Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are collaborating on a common tourist visa for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled for June and July 2027, to allow international visitors access to all three countries through a single entry permit.
Existing East Africa Tourist Visa and Tanzania’s Position
Since 2014, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have operated a joint tourist visa permitting multiple entries for eligible foreign visitors for up to 90 days, priced at $100. Tanzania has never joined this scheme, citing concerns over national security and revenue sharing, along with control over entry decisions. Other countries outside this visa arrangement include Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of
the Congo, and Somalia.
Political Support and Endorsement
On July 2, 2026, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni endorsed a proposal for a common East African tourist visa covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania during AFCON 2027. He directed officials to commence discussions with the other host countries to facilitate a four-month travel arrangement for football fans, tourists, teams, and officials. Additionally, East African Community (EAC) ministers responsible for tourism and wildlife management have supported measures to ease cross-border travel during the tournament.
Challenges to Regional Visa Integration
Challenges to establishing a permanent joint tourist visa in East Africa include national sovereignty concerns, visa revenue distribution, and immigration control. Tanzania has historically
opposed a common visa over fears of losing control of immigration decisions and economic interests. In 2016, the Kenya–Uganda–Rwanda tourist visa saw implementation problems, with travelers sometimes required to pay additional entry fees despite holding the regional visa. The proposed AFCON visa raises unresolved issues about eligibility, visa fee structures, re-entry rights among the countries, and responsibility for admitted travelers.
Tourism Growth Targets and Traveler Impact
East Africa has set a target of 11 million tourist arrivals by 2027, representing an approximate 22.2% increase over 2025 figures, or about 10.6% annual growth over two years. The AFCON 2027 tournament is seen as a catalyst to promote
tourism and test enhanced regional integration. A common visa during the tournament could simplify administrative procedures for international visitors attending matches and tourists exploring Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, reducing the need for multiple visa applications.
Unresolved Details and Industry Context
The legal frameworks, visa eligibility criteria, and fee sharing agreements for the AFCON 2027 visa have not been publicly finalized. It remains unclear if the visa would enable unlimited re-entry among the three host countries or include Rwanda under the existing East Africa Tourist Visa. East Africa’s broader tourism marketing strategy, adopted for 2027–2036, commits to leveraging AFCON 2027 to grow tourism. However, cross-border tourism
also faces challenges beyond visas, including vehicle permits, insurance, park fees, and operator mobility. A successful temporary visa for AFCON could pave the way for more comprehensive economic integration in the region, but permanent arrangements require detailed governmental cooperation.
