AFCON 2027 Travel: What's Confirmed and How to Plan Your Trip
AFCON 2027 runs 19 June to 17 July 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Dates and hosts are confirmed; venues and fixtures are not. What to sort now and what to wait for.
Nov 1, 2026 8 min read
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AFCON 2027 runs from Saturday 19 June to Saturday 17 July 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and as of 30 October 2026 that is almost all that is confirmed. CAF has fixed the dates, the three co-hosts and the 24-team format; it has not announced host cities, stadiums, the match schedule or kick-off times. So the useful plan right now is to sort the things that do not depend on fixtures: entry rules, the mandatory insurance Kenya and Tanzania now require, flights into the three capitals, and a short safari or city day you can book around whichever matches you end up with.
Everything below about the tournament comes from CAF's own pages. We will update this page when fixtures are published; until then, treat anything you read elsewhere about "host city" matches as unconfirmed.
What CAF has confirmed, and what it has not
| Item | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Confirmed | Opening match Saturday 19 June 2027; final Saturday 17 July 2027 |
| Hosts | Confirmed | Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda jointly; the first AFCON staged by three countries |
| Teams | Confirmed | 24 teams; the three hosts qualify automatically |
| Final line-up | Not yet | Last qualifiers are played 22 to 30 March 2027; CAF expects the full line-up to be known by the end of March 2027 |
| Host cities and stadiums | Not confirmed | CAF says venues "will be announced later" |
| Match schedule and kick-off times | Not confirmed | To be announced by CAF with the venues |
| Tickets | Not announced | No ticketing information published as of 30 October 2026 |
What CAF has said about venues so far is limited to inspections and one opening. In September 2026 a CAF delegation inspected the new 60,000-seat stadium at Talanta in Nairobi, the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala and the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, together with hotels, training sites and airports. An inspection is not a venue announcement.
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Fans leaving the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, one of the grounds CAF inspected in September 2026. No venue has been confirmed.
Photo credit: Museruka Emmanuel, CC BY-SA 4.0
On 29 October 2026 CAF reported that Kenya will open the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi on 5 January 2027 with a Bayern Munich against Ajax friendly. CAF describes the stadium as "expected to be one of the principal facilities" for Kenya's hosting and says Kasarani "is also expected to play an important role", while repeating that the complete match venues are yet to be announced. Ticketing for the January friendly is to be announced closer to the date.
Sort your entry documents now; they do not depend on fixtures
Each host country has its own system, and there is no AFCON-specific fan visa in force. The Kenya Association of Travel Agents reported on 18 October 2026 that the three governments are developing a joint visa arrangement for supporters, announced by the East African Community Council of Ministers chair on 12 October, but that it "remains under development" and is "not yet a confirmed travel facility". Plan on today's rules and treat anything better as a bonus.
| Country | What most visitors need | Mandatory insurance | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | An electronic travel authorisation (eTA) applied for online before you fly; the authorities recommend applying at least two weeks ahead | Yes, from 5 October 2026: Kenyan government travel health insurance, bought with the eTA, valid 90 days and for multiple entries; not required for EAC citizens | etakenya.go.ke |
| Tanzania | A tourist visa: apply for an e-visa in advance, or a single-entry visa on arrival at the main ports of entry; be ready to show a return or onward ticket | Yes: government inbound travel insurance for all non-residents, valid up to 92 days, bought online or on arrival from NIC (mainland) or ZIC (Zanzibar) | visa.immigration.go.tz |
| Uganda | A visa applied for online; you print the authorisation letter and the visa is issued on arrival | Not required | visas.immigration.go.ug |
The rules above are as described on the UK Foreign Office pages for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, which also note that all three expect a passport valid for at least six months after arrival, and that Kenya and Tanzania ask for a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a transmission-risk country. Nationals of other countries should check their own government's advice and the portals.
