Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda Plan Joint Visa for AFCON 2027 Fans

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are working on a common visa system intended to make it easier for football supporters to cross borders during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The three countries are preparing a framework to simplify travel formalities for fans throughout the tournament, which will be staged jointly in all three nations.

Key facts

• Tournament dates: 19 June to 17 July 2027
• Host countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda — the first AFCON hosted by three countries
• Who is affected: football supporters travelling between the three host countries
• Announced by: Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the East African Community (EAC)
• Start date, fee and application process: not yet announced

What is being planned?

The three host countries are developing a specific framework to simplify travel formalities for supporters for the duration of the competition, with the goal of allowing fans to move more easily between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who is also Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, set out the plan during an inspection visit to the Pamoja Stadium in Arusha, Tanzania, one of the selected tournament venues.

When do the new rules start?

No start date for the common visa has been announced. The source does not say when the arrangement would take effect, which nationalities it would cover, what it would cost or how supporters would apply.

What is still unclear?

The practical effect of the initiative will depend on the final terms of the agreement and on how it is implemented at border crossings. East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Abdullah Makame said the system's effectiveness would depend in particular on the visa rules adopted and the conditions under which they are applied.

What this means for travellers

Supporters planning to attend matches in more than one host country could eventually face simpler travel formalities between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, but nothing has been finalised. Anyone considering a trip for the tournament should check the entry rules that apply to their nationality in each of the three countries before booking, and watch for the announced terms of the common visa.

Beyond the sport, the project is expected to support regional tourism and economic activity, with hotels, travel agencies, transport companies and other service providers among those that could benefit from visitors attending matches and visiting tourist attractions in the three countries.

The 36th edition of AFCON will take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Preparations continue at the venues: the delegation was told that construction of the Pamoja Stadium in Arusha, designed to hold approximately 32,500 spectators, has reached 95% completion.