A surge in visa fees for Morocco has triggered confusion and frustration among prospective travellers just months before the country hosts the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Since May 19, numerous applicants have reported significant and unexpected increases in visa charges, with no formal announcement issued by Moroccan authorities.
The sudden change has sparked concern among fans and journalists alike, many of whom are preparing to travel to the North African nation for the continent’s premier football tournament.
Journalist Mohamed Konaté, who has been monitoring developments on the ground, shared multiple testimonies highlighting the disarray.
According to those affected, visa prices now vary considerably based on the length of stay.
While short-term visas of one to three months have retained their original cost, long-term visas have seen dramatic increases.
The fee for a six-month visa has reportedly risen to approximately 28,000 CFA francs, while a one-year multiple-entry visa now costs around 55,000 CFA francs—more than double the previous price of 23,000 CFA francs.
Even applicants intending to stay briefly, who typically paid just 14,000 CFA francs, were automatically issued more expensive long-term visas, without prior consultation or consent.
As a result, many passports remain withheld due to unanticipated costs, leaving applicants in a state of uncertainty.
Consular staff have also expressed confusion, with one official suggesting the changes are part of an effort to streamline visa processing in anticipation of the influx expected ahead of AFCON 2025.
That explanation, however, has not quelled criticism.
The lack of clear communication surrounding the new policy has been widely condemned, with calls for transparency intensifying as the tournament draws nearer.
Social media platforms have become a hub for complaints, as affected individuals continue to share their experiences and demand clarity.
“To date, there has been no official statement from Moroccan authorities addressing the situation,” Konaté noted. “But all indications suggest that the updated fee structure is indeed being applied.”
While the revised system may be designed to manage the anticipated rise in visa applications, critics warn it risks alienating travelling fans—many of whom may be deterred by the unexpected financial burden.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations poised to attract thousands of visitors from across the continent and beyond, pressure is mounting on Moroccan officials to explain the changes and ensure that access to the event remains fair and transparent.
