Years after independence for most African countries, intra-Africa travel is still a hurdle because of the process involved in applying for a visa to countries.
Despite countless efforts to make Africa an accessible continent for travel for other Africans, there is still a lot that needs to be done in terms of streamlining the travel restrictions in place for other Africans in other countries. According to a report by African Development Bank in 2022, only three countries out of the 54 in Africa allow visa-free entry for other Africans that is, Benin, Seychelles, and the Gambia.
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It is also reported that only 24 African offer e-visa as an option for travel. An e-visa offers travelers an easier option for travel and gives them an easy time as it allows them to apply for a visa ahead of their travel date. Travelers apply for a visa online and at the convenience of their location.
In the report by Africa Development Bank, it is also noted that 48 out of 54 African countries allow visa-free travel to citizens of at least one other African country and 42 countries offer visa-free travel to citizens of at least five other African countries. Although these statistics show some progress, the goal is to achieve a visaless Africa for Africans.
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The United Nations has reported that the process of achieving the goal has faced multiple hurdles with some countries saying that their interest is in protecting their citizens and dropping visa restrictions may cause security issues. Although there has been an introduction of the African passport, it can only be issued to senior diplomats and it is still not clear whether other citizens can acquire it.
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The achievement of a visa-free Africa for Africans will streamline continental trade in the region and will likely push the continent forward. It is also likely to promote tourism across the continent.
