Special visa to ease movement during CHAN 2025 tournament

In a bid to facilitate seamless cross-border movement during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, which kicks off this August 2, the governments of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are set to introduce a unified visa system known as the 'Pamoja visa'.

Speaking during a joint ministerial meeting with CAF officials and technical teams on June 3, 2025, in Nairobi, ministers from the three host countries confirmed that discussions are underway to streamline visa requirements for players, officials, fans and other CHAN 2025 participants.

“One of the areas we looked at is the issue of a visa that will allow the three countries to allow the entry of fans and players,” Kenya’s cabinet secretary for youth affairs, creative economy, and sports, Salim Mvurya, explained.

“As ministers from the three countries, we have agreed to work with our respective ministries in charge of immigration to ensure that we have seamless visa entry requirements.”

The visa, once implemented, will allow CHAN-accredited persons to move freely across the borders of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania during the tournament period.

According to the ministers, this measure is aimed at easing travel logistics and enhancing the fan experience during the first-ever jointly hosted CHAN tournament.

“A Pamoja visa will be very critical for the tournament,” the minister added.

Mvurya, flanked by his Ugandan compatriot Peter Ogwang and Tanzania's Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, also affirmed the region’s commitment to delivering a world-class tournament, citing progress in infrastructure and planning.

To ensure smooth operations, ministers are also working on clearance and tax exemption processes for tournament equipment and personnel.

“Another area we are discussing is the importation of equipment into the countries. Just like members of the media, others will be coming with equipment that will require tax exemptions and other related clearances. We also agreed to work with the respective government agencies to ensure that the tax exemptions as requested will also be worked on,” Mvurya said.

Infrastructure projects, including stadium upgrades and training facilities, are nearing completion.

In Uganda, the CAF inspection team recently toured several facilities, including Namboole Stadium, which was deemed largely ready for the tournament.

Other facilities inspected included Kyambogo and Wankulukuku stadiums, along with medical and hospitality sites such as Mulago National Referral Hospital and several key hotels.