https://blackgirlnerds.com/africa-is-moving-toward-more-visa-free-travel-and-what-that-means-for-tourists/

Tourism in Africa has been steadily growing. According to Statista, around 5.1 million tourists came from overseas to visit the motherland, which equaled their highest monthly count of international tourists. 

In 2024, more African countries aim to capitalize on this influx of tourism by eliminating their visa requirements. Here is what traveling can mean for tourists planning a trip to some of these current and soon-to-be visa-free countries. 

What Are Typical Visa Restrictions When Traveling to African Countries?

Out of the 54 sovereign countries in Africa, U.S. passport holders can visit around 13 countries without a visa. If you were born in the United States, you can typically stay in certain parts of Africa for anywhere between 14 to 90 days.

Some of these countries include

• Seychelles
• Botswana
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Equatorial Guinea
• South Africa
• Senegal
• Cape Verde
• Morocco
• Namibia

Visa requirements, even for short-term stays, are a way of getting permission to enter a country. Typically, you must apply for a visa in advance and cannot apply on arrival. Additionally, visitors often have to pay a fee, show an outbound ticket, and sometimes show financial stability. 

Some visas require a visit to the country’s embassy. 

These restrictions are in place for many different reasons. Visa requirements help the country control the number of people coming in. They can also prevent foreigners from taking advantage of a country’s resources. 

However, visa restrictions can sometimes deter tourists. When tourism makes up a large percentage of a country’s income, strict visitor restrictions can negatively affect the economy. With this in mind, many African countries are making their visa requirements and processing more accessible for travelers.

Here are a few countries that are making these changes. 

Benin

The birthplace of Vodou (Voodoo) and a place with a rich history, Benin is a small West African country slowly rising in tourism. Besides the Voodoo Festival, one of the country’s biggest attractions is the Pendjari National Park, which holds 90% of West Africa’s lions. 

With a magical history and stunning wildlife, Benin also offers multicultural cuisines. Sauces are a staple part of the French-influenced cuisine that takes advantage of seafood on the Atlantic coast. 

There is also so much to learn from the people of Benin. To the north of Benin are the Batammariba people, whose unique fortress-like architecture is something visitors can marvel at. 

In Lac Ahémé, you can learn about the traditional Beninese farming methods. 

A visa is required to visit Benin. Fortunately, the process of getting one is relatively simple. Visitors can apply online for an e-visa from anywhere in the world. The main requirements include:

• A valid passport.
• A current email address.
• A debit or credit card to pay for the processing fee.

Eliminating complicated visa processes encourages more people to visit Benin. 

Gambia 

Gambia is the smiling coast of Africa. The country is known for its friendly people and great hospitality.

Along with a sense of welcome and peace, Gambia offers visitors beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast. After relaxing on the beach, you can take the self-care a little further by treating yourself to one of Gambia’s many spas and hair salons for braiding. You can also get a massage.

For more adventurous travel, you can cruise down the Gambia River, explore the local market, and learn to make Gambian cuisine through a cooking class. 

You can apply for a visa at the Gambian Embassy in the United States. Still, it’s typically an easier route than applying upon arrival. This visa costs around $108. Visitors must have at least one blank page in their passport. After approval, you can stay in the country for 30 days, and if you go over that time limit, there’s a fine of $15 per month, which must be paid in cash at the airport when you leave. 

Kenya

Kenya’s president, William Ruto, announced in December 2023 that Kenya would become visa-free in January 2024. However, in recent news, that timetable has been delayed to an unknown date in 2024.

Kenya’s visa-free travel will require that all travelers register for electronic travel authorization before traveling. More information on the new system has yet to be released. However, the process will likely be simple, and visitors will receive approval shortly after submitting their information. 

Like Europeans and Americans who can travel freely with the countries in the Schengen Area, Kenya aims to have that same level of openness. The government is hoping that without the hassle of needing to apply in advance or supply certain documents, more travelers will be encouraged to visit Kenya.

The East African country’s most sought-after attractions are the safaris. Additionally, the country allows visitors to have a more immersive experience with wildlife, including visiting elephant sanctuaries such as Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Off the southern coast of Kenya, you can experience the white sand beaches of Diani. You can swim, snorkel, or kitesurf in the jade-colored waters. 

As these three countries continue to make traveling to Africa more accessible, will other countries do the same and welcome more visitors to the continent?