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Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are planning to introduce a joint visa scheme to make it easier for football fans to travel between the three countries during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The proposed arrangement is expected to simplify cross-border travel for supporters who want to watch matches in different host countries during the tournament.
Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers, announced the plan on Tuesday during an inspection of the Arusha Pamoja AFCON Stadium in Tanzania.
Kadaga, who is also Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, said the three countries were working together to develop a special visa framework for the competition.
She explained that the arrangement would allow football fans to move more easily across the borders of the three countries, making it possible for them to attend matches in different cities without facing unnecessary travel difficulties.
The joint visa plan is also expected to encourage tourism and increase business activities across the East African region. Supporters travelling for the tournament could visit tourist attractions, explore local communities and experience the cultures of the three host nations.
Kadaga said the expected movement of visitors would create business opportunities for hotels, tour operators, transport companies and other service providers. The increase in visitors could also provide additional income for businesses that depend on tourism and hospitality.
However, the success of the proposed visa scheme will depend on the final requirements and how effectively the arrangement is implemented.
Abdullah Makame, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), said the impact of the plan would depend on the visa conditions adopted by the three countries and how well border officials enforced them.
His comments highlight the importance of clear travel guidelines and efficient border procedures to ensure that supporters can move between the host countries without unnecessary delays.
Meanwhile, preparations for the tournament are continuing, with construction of the Arusha Pamoja AFCON Stadium in Tanzania reportedly reaching 95 per cent completion.
The stadium, which is designed to accommodate approximately 32,500 spectators, is expected to serve as one of the venues for the continental football competition.
The inspection was carried out by members of the East African Legislative Assembly, who were briefed on the progress of the stadium project.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda serving as co-hosts.
The tournament will mark the first time in AFCON history that three countries will jointly host the competition. The arrangement is expected to require close cooperation among the host nations in areas such as transportation, security, accommodation and the movement of supporters.
The proposed joint visa scheme is one of the measures being considered to make travelling between the three countries easier during the tournament.
If successfully implemented, the arrangement could improve the experience of visiting fans while supporting tourism and economic activities across the East African region.
With preparations continuing across the three countries, attention will remain on the completion of stadiums, travel arrangements and other facilities needed to host Africa’s biggest international football competition.
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