Morocco Denies Disinformation Campaigns and Clarifies: AEVM Is Not a Visa but a Temporary Measure for CAN 2025 Fans Only

By Meryem Hafiani/ ALDAR

Moroccan embassies in the concerned African countries have moved to clarify the scope of the new “Electronic Travel Authorization for Morocco” (AEVM), stressing that it is not a visa but a temporary administrative procedure. The measure is designed exclusively to facilitate the entry of football fans traveling to attend the Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

According to Moroccan diplomatic representations, the AEVM is part of a broader package of organizational measures adopted by the authorities to ensure smooth border crossings and to provide optimal logistical conditions for the success of this major continental sporting event.

The system applies to holders of ordinary passports from eight African countries already exempt from visa requirements for Morocco: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gabon, Niger, Senegal, Togo, and Tunisia. Supporters must submit their applications via the “YALLA” app starting September 25, where they will also have access to all fan-related services, including the “Fan ID,” an essential document required to enter stadiums and designated fan zones.

By contrast, travelers from these same countries wishing to visit Morocco during the same period for purposes unrelated to CAN 2025 — such as tourism, business, or family visits — must apply exclusively through the official portal www.access-maroc.ma, at least 96 hours before their planned departure.

Certain categories are exempt from the AEVM: holders of diplomatic, special, or service passports; residents in Morocco with valid residence permits; passengers in transit through Moroccan airports without leaving the international zone; nationals of the concerned countries married to Moroccan citizens (upon presentation of proof); and travelers over the age of 55.

Moroccan embassies emphasize that the AEVM is a temporary and exceptional measure, valid only between September 25, 2025, and January 25, 2026. Once the Africa Cup of Nations ends, regular entry conditions to Moroccan territory will be reinstated. The diplomatic missions underline that this measure was introduced solely to facilitate fan mobility and to counter disinformation campaigns that have attempted to misrepresent its purpose.