Kenya has announced a visa-free entry policy for fans, media personnel, and other stakeholders attending the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), in a move aimed at promoting seamless regional movement and boosting the success of the continental tournament.

The announcement was made by Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chairman Nicholas Musonye following the conclusion of the CAF delegation’s final inspection tour in Nairobi. Musonye confirmed that visitors coming into Kenya specifically for CHAN 2024 will not be required to pay visa fees.

“Kenya has waived visa fees. People coming to watch CHAN will not pay for a visa. They will come to Kenya, leave, go to Tanzania and Uganda, and then come back,” said Musonye,

Noting that Uganda has already aligned with the plan while Tanzania is expected to issue its protocols within the week.

The visa waiver is part of a broader East African cooperation effort to ease cross-border travel during the tournament. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania had previously agreed to roll out a unified PAMOJA VISA to facilitate regional movement during CHAN 2024, pending review by the respective Immigration Ministries.

While Kenya has already opened her doors for CHAN visitors for a 90-day period effective this month, Uganda and Tanzania are yet to formally issue directives regarding the PAMOJA VISA.

Musonye applauded the government for the visa waiver, terming it a noble gesture that reflects Kenya’s commitment to hosting a successful tournament. He emphasized, however, that the move will not compromise national security.

“The government is putting strong measures in place to secure the safety of everyone during the event. We want to make this tournament memorable for all the right reasons,” he assured.