Survive.Explore.Thrive in East Africa.

Visas & Entry

East Africa is becoming easier to enter. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are part of the East African Community (EAC), and plans for a unified AFCON 2027 fan visa are expected. Currently, Kenya offers an eVisa to most nationalities online; Uganda and Tanzania also offer eVisas. The East Africa Tourist Visa (covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda) costs around $100 and is useful if you plan to move between countries. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel.

• →Check EAC unified visa status — updates expected closer to 2027
• →Kenya eVisa at evisa.go.ke — approval usually within 3 business days
• →Uganda eVisa at visas.immigration.go.ug
• →Tanzania eVisa at immigration.go.tz/eservices
• →Keep digital + physical copies of your visa confirmation

Getting Between Host Cities

Flying between Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam is the fastest option. Nairobi's JKIA is the main regional hub with connections to Entebbe (Uganda) and Julius Nyerere International (Tanzania). Flight time between cities is 45–90 minutes. Budget airlines like Jambojet and RwandAir serve the corridor. Overland bus routes exist but are 8–12 hours between cities — not recommended for a tournament schedule.

• →Fly via Nairobi — it connects to both Uganda and Tanzania
• →Book flights 3–4 months ahead of the tournament
• →Jambojet, Kenyan Airways, and Precision Air all serve the corridor
• →Entebbe Airport is 40km from Kampala city — factor in the drive
• →JKIA to Dar: direct flight ~1hr 20min

Currency & Money

Each host country has its own currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES), Ugandan Shilling (UGX), and Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). USD is widely accepted in hotels and some restaurants across all three countries — carry small USD bills for convenience. Mobile money (M-Pesa in Kenya, MTN Mobile Money in Uganda) is deeply embedded and many vendors only accept it. Get a local SIM on arrival.

• →USD accepted widely — bring $50–$100 in small bills as backup
• →Get a local SIM for M-Pesa/mobile money access
• →ATMs are common in city centres; airport ATMs charge higher fees
• →Revolut/Wise cards work well and avoid bad exchange rates
• →Avoid airport exchange desks — rates are usually poor

Match Day Logistics

AFCON 2027 will use existing and upgraded stadiums across all three nations. Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi (capacity ~60,000), Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, and the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam are the likely primary venues. Plan to arrive 2+ hours before kick-off for security queues. Rideshare (Bolt/Uber) is available in all three cities.

• →Arrive 2 hours before kick-off — security lines will be long
• →Bolt and Uber operate in Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam
• →Stadium boda-boda (motorbike taxis) are fast but not for luggage days
• →Match day transport surge pricing — book in advance
• →Buy water before entering — stadium prices will be high

What to Eat

Each host city has a distinct food identity. Nairobi is East Africa's most cosmopolitan food city — nyama choma (grilled meat), Swahili coastal cuisine, and a strong Indian-influenced dining scene. Kampala's food is centred on rolex (egg and vegetable chapati rolls), matoke (steamed plantain), and Lake Victoria tilapia. Dar es Salaam is a Swahili food capital — fresh seafood, coconut rice, and some of the best street food in East Africa.

• →Nairobi: Try nyama choma at Carnivore Restaurant — a bucket-list experience
• →Kampala: Street rolex from Chapel Road is essential and costs under $1
• →Dar: Zanzibar Mix at Kivukoni Fish Market — fresh seafood at low prices
• →All cities: Mandazi (fried dough) and chai for breakfast
• →Use the Rahacards AFCON Card for access to curated restaurants in each city

Safety & Common Sense

East Africa is generally safe for tourists who exercise standard urban awareness. Nairobi has certain areas to avoid at night (avoid Central Bus Station at night, Eastlands); stick to Westlands, CBD, and Karen for nighttime activities. Kampala is relaxed by comparison. Dar es Salaam is one of the safer large African cities. Petty theft targeting obvious tourists is the main risk — keep phones and cameras discreet.

• →Don't flash expensive equipment in crowded areas
• →Use registered taxis or Uber/Bolt — never unmarked cars
• →Save the local emergency numbers for each country
• →Travel insurance that covers East Africa is essential
• →Keep digital copies of your passport and visa