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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?
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?
Entertainment industry veteran La La Anthony is adding to her ever-growing résumé and serving as creative adviser at Airbnb.
The “BMF” star has joined forces with Airbnb to aid in the expansion and development of the company’s talent and entertainment collaborations.
“I’ve always been a huge fan of Airbnb and their mission and what they’re doing to bring people together, bring communities together,” she tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“Because at the essence, that’s what Airbnb is about. You’re hosting your home for someone else. You’re bringing someone into your home. So I was always a fan of what they did. And when I had the opportunity to become creative adviser, I was super excited about it because now I get to use all of my relationships and my resources to really plant some great experiences and activations with Airbnb that we all can be a part of.”
For her inaugural project with Airbnb, La La invites guests to experience La La Land, a curated accommodation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that’s influenced by her dynamic persona. La La carefully designed the lavish, Instagram-worthy pad to host her favorite kind of trip: a getaway with besties.
To kick off Black History Month in February, La La beckons guests to escape the winter blues by visiting the Sunshine State. A warm haven awaits, complete with palm trees and vacation vibes, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unique travel experience that is La La Land.
“From a diversity standpoint, it’s important to me too to also drive home things that are important to us, that are important to our communities, and things that we want to see,” La La says of the décor, adding that she curated everything from “sheets to the soap.”
While available all year, the first three one-night stays (accommodating up to 5 guests each) in La La Land are scheduled for Feb. 2, 3, and 4 at a special price of $7! This price holds significance as it pays homage to La La’s lucky number and her son Kiyan’s birthdate.
“I wanted it to be accessible to everyone and for everyone to be able to experience La La Land…I wanted to do something that was affordable and fun for everyone,” she said of the price.
Following those initial stays, the residence will be available for additional bookings throughout 2024. Whether marking a significant birthday, enjoying a weekend retreat for moms, embarking on a girls’ getaway, or simply indulging in a spontaneous escape, all visitors will relish the following amenities during their stay:
- La La-inspired artwork and modern décor that bring her fun, vibrant personality to life
- Plenty of bright, snappable spaces that have been perfectly curated for social media-worthy moments
- Full, private access to the entire 2,491-square-foot property, including five customized bedrooms, four bedrooms, and an outdoor patio and pool for lounging
- All the amenities for a luxurious stay, including high-quality linens, a fully stocked kitchen, and haircare products from La La’s own brand, Inala
- Guests who book the initial three one-night stays on Feb. 2, 3, or 4 will also meet La La in person, including a tour of the space—and maybe even some selfies!
For those who adore the beach, cherish friendships, and everyone falling in between, booking requests open on Jan. 24 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT at airbnb.com/lalaland.
Guests are accountable for their own transportation to and from Fort Lauderdale. Press play below to learn more about La La’s plans with Airbnb—and what fans can expect from the new season of “BMF” on Starz.
RELATED CONTENT: La La Announces $7 ‘La La Land’ Stay With Airbnb In Ft. Lauderdale
The post La La Announces $7 ‘La La Land’ Stay With Airbnb In Ft. Lauderdale: ‘I Wanted To Do Something That Was Affordable And Fun For Everyone’ first appeared on Black Enterprise.
It’s no secret that Spike Lee is widely regarded as one of the most significant and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, particularly in the context of African American cinematography. He’s well-known for tackling social, political, and racial issues in his work, and many of his movies, like 1989’s Do the Right Thing and 1992’s Malcolm X, have received critical acclaim. However, despite a successful and lucrative career in Hollywood, some of his movies have been underrated and misunderstood.
One of those misunderstood films is 2014’s Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, Spike Lee’s cinematic tribute to the pioneering actor, novelist, and playwright Bill Gunn. It’s well known that Lee is a student of film history and African American culture, and Da Sweet Blood of Jesus is actually a remake of 1973’s Ganja & Hess, a movie that Gunn wrote and directed nearly four decades earlier. Da Sweet Blood of Jesus is also Spike Lee’s first foray into the realm of horror, and his experimental approach to the narrative has polarized fans and critics alike.
Da Sweet Blood of Jesus follows Dr. Hess Green (Stephen Tyrone Williams), a wealthy African American art collector and anthropologist who acquires an ornate dagger originating in the ancient Ashanti Empire, whose people have become addicted to blood transfusion. After sharing a couple of drinks with his colleagues at his mansion on Martha’s Vineyard, Green ends up stabbed with the very same dagger he acquired and wakes to discover that he’s become a vampire suffering from an insatiable need for human blood. He later feeds on those same colleagues.
Soon after, the colleague’s ex-wife Ganja (Zaraah Abrahms) arrives at Hess’s house in search of her ex-husband, and Ganja and Hess quickly become lovers. Soon after, Hess turns Ganja into a vampire so that the two may share immortality.
However, after a while Green becomes tired of his vampiric life and decides to end it. Ganja, though saddened by his death, presumably continues her vampiric un-life. The narrative is basically the same as that of the 1973 original, but the subtleties are vastly different.
For example, the original Ganja & Hess had a psychedelic and dreamlike expansiveness, whereas Lee’s remake alternates between sleepy exchanges and unhinged, earthy wallows in gore and eroticism. The remake is sprinkled with the usual social, political, and racial themes Lee’s known for. Another example is the vampiric couple’s behavior towards others, which is often marked by intentional and inadvertent shows of classism and cruelty. Green goes out into the night and feeds on a prostitute, only to later discover that her blood is HIV-positive, while Ganja treats their house staff like dirt and even feeds on Green’s loyal domestic servant.
These added subtleties bring forth Lee’s usual symbolism, but much of the original narrative remains. The movie uses so much of the original dialogue that Lee actually credits Bill Gunn as a co-writer of Da Sweet Blood of Jesus. Critically, the movie received a mixed reception, with many praising Lee’s willingness to experiment with different genres and themes, while others finding the movie confusing and incoherent. Perhaps therein lies the explanation as to why Da Blood of Jesus remains one of Lee’s most misunderstood films.
A lot of that reception comes from genre and audience expectations. As stated at the beginning, Lee is known for his socially and politically charged movies, and Da Sweet Blood of Jesus most certainly doesn’t lack any of that charge. However, one must scratch a bit deeper to find all the hallmarks of a Spike Lee Joint. On the other hand, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus isn’t a typical vampire flick. In fact, neither Hess nor Ganja sprout fangs, nor do they sleep in separate or even co-joined coffins. They’re not actually afraid of or affected by sunlight.
The lack of these traditional horror elements, as well as the lack of suspense and jump scares, didn’t sit well with the horror-loving fans who might’ve expected more from a movie made by one of the greatest names in cinema. Instead, it focuses on thematic exploration and moral dilemmas, which ultimately leads to a mismatch for viewers expecting a more traditional horror experience. Finally, being a remake of the 1973 original, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus invited comparisons with its source material.
Both movies have basically the same narrative, and both Gunn and Lee have woven cultural and socio-political themes surrounding race and identity in symbolic and abstract ways. The critics, as well as the fans of the original movie, felt like Lee’s offering didn’t really capture the depth or the complexity of Ganja & Hess. Ultimately, the misunderstanding of Da Sweet Blood of Jesus seemingly stems from the fact that the movie is trying to be three things at once: a horror movie, a Bill Gunn tribute movie, and a Spike Lee Joint.
Instead, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus ended up being a mess, but a mess that can be attributed only to one of the greatest filmmakers in cinematography.