at streamlining entry procedures, strengthening security, and managing the expected influx of fans and visitors during the 35th edition of the continental football tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

According to the national carrier Royal Air Maroc, two separate application processes will be in place depending on the purpose of travel.

New Yalla mobile app

Fans holding match tickets must use the new Yalla mobile app, developed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in partnership with Morocco’s Local Organising Committee. The app will serve both as a fan ID and a simplified e-visa.

Other travellers, including those visiting for tourism, business or family purposes, will be required to apply for an AEVM through Morocco’s official portal at least 96 hours before departure.

While the AEVM will be mandatory for most nationals of the eight countries concerned, certain groups will be exempt. These include holders of diplomatic, service, special or official passports, legal residents of Morocco, passengers in airport transit who remain in the international zone, nationals married to Moroccan citizens, and travellers aged 55 and above.

The Moroccan government has stressed that this requirement is temporary and will expire one week after the tournament ends.

Royal Air Maroc has also cautioned that the authorisation will be enforced at the point of boarding, with non-compliant passengers at risk of being denied travel.

“We encourage our passengers to plan their procedures in advance for a smooth journey,” Royal Air Maroc said in a statement on X.