AFCON 2025 travel budgeting guide for first-time visitors

It is that time when football lovers from across the continent and beyond gather for one of the most incredible football competitions in the World. But the African Cup of Nations isn’t just a gathering of football fans; it is an expression of continental cultural diversity, an opportunity to explore new countries, and a chance to participate in fun activities.

This year, the AFCON tournament will be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, and for first-time visitors, budgeting for this trip can be challenging. From accommodation and transportation to meals, match tickets, and activities, budgeting can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. To make matters worse, prices are likely to surge around the tournament period.

If you are a first-time visitor to Morocco or at an AFCON, we’ve got you covered with this AFCON 2025 travel budgeting guide for first-time visitors.

Also read: AFCON 2025: The best tourist sites to visit in Morocco

Visa requirements if you are visiting Morocco

Most visitors can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, as it has visa-exempt agreements with over 70 countries. This includes citizens of the US, EU countries, the UK, Canada, Australia, and many African countries, including South Africa. An Electronic Travel Authorization (AEVM) is mandatory for citizens of some African countries. If you’re required to get a visa, then apply for an eVisa online. The processing time is typically under 5 days, and the cost ranges from $20 to $ 50.  Citizens of certain countries may obtain a visa upon arrival.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay. However, it is better to have at least 6 months left just to be safe. There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions in place, but you should have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.

You may also like: How to obtain a Morocco business visa

Booking your flights

This usually depends on how early you book, the airline, the class of service, and your departure airport. It is generally cheaper to book months in advance to secure the best prices. Major entry points are Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN), Marrakech Menara (RAK), and Rabat-Salé (RBA). With Grey’s USD debit card, you can easily pay for your flight and other travel expenses at low and transparent fees.

Here is  an estimate of round-trip fares depending on your origin:

• Europe: $300 - $400
• US/Canada: $600 – $900
• Africa: $300 – $600

Here are some tips to help when booking your flight:

• It is often cheaper to fly to Tangier, Agadir, and Fes than to Casablanca or Marrakech.
• Book your flight as early as possible.
• Use Google Flights and Skyscanner to compare prices across airlines and dates.
• While you should watch out for the layovers, indirect flights are usually cheaper but longer.
• Budget about $50 for airport transport via taxi or shared shuttles.

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Affordable transportation in Morocco for AFCON 2025

Morocco is well connected by high-speed trains (ONCF), which efficiently and affordably link major cities.

• Trains: The Casablanca-Marrakech route is a 3-hour ride and costs around $10-$20. The high-speed Al Boraq train from Rabat to Tangier typically takes between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes. Prices vary by class and booking window, but it usually range from $15 to $20. You can book via the ONCF app.
• Buses: CTM or Supratours operate intercity routes, such as Marrakech to Agadir, which is a comfortable, air-conditioned 3–4-hour ride, usually under $15.
• Taxis: Petit taxis within the city cost $1–5 per ride. The grand taxis for intercity might cost $5–10. Ride-hailing apps like InDrive or Heetch help avoid haggling.
• Domestic flights: The Royal Air Maroc is an affordable option for local travel.
• Car rental: A car rental should cost approximately $30–50 per day. It is not advisable if you aren’t used to driving abroad. The traffic in major cities can be frustrating.

Here are some local transportation tips to help you save money on fares:

• Booking your train and bus tickets a few days early can be cheaper.
• Using apps like InDrive can help you estimate taxi fares.
• Keep small change for local buses and markets. Don't rely on cards.
• Using a metered petit taxi might be better.
• If you are visiting multiple cities during your stay, you can opt for an ONCF rechargeable card for discounts.

Accommodation options you should look into for AFCON 2025

By now, you can expect accommodation prices to be rising, especially in host cities. Book early via Booking.com or Airbnb. If you’d like some cultural experience, then you can look into riads (traditional guesthouses). There are hotels in cities across the country with varying prices. The closer you are to the stadium, the more you are likely to pay.

Accommodation is relatively cheaper in Tangier, Agadir, Fes and Rabat, ranging from $30 to $60 per night. Casablanca and Marrakech might be a little pricier.

Here are some tips for lowering accommodation costs:

• Stay slightly outside city centres. It is cheaper and often quieter.
• Book your accommodation early.
• Share apartments with friends to split costs.
• Choose accommodation near tram/bus lines to reduce taxi costs.
• Paying in advance with Grey’s virtual USD debit card is cheaper and easier.

Planning for your feeding at AFCON 2025

Visiting Morocco for AFCON 2025 might be the perfect opportunity to try local cuisine, which is generally cheaper than international dishes and fine-dining options. Here’s what you should expect in terms of pricing

• Street food: $2–$5
• Local restaurants: $5–$10
• Mid-range dining: $15–$25

Here’s how to cut down on your feeding cost:

• Eat at Medina stalls or local cafés.
• Buy fruits, snacks, and water from supermarkets.
• Breakfast is usually included in riads and hostels.

How much AFCON 2025 match tickets cost

Tickets are sold through the official CAF site and are affordable to encourage purchase. The prices vary by match type and seat. Here is the general breakdown.

• Group stage - $10–50
• Opening match - $15–50
• Quarterfinals - $20–60
• Semifinals - $30–80
• Final - $40–90

If possible, avoid resale sites, as they often add markups to prices.

Also read: How to exchange currency safely when visiting Morocco

AFCON 2025 travel budgeting guide for first-time visitors

Now that we have covered all major expenses, you should set aside funds for miscellaneous and gift/merchandise purchases. If you plan to try other activities as well, budget for them. You can reduce costs by using hostels, street food, and buses. With around $1,200 to $2,200, you can have a seamless experience in Morocco. Here is what your budget should look like if you are staying for 10 days:

• Flights (round-trip) - $300–700
• Accommodation - $500–900
• Food - $120–200
• Transportation (trains/taxis) - $100–150
• Match Tickets (3 games) - $100–200
• Visa/SIM/ Misc (entry fees, souvenirs) - $50–100

Another way to reduce your expenses is to use a reliable payment solution. Travelling for an international tournament involves managing multiple expenses across different currencies. Unfavourable currency conversion rates, high international transaction fees, and payment declines can make your trip frustrating. This is where Grey comes in. With multi-currency accounts supporting USD, EUR, and GBP, you can easily convert to MAD at low fees and competitive rates. Grey has a transparent fee structure, so you know how much each transaction or conversion will cost before you proceed. You also get a virtual USD debit card for affordable and seamless digital payments.

Sign up on Grey or download the mobile app to get started today.

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