Planning a Budget-Aware Trip to Afcon 2028: Flights, Visas and Accommodation Tips

Beat the chaos: How to plan a budget-aware Afcon 2028 trip without the guesswork

If you’re worried about skyrocketing fares, confusing visa rules and sold-out hotels when Afcon switches to a four-year cycle from 2028, you’re not alone. International fans now face higher demand and compressed windows to book travel and tickets — but smart planning converts pressure into advantage. This guide gives practical, step-by-step strategies for finding cheap flights, navigating visas, securing affordable accommodation, and locating official fan zones and local match-day culture across Africa in 2026 and beyond.

Why 2028 changes everything — short version

Confederation of African Football (Caf) announced on 20 December 2025 that the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will move to a four-year cycle starting in 2028. That means demand will spike every four years rather than every two — more global attention, larger travel surges and fewer frequent opportunities for casual trips to the tournament. Expect:

• Larger crowds and earlier sellouts for flights and lodging
• Steeper price volatility around key booking windows
• Greater competition for official tickets and fan packages

First principles: Budgeting for an Afcon trip

Start by treating Afcon travel like a medium-length event vacation: flight + accommodation + match tickets + local transport + food + contingency. Use a simple spreadsheet with live conversions (or a travel app) and estimate three realistic budgets: lean, mid-range and comfort.

Sample budget bands (per person, baseline estimates for 2-week stay in 2028)

• Lean: $900–$1,500 — backpacker hostels, budget flights booked early, public transport, a couple of match tickets.
• Mid-range: $1,600–$3,000 — economy flights with one checked bag, 3-star hotels/Airbnbs, match & fan zone spending.
• Comfort: $3,000+ — premium flights, private transfers, 4-star hotels or serviced apartments, official hospitality packages.

These ranges vary widely by origin (Europe, North America, Asia, Oceania) and host country. Use them as a planning anchor — not gospel.

How much to allocate and where to save

• Flights: 30–45% of budget. Biggest single savings potential.
• Accommodation: 25–35%. Book early and use refundable rates.
• Local transport & food: 15–20%. Fan zones and match days increase spend.
• Tickets & experiences: 5–15%. Official packages often cost more but reduce day-of stress.
• Contingency: 5–10% for visa delays, schedule changes, or emergency flights.

Flights: timing, hacks and realistic expectations for 2026–2028

With Afcon now quadrennial from 2028, airlines and meta-search engines will react. Expect more dynamic pricing and flash sales in the months after hosts and schedules are announced. Use this playbook.

When to book

• As soon as the host cities are official: book 8–12 months out for the best mix of price and selection for international flights. For regional flights, book 3–6 months out.
• Watch pre-sale windows: team federations and airlines sometimes reserve blocks for supporters — sign up immediately.
• Use price alerts: set multi-source alerts (Google Flights, Skyscanner, Momondo, Hopper) and check carrier direct sites — some LCCs only publish fares on their platform.

Hacks to find cheap flights

• Look for open-jaw tickets (fly into one city, depart from another) to pair with overland travel between host cities.
• Consider nearby gateway airports— neighbouring countries with good rail/road links can be cheaper. Factor visa costs and transfer time.
• Mix-and-match carriers: long-haul on major carrier + local LCC for intercity hops. Book segments on separate PNRs but leave buffer time for connections.
• Use miles and credit card points to offset costs — award availability often opens earlier than cheap cash fares.

Airline & route trends to watch (2026 context)

Through late 2025 and into 2026, African connectivity has improved with expanded hubs and more low-cost carriers (LCCs) increasing intra-African routes. Expect better direct options from Europe and the Gulf, and denser regional networks from carriers like Ethiopian Airlines and several fast-growing LCCs. But schedule reliability can vary — build buffers.

Visas & entry: simplify the red tape

Visa rules in Africa are heterogeneous. By 2026 there’s greater adoption of e-visas and visa-on-arrival schemes, but requirements still differ by nationality and host country. Use a methodical approach.

Step-by-step visa checklist

1. Check official government or embassy sites for the host country — start 90–120 days before travel.
2. Confirm whether you need: e-visa, visa-on-arrival, consular visa, or no visa.
3. Look for health entry requirements — yellow fever vaccination is still commonly required for some African countries; keep digital proof.
4. Prepare documentation: passport with 6+ months validity, proof of onward/return travel, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, letter of invitation (if required).
5. Consider a trusted visa service for complex or multiple-entry situations — verify reviews and fees ahead of time.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Avoid relying solely on third-party travel sites for visa info — cross-check with embassy resources.
• Don’t assume e-visa equals guaranteed entry — immigration officers have final authority.
• Plan for processing delays — some consulates get backed up during major events.
• If traveling through multiple African countries, map visa rules for every stop — transit vs entry rules differ.

Accommodation: strategies for every budget

Accommodation during big sport events is where many travellers lose control of their budget. The 2028 four-year cadence means demand spikes will be sharper. Mitigate by diversifying options and securing flexible bookings.

Where to book and when

• Book 6–12 months out for hotels, 4–8 months for private rentals and hostels.
• Prioritise free cancellation or refundable rates — you’ll likely see price drops or better options later.
• Split stays: combine a cheaper base in a nearby town with shorter nights near match venues to save money.

Alternative options

• Hostels and fan hostels: cheap, social, and often centrally located. Expect special Afcon dorm offerings.
• Serviced apartments: Best for groups — kitchen saves on food costs.
• Fan villages and camps: Subsidised by federations or sponsors in some editions — affordable and atmosphere-rich.
• Split bookings: Two-week stays split between lower-cost neighborhood and a short match-day hotel keeps costs down.

