No visa fees for nationals from CHAN participants

No visa fees will be paid by delegates and fans from the 15 African countries (besides hosts Rwanda) whose teams will be participating in the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), the Government has said.

Friday, January 08, 2016
Passengers on arrival at Kigali International Airport (Timothy Kisambira)

No visa fees will be paid by delegates and fans from the 15 African countries (besides hosts Rwanda) whose teams will be participating in the upcoming   Africa Nations Championship  (CHAN), the Government has said.

This was confirmed by Edward Kalisa, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Sports and Culture, yesterday.

"Visa fee has been waived for all delegates coming from CHAN participating countries; these include players, fans and officials from participating countries and CAF officials,” said Kalisa.

The government has waived visa requirements for all delegates and fans from the 15 African nations whose teams will soon be arriving in the country to participate in the soccer competition.

He explained that the Government had come up with the decision to facilitate the movement of all the people that wish to be part of the tournament, but also helping those that wish to visit Rwanda.

 "We hope that by removing visa fees, participating teams will have enough fans to support them.’’ He added, who knows, we will have as many tourists as possible and this could earn Rwanda more revenues than it would be, if we kept the USD30 visa fees paid by African nationals visiting Rwanda.’’

All African nationals traveling to Rwanda acquire visas upon arrival.

Over 1000 delegates are expected from participating countries plus CAF officials.

Passengers fill travelling documents at Kigali International Airport.

Meanwhile Kalisa reassured that the country has "more than enough hotels to host as many fans as possible.’’

"The Ministry together with the Organising Committee have examined all hotels around the country—which are likely to accommodate our visitors and I can assure you that they are ready.  We have talked to hotel operators to ensure that the service delivery is as excellent as it can get,” he noted.

 He added that apart from VIP and VVIP entry tickets—which might be increased—for the opening game at Amahoro national stadium on January 16 — the entrance fee to ordinary seats will remain at Rwf500.

"VIP and VVIP entry tickets on the opening match will cost Rwf10,000 and Rwf20,000 respectively. However, for the  following matches VIP and VVIP entry tickets will reduce to Rwf 5000 and Rwf 10,000,  respectively. Entry to the other area will remain Rfw500 throughout the tournament.

The newly-refurbished Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu District, one of the host stadiums  of group matches in African Nations Championships (CHAN) due to start next week.