East Africa Eyes Borderless Travel as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania Prepare for Historic AFCON 2027
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are exploring a unified visa system and investing heavily in sports infrastructure as they prepare to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, marking a historic milestone for East Africa.
LCC TV NEWS
KAMPALA, Uganda — East Africa is positioning itself for a historic sporting and regional integration milestone as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania advance preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with plans to introduce a unified visa system that would enable seamless travel across the three host nations.
The proposed visa arrangement aims to simplify cross-border movement for football fans, players, match officials, media personnel and tourists during the tournament, while reinforcing the East African Community's vision of greater regional integration.
Branded the "Pamoja Bid"—Swahili for "Together"—the successful joint bid marks the first time in history that the Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by three countries simultaneously. Scheduled for June and July 2027, the championship will also be the first AFCON tournament staged in East Africa since 1976.
The three governments view the tournament as more than a sporting spectacle. Officials say it presents a unique opportunity to strengthen economic cooperation, boost tourism, promote investment and showcase East Africa as a single destination for international visitors.
If approved, the common visa system would allow accredited visitors and supporters to travel freely between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania without the need to obtain separate entry visas, making it easier for fans to follow matches hosted across the region.
Preparations for the tournament are already transforming infrastructure across the three countries. Governments have embarked on extensive upgrades to sports facilities, transport networks and hospitality services to meet the standards required for Africa's premier football competition.
Major stadium developments are underway in Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam, alongside improvements to airports, highways, hotels and other supporting infrastructure expected to enhance both the tournament experience and long-term economic development.
Industry experts believe AFCON 2027 will provide a significant boost to the region's tourism and hospitality sectors by attracting thousands of international visitors and creating opportunities for local businesses in accommodation, transport, entertainment and retail.
The tournament is also expected to strengthen East Africa's international profile, demonstrating the region's capacity to successfully deliver major global sporting events through collaboration and shared investment.
As preparations gather pace, the "Pamoja Bid" continues to symbolize unity, cooperation and a shared ambition to use sport as a catalyst for regional development and lasting economic growth.
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