East African nations to implement single visa for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
via Le Matin1 min read
Uganda has initiated a project for a single travel permit for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations CAN, allowing free movement within the three host countries without separate visas. This measure aims to simplify cross-border travel and boost tourism in the region before, during, and after the competition. The 2027 CAN, themed "Pamoja" together in Swahili, marks a first for East Africa. The Confederation of African Football CAF estimates over 1.5 million traveling supporters and a global television audience of nearly 3.2 billion viewers. The "CAN visa" project draws inspiration from the East African tourist visa launched in 2014 by Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, which is valid for 90 days and costs $100. Authorities plan to temporarily extend this model to the three 2027 CAN host countries, testing a mechanism that could inform a future regional free movement policy within the East African Community EAC. The three co-organizers have until December 31, 2026, to complete stadium and transport infrastructure modernization.
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