East African Community plans joint visa for AFCON 2027 football fans

Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda have initiated plans to implement a joint visa arrangement ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The collaborative effort is designed to streamline travel for football fans and visitors across the three host nations during the continental tournament. By removing administrative barriers, the East African Community (EAC) aims to ensure that supporters can move freely between venues in all three countries to experience the matches.

The proposal was formally highlighted by Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, during an inspection visit to the Arusha Pamoja AFCON Stadium in Tanzania. This stadium is one of the key venues earmarked for the tournament. The joint visa initiative is seen as a practical application of the EAC's integration policies, specifically targeting the influx of international and regional visitors expected for the event.

Beyond facilitating sports travel, the move is intended to catalyze regional tourism and create new business opportunities within the East African bloc. Officials believe that the tournament provides a unique platform to market the region as a single tourism destination. By simplifying entry requirements, the EAC hopes to encourage fans to explore various attractions across the three partner states, thereby boosting the hospitality and service sectors.

The 2027 AFCON, often referred to as the "Pamoja" bid, marks a significant milestone as the first time the tournament will be co-hosted by three East African nations. This joint visa program is expected to serve as a blueprint for future regional cooperation on large-scale events. As preparations continue, the member states are working to align their immigration systems to support the movement of fans during the football festival.