East Africa plans joint visa to ease movement during CHAN tournament

A new regional visa plan is in the works to ease travel for visitors attending the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are jointly preparing to host in August.

The three East African nations have proposed the introduction of a special travel document called the PAMOJA Visa.

This initiative, described as a multiple-entry pass, is part of broader efforts to ensure smooth cross-border movement during the tournament.

It is intended to support easy travel for players, fans, match officials, media teams, and other international visitors.

In a statement issued on Friday, Juney Karisa, Head of Public Communications at Kenya’s Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, confirmed that the visa was among the key items discussed during a regional meeting on CHAN preparations.

"The three nations also discussed cross-border facilitation measures to ensure the smooth movement of players, officials, and fans. Among the proposals is the introduction of a 'PAMOJA Visa' or a special multiple-entry pass to guarantee regional mobility and coordinate a unified security framework," the statement said.

The proposal was tabled at a high-level virtual interministerial meeting led by Confederation of African Football (CAF) Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba.

The session also reviewed the state of logistics, infrastructure, and venue arrangements across the three co-hosting countries.

If given the green light, the PAMOJA Visa will primarily benefit visitors from outside the East African region.

These include CAF staff, international supporters, journalists, and national football delegations.

The visa is expected to reduce paperwork and improve the travel experience for those attending CHAN 2025 events in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

East African citizens are already covered under regional agreements that allow free movement using national identification cards or passports.

Therefore, the new visa will not be necessary for locals travelling within the three countries during the tournament.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, assured that Kenya is on track with its preparations.

"We have already paid the hosting rights for CHAN. Our earmarked venues meet the required standards and are ready to support the extensive logistical operations needed for such a world-class event," he said.

Mvurya added that Kenya had assembled experienced teams across its planning units to follow CAF rules and match the success of previous hosting stages, such as the CHAN draws.

"We have brought together multidisciplinary teams within our organising committees to adhere to CAF’s guidelines, just as we successfully did during the CHAN draws. Kenya is committed to working closely with CAF to deliver a stellar and memorable tournament experience," he added.

His message was supported by Uganda’s Sports Minister Peter Ogwang and Tanzania’s counterpart Hamisi Mwinjuma. Both leaders expressed their countries’ continued dedication to working together and ensuring the championship runs smoothly.

CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba also applauded the unity among the hosts.

He stressed the need for timely finalisation of all preparations to allow CAF officials to begin ground work.

"The confirmation of venues and logistics will enable our advance teams to commence on-the-ground preparations for the August championship. CAF is fully committed to supporting Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in turning this historic joint bid into a resounding success," he said.

The proposal for the PAMOJA Visa, if approved in time, is expected to play a key role in reducing delays and making the travel process more efficient for the thousands expected to move between the three countries during CHAN 2025.