Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania propose PAMOJA VISA to ease travel during CHAN 2025

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have proposed a special 'PAMOJA Visa' to facilitate cross-border travel during the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which the three countries are set to co-host in August.

Described as a special multiple-entry pass, the PAMOJA Visa is part of a wider set of cross-border facilitation measures being discussed by the East African co-hosts. The aim is to enable smooth movement for players, officials, fans, and media personnel attending the month-long tournament across the three nations.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Juney Karisa, Head of Public Communications at Kenya’s Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, the PAMOJA Visa stands out among the key proposals supporting tournament operations.

“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 read.

The visa proposal was presented during a high-level virtual interministerial meeting chaired by CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba. The meeting also covered updates on logistical preparations, including venue selection and infrastructure readiness.

If approved, the PAMOJA Visa would apply primarily to visitors from outside the East African region - such as CAF officials, football fans, international journalists, and national team delegations. It is expected to streamline travel by reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing the overall experience for CHAN 2025 attendees.

East African nationals, however, may not require the visa. Citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African Community (EAC) member states already benefit from existing protocols that allow free movement across borders using national IDs or passports.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to meet CAF standards in both infrastructure and planning.

“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.

“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.

Mvurya’s remarks were echoed by his counterparts Hon. Peter Ogwang of Uganda and Hon. Hamisi Mwinjuma of Tanzania, who reiterated their countries’ joint commitment to delivering a smooth and united edition of the tournament.

CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba welcomed the regional cooperation and called for swift finalisation of key logistics.

“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.