Bridging Borders: How Morocco and Canada Are Embracing Digital Visas
Digital technology is transforming how we travel, and few examples illustrate this better than the recent e‑visa innovations between Morocco and Canada. From Ottawa’s pilot digital visas for Moroccans to Rabat’s streamlined e‑Visa portal and special football-fan permits, both nations are testing the frontiers of convenience and security.
Canada’s Digital Visa Pilot: A Glimpse into the Future
On 27 November 2025, Canada quietly rolled out a digital-visa trial aimed at a select group of Moroccan citizens
. Participants already had approved visitor visas, but instead of just receiving a physical sticker in their passports, they were also issued a secure electronic version of the visa. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this digital format is designed to make travel “faster and more secure,” reducing the need to mail passports and improving verification
. It is a test bed for what could soon become an entirely paperless process.
The eTA Expansion: More Moroccan Travelers Can Skip the Visa
Canada’s commitment to digital travel didn’t start with this pilot. Back in June 2023, Canada added Morocco and 12 other countries to its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program
. This means that certain Moroccan citizens can now apply online for a CAD $7 eTA instead of a full visa. To qualify, travelers must have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid U.S. non‑immigrant visa, plan to stay temporarily (around six months), and arrive by air
. Land and sea travel still require a standard visa
. The eTA is valid for five years or until the applicant’s passport expires (a significant convenience for frequent flyers).
Morocco’s e‑Visa System: Streamlined Travel for Tourism and Business
Morocco has been making its own digital strides. In July 2022, the country launched an online e‑Visa platform for travelers. Eligibility falls into three main categories: citizens of specific countries (Category A), foreign residents of certain nations, including Canada and the U.S. (Category B), and holders of valid multiple‑entry visas from Schengen, the United States, the UK, and similar zones (Category C)
. The e‑Visa is valid for 180 days with a maximum stay of 30 days, and applications can be processed in as little as 24 hours for an express fee
. Applicants must provide a passport copy, a photo, and—depending on their category—a residence permit or an existing visa.
Special Permits for AFCON 2025: Free and Fan-Friendly
With Morocco hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), authorities have gone a step further. Starting 25 September 2025, nationals of selected African countries—visiting specifically for the football tournament—can use a dedicated app called YALLA to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (AEVM).
. This permit functions as both a fan ID and a travel document, valid from 25 September 2025 until 25 January 2026.
. A press release by the Confederation of African Football announced that the e‑Visa issued via YALLA would be free for AFCON spectators.
. A 24/7 help desk assists applicants in Arabic, English, and French, underscoring Morocco’s commitment to hospitality.
What This Means for Travelers
For Moroccans eyeing Canada, there are now more streamlined options than ever. Qualifying travelers can skip the conventional visa altogether through the eTA program, and those involved in the digital-visa pilot get a sneak peek at a fully electronic future. Conversely, visitors headed to Morocco benefit from a clear online application path and, for football fans, a free and simple permit via the YALLA app.
Canadian tourists still enjoy visa‑free entry into Morocco for stays under 90 days
. Longer visits or business trips may require an e‑Visa or other authorisation, but the process is increasingly digital and user-friendly.
Together, these initiatives highlight how both countries are innovating to make border crossing more efficient and secure. As digital visas evolve, travelers should stay informed through official government sites to ensure they meet the latest requirements.
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