Travel within Africa remains a challenge for many, with most Africans needing visas to visit other countries on the continent. A recent report reveals that only four African nations—Benin, Seychelles, Gambia, and Rwanda—offer visa-free entry to all African citizens.
The report, released by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union, assesses visa openness as a key part of efforts to improve regional integration. Free movement across borders is seen as essential for fostering trade, migration, and cultural exchange between African countries.
According to the Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI), only 28 percent of intra-African travel is visa-free. Another 25 percent allows visa-on-arrival access, while the remaining 47 percent requires travelers to obtain visas either online or through embassies. The use of e-visas has grown significantly in recent years, with 26 African nations now offering them, up from fewer than 10 in the past.
While countries like Cape Verde and Mauritius offer more accessible travel options, many Africans still face restrictions. Cape Verde, for example, grants visa-free entry to citizens of 17 African countries and offers visa-on-arrival access to 36 others. Mauritius allows visa-free entry for 27 African nations and visa-on-arrival for 21 countries.
Despite these efforts, the report highlights significant barriers to free movement. Citizens of several African countries, including Somalia, Libya, Sudan, and Egypt, face strict visa requirements for travel within the continent. For instance, Somalis need visas to visit 38 African countries and can only travel visa-free to four. Similarly, Libyan, Sudanese, and Egyptian citizens require visas to visit more than 30 African countries.
