African countries are increasingly realizing the importance of removing the barriers that have long hindered intercontinental exchange. From the elimination of burdensome trade tariffs within sub-regions to the complete removal of visa restrictions, the continent is rapidly moving forward on the path of progress.
The move towards visa-free entry among African countries is not only expected to foster a sense of unity but also boost economic growth, cultural exchange and regional cooperation.
The decisions of several African countries to open their borders to African nationals, including recent moves by Rwanda and Kenya, reflect a pivotal change in the continent’s approach to interconnectivity.
These decisions mark a progressive step towards building a united Africa that goes beyond the limitations imposed by historical borders.
That said, the idea is gaining traction, albeit slowly. Only a few African countries have decided to take the bold step of waiving visa restrictions, but some are leading the way in this crucial effort.
While 48 African countries offer visa-free travel to citizens of at least one other country, only five of the 52 countries can boast complete visa-free entry, two of which have recently joined the list.
Seychelles is so dependent on tourism that in 2018 it was reported that it was the only country that still offers visa-free travel to all Africans and nationals of each country, and was the first African country to grant visa-free travel. However, Seychelles recently revoked Nigeria’s visa privileges.
In 2019, the Gambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed all diplomatic missions and international organizations in Banjul that the country is now a “visa-free zone for all charter and scheduled flights.” Commonwealth, EU, African, and Baltic countries, as well as Belgian nationals with identity cards, are subject to the new visa rules.
Benin’s President Patrice Talon declared in 2019 that his government would lift visa restrictions for Africans entering the West African country. The Benin government followed the example of Rwanda’s openness, but ironically, Rwanda has not announced any visa exemptions for Africans until 2023.
In November 2023, Rwanda announced plans to allow visa-free entry to other African countries. The president said any African could hop on a plane to Rwanda at any time and it would cost them nothing to enter the East African tourism powerhouse.
