Uganda has just announced some important news for future international travelers. In anticipation of the African Cup of Nations (CAN / AFCON) to be held from June 19 to July 18, 2027, the Ugandan authorities have officially announced a three-month visa waiver for all international travellers. Whatever the reason for your trip, if your stay is for tourism or a sporting event, an exemption period will be granted.
Dates and conditions of exemption
This initiative has been designed to make the arrival of fans, tourists and professionals as smooth as possible. The obligation to pay visa fees will be suspended for a global window of three months around the sporting event:
- Beginning of free : One month before the opening match (around May 19, 2027).
- End of free : One month after the grand finale (around August 18, 2027).
- Nationalities concerned : All of them. Uganda is opening its borders to the whole world, a major step forward for many non-European travelers who are often confronted with strict and costly consular processes.
While the visa is free, the basic entry requirements still apply. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your departure from the country, and check current health requirements (yellow fever vaccination is a strict prerequisite for Uganda).
The future “PAMOJA” Visa for the East Africa region
The 2027 edition of the CAN will be co-hosted by three neighbouring nations: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
To enable the public to follow teams from one country to another without having to deal with a lot of red tape, the Ugandan government is currently finalizing the creation of a PAMOJA Visa (a Swahili term meaning “together”).
The aim of this common visa is to remove customs barriers between the three host countries during the competition. It is an event-based version of the East Africa Tourist Visa designed to facilitate cross-border tours: for example, a safari in Kenya followed by a match in Kampala, then a seaside holiday in Tanzania.
Infrastructure and local logistics: what to expect?
With forecasts of between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors, Uganda is restructuring its tourist facilities in depth. The government has approved major budgets to modernize the country before January 2027:
- Airports and roads : Kabalega airport is in the process of being upgraded to international status, to relieve the congestion at Entebbe. Roads leading to the main sites are being widened.
- Stadiums : The meetings on Ugandan soil will be held mainly at the Mandela National Stadium (located in Namboole) and the brand-new Hoima City Stadium.
- Accommodation : Hotels are being brought up to standard at an accelerated pace, particularly in the Hoima and Masindi areas.
Do I still need to take steps? Our recommendations
The fact that the fee is free doesn't always mean you don't have to register in advance. As a’specialized agency, Here are our tips for preparing your application:
- Anticipate a potential ETA: It is highly likely that customs authorities will introduce a zero-cost Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to record and secure arrivals, along the lines of the system recently adopted by Kenya.
- Management of extended stays : The exemption is temporary. If your trip begins before mid-May 2027, or if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, the classic e-Visa procedures and associated fees will still apply.
- Advance bookings : In view of the expected influx of travelers from all over the world, we recommend that you lock in your plane tickets and hotel nights at least 8 to 10 months in advance.
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