Entry Requirements & Visas
Q: Do I need separate visas for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda?
EAC Citizens (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC): Travel freely with your national ID or passport – no additional visas needed.
International visitors: You’ll need separate visas for each country since the PAMOJA unified visa remains under development:
- Kenya eTA: $30 USD via etakenya.go.ke
- Tanzania e-Visa: $50 USD ($100 for US citizens) via visa.immigration.go.tz
- Uganda e-Visa: $50 USD via visas.immigration.go.ug
Total cost: $130-180 USD depending on nationality.
Q: What documents should I prepare for smooth border crossings?
Essential for all three countries:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity from entry)
- Yellow fever certificate (if coming from endemic areas, dated 10+ days before travel)
- Appropriate visas/eTA
- Match tickets and accommodation confirmations
- Proof of onward travel
- Travel insurance documentation
Pro tip: Hotel bookings work better than Airbnb confirmations at immigration checkpoints.
Q: How long do visa applications take?
- Kenya eTA: 3 business days officially, often processed within 24 hours
- Tanzania e-Visa: Typically 4-7 business days, can extend to 10+ days
- Uganda e-Visa: 3-5 business days consistently
Apply 2-4 weeks before travel to avoid match-day stress.
Match Tickets & Stadium Access
Q: How do I buy CHAN 2024 tickets?
All tickets are digital-only through official country portals:
- Kenya matches: chan.mookh.com
- Tanzania matches: chantz.kimtandao.co.tz
- Uganda matches: chan.tkt.ug
Important: No physical ticket sales at stadiums. Each ticket is valid for one match only with no re-entry allowed.
Q: What are ticket prices across the three countries?
Kenya:
- Regular: KSh 200 ($1.50)
- VIP: KSh 500 ($3.75)
- VVIP: KSh 1,000 ($7.50)
Tanzania:
- Regular: KSh 100 ($0.75)
- VIP A: KSh 250 ($1.90)
- VIP B: KSh 500 ($3.75)
Uganda:
- Ordinary: UGX 10,000 ($2.70)
- Silver: UGX 30,000 ($8.10)
- Premium: UGX 50,000 ($13.50)
Q: What if my digital ticket doesn’t work at the stadium?
- Keep your phone charged and take screenshots as backup
- Save purchase confirmations and receipts
- Contact stadium customer service immediately
- Show ID matching the ticket purchase
Transportation Between Countries
Q: What’s the best way to travel between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for matches?
Flying (Fastest):
- Duration: 1-2 hours between cities
- Cost: $150-400 depending on route
- Airlines: Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Jambojet
- Best for: Following your team across multiple venues
Overland (Budget-friendly):
- Duration: 8-15 hours depending on route
- Cost: $25-55 per journey
- Main crossings: Busia, Malaba, Namanga
- Best for: Scenic travel and cultural experiences
Q: How long do border crossings take during CHAN?
- Normal times: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Peak periods: Up to 4 hours (weekends, match days)
- Best crossing times: Weekday mornings
- Avoid: Friday afternoons and Sundays
Recommended crossings:
- Busia: Well-organized but can be crowded
- Malaba: Faster processing for through traffic
- Namanga: Scenic route with moderate delays
Budget Planning
Q: What’s a realistic daily budget for CHAN 2024 travel?
Budget travelers ($25-40/day):
- Accommodation: $8-15 (hostels, guesthouses)
- Meals: $5-10 (local restaurants, street food)
- Transport: $5-15 (public transport, shared taxis)
- Activities: $5-10
Mid-range travelers ($50-80/day):
- Accommodation: $25-40 (3-star hotels, mid-range Airbnb)
- Meals: $15-25 (restaurants, cafes)
- Transport: $10-20 (private taxis, organized tours)
- Activities: $10-20
Luxury travelers ($100+/day):
- Accommodation: $60-200+ (4-5 star hotels, luxury lodges)
- Meals: $25-50+ (fine dining, hotel restaurants)
- Transport: $20-50+ (private drivers, internal flights)
- Activities: $30-100+
Q: What currencies do I need and where can I exchange money?
Each country uses different currencies:
- Kenya: Kenyan Shilling (KSh) – ~135 KSh = $1 USD
- Tanzania: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) – ~2,400 TZS = $1 USD
- Uganda: Ugandan Shilling (UGX) – ~3,800 UGX = $1 USD
Best exchange options:
- Forex bureaus (best rates)
- Bank branches (secure, good rates)
- Hotels (convenient but poor rates)
ATM availability:
- Kenya: Excellent coverage
- Tanzania: Good in cities
- Uganda: Improving, major cities covered
Connectivity & Communication
Q: How do I stay connected across all three countries?
