KAMPALA – Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are advancing plans to introduce a unified visa system to ease travel during the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be jointly hosted across the three countries.
Under the proposal, visitors, including fans, teams, officials, and media personnel, would be granted a single visa allowing free movement between the three host nations for up to four months during the tournament period.
The initiative is aimed at improving regional mobility, strengthening tourism flows, and ensuring a seamless travel experience for thousands of visitors expected to attend matches across East Africa.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has publicly endorsed the plan, calling for further coordination among the three governments to fast-track implementation ahead of the continental tournament.
If approved, the arrangement would mark one of the most significant regional travel integrations in East Africa’s recent history, reflecting broader efforts to deepen cooperation within the East African Community framework.
Officials say the proposal is also expected to boost trade, hospitality, and cross-border investment during and beyond the tournament period, positioning AFCON 2027 as both a sporting and economic milestone for the region.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be the first edition of the competition jointly hosted by three East African nations, raising expectations for infrastructure development and regional collaboration.
