Algerian fans face fresh travel hurdle ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Algerian supporters planning to follow their national team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will face new travel complications, after it was confirmed that entry will now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation for Morocco (AEVM).

The announcement adds to frustrations already felt by fans, who must travel through third countries due to the absence of direct flights between Algeria and Morocco following diplomatic tensions.

The new requirement was confirmed by Royal Air Maroc, which issued a notice to travellers, explaining that the AEVM will be accessible via the Yalla application, launched by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation to centralise services linked to the tournament.

Until now, Algerian citizens were able to enter Morocco without a visa.

Under the new rules, however, Algerian visitors—alongside those from Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gabon, Niger, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia—will need to obtain the electronic authorisation before travelling.

For Algerian supporters, the timing of the measure is especially inconvenient.

The national team will play its group-stage matches in Rabat, requiring fans to complete administrative preparations well in advance.

The added burden has been met with disappointment, particularly among those already grappling with costly and complicated travel arrangements through neighbouring countries.

Despite speculation on social media, the measure has not been introduced solely for Algeria.

Organisers have clarified that the requirement aims to regulate the high volume of visitors expected during the tournament and to reinforce security.

Tunisia, another of Morocco’s close neighbours, will face the same entry condition.

Nonetheless, some Algerians had hoped for an exemption, given the cultural and geographical ties between the two nations.

The AEVM is designed to operate as a streamlined process, similar to systems already in place in several Western countries.

Officials insist it is not a restrictive visa but a simplified electronic procedure intended to manage the flow of supporters.

Still, for many Algerian fans, the news comes as an unwelcome surprise so close to the tournament, which begins in January 2025.

While the formality is expected to be relatively straightforward, the added administrative step underscores the political and logistical hurdles Algerian supporters must overcome to follow their team.

For fans hoping to bring colour and passion to the stands in Morocco, the focus now shifts to securing travel authorisation in time for the competition.

The Greens’ campaign in Rabat is likely to attract a large following, but with travel more complex than in past tournaments, only those able to navigate both the administrative and logistical challenges will be present to cheer their side on.