Rwanda among the Top African Countries with Free Entry for Africans
As Africa continues to enhance intercontinental trade, particularly among its own inhabitants, out of the 54 countries on the continent, five have abolished visa requirements for all African nationals seeking entry.
Business Insider reported that 48 African countries are gradually easing visa processes for fellow Africans, but only five have completely scrapped visas for all Africans.
Rwanda
Rwanda has long declared a warm welcome to all Africans, allowing them to enter without a visa or any fees.
When President Paul Kagame announced this at the 2023 International Tourism Conference held in Kigali, he said, “Any African can board a plane and come to Rwanda whenever they want, and they won’t pay a dime to enter our country.”
This follows Rwanda’s decision in 2018 to expand the number of African countries whose citizens could enter without a visa, culminating in the 2020 declaration that visas were abolished for all Africans.
Kenya
In October 2023, Kenya removed visa requirements for all Africans to accelerate trade and economic cooperation with other African countries. This policy, which took effect in January 2024, allows Africans to enter Kenya for various reasons without a visa for up to 90 days, making it another East African country welcoming all Africans.
Benin
In 2019, Benin’s President Patrice Talon announced that all Africans would no longer need visas to enter the West African country. This decision was inspired by Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to open its doors to other Africans.
The Gambia
Banjul, The Gambia: skyline of the low-rise Gambian capital with the River Gambia as Background – minarets of King Fahad Mosque on the right
In 2019, Gambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that all Africans, as well as citizens of the European Union, Commonwealth countries, and the Baltic states, could enter Gambia without requiring a visa. This policy covers diplomats, members of international organizations, and other visitors.
Seychelles
Driven by its focus on boosting tourism, Seychelles became the first African country in 2018 to eliminate visa requirements for all Africans visiting for various reasons. The Seychelles archipelago continues to lead Africa in simplifying visa processes for Africans, though it recently removed Nigeria from the list of countries whose citizens can enter without a visa.