Uganda has announced visa-free entry for visitors travelling to the country for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), in a move aimed at easing travel and boosting tourism.
The government says all fans and guests will not be required to pay visa fees for at least three months around the tournament — starting one month before kickoff and ending one month after the final match.
“To ease travel for fans and guests, government will waive visa fees for all visitors to Uganda for at least three months around the tournament,” said Denis Mugimba, Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Sub-Committee.
Uganda is also working with Kenya and Tanzania to introduce a joint “PAMOJA visa” that will allow visitors to move easily across the three host countries during the tournament.
Officials expect a huge influx of visitors, with projections showing that between 500,000 and 650,000 people could travel to Uganda alone.
“Uganda could receive between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors during AFCON 2027, and if each spends at least USD 1,000, the tournament could inject a minimum of USD 500 million into the local economy,” Mugimba said.
The visa-free policy is part of wider preparations to improve the overall visitor experience, including investments in infrastructure, tourism and public services.
Government has already earmarked significant funding across key sectors. A total of Shs 213.76 billion has been allocated for upgrading over 47 kilometres of key roads, pedestrian walkways and street lighting around Hoima and Namboole to improve fan movement and safety.
Another Shs 101.1 billion has been set aside to support the upgrading of selected hotels in Hoima and Masindi, as well as the construction of a hotel to serve Kabalega International Airport through a Uganda Development Bank (UDB) private sector credit facility.
Uganda is also investing Shs 37.85 billion in marketing and promoting “Destination Uganda,” leveraging the global visibility of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 brand to boost tourism, trade and investment.
In addition, government has committed an extra Shs 905 billion towards critical inter-sectoral and administrative requirements to ensure the country is ready to host the tournament.
Key infrastructure works include upgrading roads around Namboole and Hoima stadiums, improving hotels in Hoima and Masindi, upgrading Kabalega Airport to international standards, and strengthening health facilities expected to handle teams and fans.
Uganda will host matches at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole and Hoima City Stadium, with both venues and eight training facilities expected to be ready by January 2027.
The tournament, which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania, is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027.
Officials say the visa waiver, combined with heavy investment in infrastructure and services, is aimed at making Uganda more accessible while positioning the country to benefit from tourism, trade and investment during the continental event.