Local SIM cards (recommended):
- Kenya: Safaricom (best coverage) – 1GB data ~$2
- Tanzania: Vodacom Tanzania – 1GB data ~$2.50
- Uganda: MTN Uganda – 1GB data ~$4
International roaming: $5-15/day but often with data caps
WiFi availability:
- Hotels: Most provide free WiFi
- Restaurants/cafes: Widely available in cities
- Stadiums: Available but may be slow during events
Q: What power adapters do I need?
All three countries use British-style plugs:
- Kenya: Type G (3-pin)
- Tanzania: Types D, G, and M
- Uganda: Type G (3-pin)
- Voltage: 220-240V throughout
Recommendation: Universal adapter with USB ports for multiple device charging.
What to Do Between Matches
Q: What are the must-see attractions in each host country?
Kenya:
- Nairobi: Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
- Day trips: Nairobi National Park (4 hours), Lake Naivasha (full day)
- Cultural experiences: Maasai markets, Carnivore restaurant
Tanzania:
- Dar es Salaam: National Museum, Kivukoni Fish Market, Coco Beach
- Zanzibar: Stone Town UNESCO site, spice tours, pristine beaches
- Day trips: Bagamoyo historical town, Mikumi National Park
Uganda:
- Kampala: Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, Owino Market
- Day trips: Source of the Nile (Jinja), Entebbe Botanical Gardens
- Cultural experiences: Traditional craft centers, local music venues
Q: Can I do safari or adventure activities between matches?
Short safaris (1-2 days):
- Kenya: Nairobi National Park, Amboseli
- Tanzania: Mikumi, Ruaha (fly-in options)
- Uganda: Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth (southern circuit)
Adventure activities:
- White water rafting: Jinja, Uganda (world-class rapids)
- Cultural tours: Maasai villages (Kenya), Zanzibar spice tours
- City walking tours: Available in all three capitals
Booking tip: Many tour operators offer CHAN-specific packages combining matches with cultural experiences.
Food & Cultural Experiences
Q: What should I eat in each country?
Kenya specialties:
- Nyama choma (grilled meat)
- Ugali with sukuma wiki
- Pilau rice
- Chai (spiced tea)
Tanzania favorites:
- Zanzibar pizza (unique street food)
- Coconut curry dishes
- Fresh seafood on the coast
- Coffee (some of Africa’s best)
Uganda must-tries:
- Matooke (steamed green bananas)
- Rolex (chapati with eggs)
- Fresh Nile perch
- Local banana beer
Q: Are there dietary restrictions accommodations?
Vegetarian: Indian restaurants offer the best selections across all countries Vegan: Limited understanding; communicate needs clearly Halal: Widely available, especially in coastal Tanzania Gluten-free: Rice-based dishes are naturally safe; communicate celiac needs clearly
Health & Safety
Q: What health precautions should I take?
Required vaccinations:
- Yellow fever (if coming from endemic countries)
- Routine vaccines up to date
Recommended:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Malaria prophylaxis
General health tips:
- Drink only bottled water
- Avoid ice in drinks
- Use DEET-based insect repellent
- Pack basic medical kit
Q: How safe are the host cities for tourists?
Generally safe with standard precautions:
- Stay aware in crowded areas
- Use reputable transportation
- Secure valuables in hotel safes
- Travel in groups at night
- Trust your instincts
Emergency numbers:
- Police: 999 or 112 (all countries)
- Medical: Contact your travel insurance first
Practical Tips
Q: What should I pack for CHAN 2024?
Essential items:
- Universal power adapter
- Portable phone charger/power bank
- Insect repellent (DEET-based)
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Basic first aid kit
- Copies of important documents
Clothing:
- Team colors/jerseys for matches
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light layers for varying climates
- Modest clothing for cultural sites
Q: Any cultural etiquette I should know?
General guidelines:
- Dress modestly, especially at religious sites
- Greet people warmly – handshakes are common
- Remove shoes when entering homes
- Use right hand for eating and greetings
- Ask permission before photographing people
Language tips:
- English is widely spoken
- Basic Swahili appreciated: “Hujambo” (hello), “Asante” (thank you)
- “Pole” means sorry/sympathy
Q: What if there’s an emergency during my trip?
Important contacts:
- Your country’s embassy in each nation
- Travel insurance 24/7 hotline
- Tournament organizer emergency line
- Hotel/accommodation emergency numbers
Preparation:
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Share itinerary with family/friends
- Keep emergency contacts in local language
- Maintain backup payment methods
Key takeaway: CHAN 2024 offers an incredible opportunity to experience three distinct East African cultures while following top-tier football. With proper preparation covering visas, budgeting, and cultural awareness, you’ll create unforgettable memories across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Start planning early, embrace the adventure, and get ready for Africa’s premier football celebration!