Safety, reviews and due diligence

Read recent reviews (last 6 months), check proximity to public transport or match venues, and verify ownership on major platforms. For private rentals, insist on written payment receipts and avoid cash-only deals with unknown hosts.

Fan zones, match-day logistics and local culture

Fan zones are where non-ticketed fans soak up atmosphere, and they’re increasingly official and well-curated. By 2026, many host cities use permanent arenas and designated fan zones with screens, food trucks, and security — check early for official zones and their opening schedules.

How to find official fan zones

• Follow the host city’s official tourism and municipal channels for announcements.
• Look to national football federations and the CAF website for accredited fan zone lists.
• Join supporter clubs and local expat groups on social media — they often post the best unofficial spots and watch parties.

Match-day transport and timing

• Allow extra time: expect road closures, checkpoints and diverted routes on match days.
• Prefer public transport where available — some host cities offer free match-day shuttles for ticket holders.
• Pre-book airport transfers for arrival and departure days to avoid long queues.

Getting around: intercity and last-mile tips

Intercity transport in Africa varies by region. North Africa and South Africa have comparatively robust rail and road options. Many other hosts rely on buses and domestic flights.

Intercity options

• Trains: Reliable in parts of North and Southern Africa. Good for city-centre to city-centre travel.
• Buses: Economical; use reputable operators with good reviews.
• Short-haul flights: Fast but pricier — book early with regional LCCs for bargains.

Last-mile transport

• Ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) are widely available in big cities — download apps and register with a local SIM.
• Cash vs card: carry local currency for small vendors; major hotels and restaurants accept cards.
• Respect local traffic and pedestrian norms, especially around stadiums on match days.

Health, safety and insurance

Safety needs practical planning, not fear. Travel insurance is non-negotiable for Afcon trips.

Health checklist

• Check vaccination requirements early — some countries require yellow fever proof.
• Pack a basic medical kit and carry any prescription medicine in original packaging with your doctor’s note.
• Buy travel insurance that covers event cancellation, medical evacuation and COVID-related interruptions (policies differ post-2025).

Safety tips for match days

• Stay with groups if attending late-night celebrations; share your itinerary with family or friends.
• Use official entry points and avoid unaccredited ticket resellers — scams spike around big matches.
• Register with your embassy if you’re from a country offering such a service; they can provide alerts and help in emergencies.

Tickets & official packages: buy smart

Official tickets and hospitality packages remove uncertainty but cost more. Balance your priorities.

Ticket buying strategy

• Register with the official tournament ticket platform and national association for pre-sales.
• Beware of touts — buy from accredited resellers when official channels sell out.
• If you want guaranteed seats and fewer logistics, compare official hospitality packages vs third-party travel packages — read cancellation and transfer policies carefully.

Local money matters and tech tips

Digital payments grew rapidly after 2020 and by 2026 many cities have good mobile infrastructure, but cash still matters.

Money & banking

• Carry a modest amount of local currency for street food and small vendors.
• Notify your bank and enable international transactions — check ATM withdrawal fees and limits.
• Consider a multi-currency travel card or prepaid SIM with mobile money capabilities if you’ll be using local digital wallets.

Insider local tips and cultural etiquette

Fans who respect local norms get better experiences. Small gestures go a long way.

• Learn a few local phrases and respectful greetings — teams and vendors will appreciate it.
• Dress codes vary — be mindful near religious sites and conservative areas.
• Buy local food and merch at fan zones to support small businesses — it’s cheaper and more authentic.

“We booked our flights 10 months early, used a nearby city as a base and took match-day shuttles — saved over $600 each.” — an Afcon 2023 attendee (planning lessons applied for 2028)

Checklist: 90, 60, 30 and 7 days before departure

90+ days

• Confirm host cities and match dates; book flights and a refundable accommodation baseline.
• Start visa application process where needed.
• Buy or top-up travel insurance with event coverage.

60 days

• Lock in local transport for arrival/departure.
• Join fan club channels and follow official fan zone announcements.

30 days

• Confirm match tickets, print or download entries and back-up copies.
• Order foreign currency or arrange local payout options.

7 days

• Check flight status; reconfirm accommodation and transfers.
• Pack, including a photocopy of passport, tickets, vaccine card and emergency contacts.

Future-facing trends and what to expect by Afcon 2028

Looking ahead from 2026, anticipate these trends shaping Afcon travel:

• More e-visa adoption: faster processing and regional visa facilitation schemes will lower friction for many nationalities.
• Improved intra-African connectivity: more LCC routes and expanded hubs will make multi-city itineraries cheaper and faster.
• Higher commercialisation of fan zones: corporate-sponsored fan villages with better amenities but premium pricing tiers.
• Rationalised ticketing windows: to combat scalping, expect more verified fan sales, ID-checked entries and official resale platforms.

Final takeaways — practical moves to make now

• Book flights early: aim for 8–12 months out once hosts are confirmed.
• Secure a flexible place to stay: refundable bookings let you lock in prices without losing out later.
• Sort visas immediately: start checks 90+ days out and use embassy resources.
• Use price alerts and miles: combine tools and loyalty points to shave major costs.
• Plan for match day logistics: allow time for transfers, use fan zones and official shuttles to save money and stay safe.

Want a ready-made travel kit for Afcon 2028?

We compiled a downloadable checklist, budget template, and a curated list of region-specific booking resources to get you started. Click through to sign up for early alerts on when tickets go on sale, flight deals, and official fan zone announcements. Travel smarter — don’t pay more because you waited.

Book early, verify everything, and enjoy the tournament responsibly — see you in the fan zone.

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