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya and Uganda, not Tanzania
If your matches are split between Kenya and Uganda, the East Africa Tourist Visa is worth a look: the UK Foreign Office's Uganda page lists it at US$100 for multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda over 90 days. Tanzania is not part of it, so a three-country itinerary still needs a separate Tanzanian visa and the Tanzanian insurance. Our East Africa Tourist Visa guide explains the first-entry rule and how it sits alongside Kenya's eTA.
Book flights and beds to the capitals, not to a "host city"
Until venues are announced, the only safe assumption is that the three capitals will matter: CAF's inspections covered Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi's new stadium is the only one with a published opening date. If you want a refundable hotel for the opening or final weekends, book one with free cancellation in a capital and move it once fixtures land. Note that CAF's dates fall in Kenya's June to October dry season, which is also peak safari season, so safari beds in the Mara and Serengeti will be tight that month.
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The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam was on CAF's September 2026 inspection list. Book beds in the capitals until fixtures are published.
Photo credit: Mxcarter, CC BY-SA 4.0
What to do on a non-match day in each capital
These are bookable now and do not depend on the schedule. They are also useful as a backup if your team's matches end up elsewhere.
Nairobi: a morning in Nairobi National Park
The Nairobi National Park Half-Day Game Drive is about three hours in the park with a driver-guide, park entrance fees included, hotel or airport pickup within the published zone and an early-morning or afternoon start. It is US$95 per person for six to fifteen travellers, US$105 each for four to five, US$135 each for two to three and US$205 solo; pickup outside the host's zone adds US$30. Elephants do not live in this park and no sighting is guaranteed.
Nairobi National Park Half-Day Game Drive
An early-morning or afternoon half-day game drive in Nairobi National Park, the wildlife reserve on the capital’s doorstep. After hotel or airport pickup, a professional driver-guide enters the park for approximately three hours of game viewing across open plains, forest, valleys and scrub. Possible sightings include black or white rhino, lion, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope and extensive birdlife; elephants are not resident in this park and no wildlife sighting is guaranteed. The official product detail table captured 5 August 2026 starts at USD 95 per person for six to fifteen travelers, with USD 205 solo, USD 135 each for two to three, and USD 105 each for four to five. The page headline separately advertises “from USD 85,” but because its detailed table does not contain an USD 85 tier, Visatile uses the verifiable USD 95 table rate. Tripadvisor lists Excellent GameSpotting Adventures at 5.0/5 from 136 operator reviews. Feedback about its Nairobi wildlife outings highlights knowledgeable guides, punctual pickup, careful photo positioning and rhino and bird sightings.
per person · 4 hours
$95
View experienceIf you would rather share a van, the Nairobi National Park Sunrise Group Safari is US$75 per person with pickup around 5:30 to 6:00 AM, a guide and water, but park entry is paid separately. Our park fees guide has the current rates, and the first-time Nairobi guide covers the rest of the city.
Kampala: a full day of the city's history
The 1-Day Kampala City Tour Experience is US$80 per person with all transport, entrance fees, water and an English-speaking guide. It meets at the Post Office on Kampala Road and takes in the Independence and World War monuments, Nakasero and Owino markets, the Gaddafi National Mosque, the Kabaka's Palace and the former torture chambers, and the Kasubi Royal Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1-Day Kampala City Tour Experience
Discover the heart of Uganda on a full-day Kampala city tour, exploring the city’s history, culture, markets, royal heritage, and vibrant everyday life. This experience takes you beyond the usual tourist attractions and gives you a deeper look at Kampala and its people. Visit the Independence Monument and World War Monument, Nakasero Market, Owino Market, Gaddafi National Mosque, Kabaka’s Palace and the former torture chambers associated with Idi Amin’s regime, and Kasubi Royal Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important cultural site for the Buganda Kingdom. Experience Kampala beyond the guidebook — its history, markets, culture, and living traditions, all in one unforgettable day with Twaha Travels.
per person · 1 day
$80
View experienceWith three spare days from Kampala, the Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari is a private three-day trip at US$750 per person for up to seven: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way up, a game drive and the Nile boat cruise to the base of the falls on day two, and the return with lunch on day three. The guide, 4x4, pickup, water, game drives, the boat and two nights' accommodation are included; ask us about meals and park fees. The Uganda Wildlife Authority puts the park 305 km north of Kampala, four to five hours to the gate.
Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari
A 3-day private safari from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park, including a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a game drive, a Nile boat cruise to the base of the falls, and a Budongo Forest chimpanzee and nature experience. Inclusions: professional guide, 4x4 safari vehicle, pickup and drop-off, taxes and levies, drinking water, game drives, boat ride, chimpanzee experience and two nights’ accommodation. Exclusions: international flights and items not listed.
per person · 3 days
$750
View experienceDar es Salaam: a safari by train
2 Days Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam by SGR Train is US$500 per person, minimum two guests and maximum twelve, with pickup, timing and accommodation confirmed after booking. Mikumi is 288 km west of Dar according to TANAPA, and the park gate is open 06:00 to 18:00. The host has not listed inclusions, so ask us about park fees and meals.
2 Days Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam by SGR Train
Book a 2 Days Mikumi Safari from Dar es Salaam by SGR train. Fast, comfortable travel, guided game drives, and close wildlife encounters in Mikumi National Park. Hosted by Mikumi Holiday Safaris, a locally owned East African operator with more than 10 years of field experience. Flexible dates; pickup, timing, accommodation and final logistics are confirmed after booking. Guest reputation: Viator: 5.0/5 from 17 reviews; 100% traveler recommendation. Ratings remain attributed to their original marketplace sources. Official itinerary: https://mikumiholidaysafaris.com/safari-package/2-days-mikumi-safari-from-dar-es-salaam-by-sgr-train/ Website: https://mikumiholidaysafaris.com/
per person
Minimum 2 guests
$500
View experienceKeep the safety page open while you plan
The UK Foreign Office's Kenya safety page lists sporting events among the places where attacks could occur, advises using the Mombasa Road or the Nairobi Expressway between the airport and the city, and warns that protests in Nairobi can cause disruption at short notice. None of that is a reason not to come; it is a reason to allow extra time to the airport and to follow local news on match days.
What to check again in 2027
- CAF's fixture and venue announcement, then move any refundable hotel booking to match it.
- The final qualifiers on 22 to 30 March 2027, which settle who plays.
- Any official fan-visa arrangement; until one is published on a government portal, use the table above.
- Ticketing, which CAF had not announced as of 30 October 2026.
More on East Africa: vaccines for East Africa by country, flying from Nairobi to the coast, best time to visit East Africa for safari and a Nairobi National Park game drive in a morning.
Prices checked 30 October 2026.
Good to know
From Saturday 19 June to Saturday 17 July 2027, hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It is the first AFCON staged by three countries, with 24 teams and the three hosts qualifying automatically, according to CAF.
No. As of 30 October 2026 CAF says the venues, match schedule and kick-off times will be announced later. CAF has inspected stadiums in Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi's new 60,000-seat Raila Odinga International Stadium opens on 5 January 2027, but none has been named as a tournament venue.
Not yet. A joint visa for supporters has been proposed by the East African Community but remains under development, according to the Kenya Association of Travel Agents on 18 October 2026. Plan on each country's normal rules: Kenya's eTA, Tanzania's e-visa or visa on arrival, and Uganda's online visa.
Yes, government-provided insurance in both. Kenya requires its travel health insurance from 5 October 2026 for most visitors staying under 12 months, bought with the eTA and valid 90 days. Tanzania requires inbound travel insurance for all non-residents, valid up to 92 days, from NIC on the mainland or ZIC in Zanzibar.
No. It covers Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for US$100 over 90 days with multiple entries. Tanzania is not included, so you still need a Tanzanian visa and insurance for matches there.
In Nairobi, a half-day Nairobi National Park game drive from US$95 per person with park fees included. In Kampala, a US$80 full-day city tour, or a 3-day Murchison Falls safari at US$750 per person. From Dar es Salaam, a 2-day Mikumi safari by SGR train at US$500 per person.