Africa Visa Ease & Regional Tourism: Guest‑Friendlier Borders

The world is becoming more interconnected, and nowhere is that more evident than in Africa. A continent often defined by its geographical and political boundaries, Africa is now moving towards a new paradigm in which borders are becoming more porous for travellers. But what does it mean for a tourist to visit an African country with fewer visa hurdles? And what role will the tourism and hospitality sectors play in this ongoing transformation?

In this article, we’ll explore how visa liberalisation, improved infrastructure, and the rise of digital tools are reshaping tourism within Africa. What started as a dream for many African citizens and businesses is now beginning to take shape, with initiatives from governments, private sectors, and international organisations alike helping pave the way for a guest-friendlier Africa. Join us as we dive into the transformations occurring in Africa’s tourism landscape.

Context

Africa has long struggled with one significant challenge when it comes to tourism: visa restrictions. For decades, the continent has been a complex maze of travel requirements, where the process of obtaining a visa for an African destination could range from simple to virtually impossible. For many, these visa restrictions were a huge barrier to travel, both within Africa and to the continent from other regions.

But things are changing. As part of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, which envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, there has been a significant push to remove these travel barriers and encourage easier mobility for African citizens. This agenda includes plans for a continent-wide free movement of people, which, if fully implemented, could have a profound effect on African tourism. The rise of initiatives like the African Union's African Passport, aimed at facilitating easier travel for African citizens, and efforts like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is making the continent more accessible.

 Recent moves by some African nations to waive visa requirements for fellow African citizens are a significant step in realising the dream of continental mobility. By 2025, more countries in Africa are taking part in this process, showing their commitment to promoting regional tourism and integration.

Current Trends / Issues

Visa-Free Africa Movement

Over the past few years, a number of African nations have taken steps toward liberalising travel for African citizens. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements are growing in popularity, and more countries are starting to drop visa requirements, promoting regional tourism within Africa. Among the pioneers in this movement are countries like:

• Ghana: Ghana recently implemented a historic move in 2025, granting all African nationals visa-free access to the country. This has made Ghana one of the few countries in West Africa to fully open its doors to other Africans without the bureaucratic hurdles of visas. This move positions Ghana as a key player in the African tourism market, making it an attractive destination for regional travellers looking to explore more of the continent.

• Seychelles and Benin: These two nations have been leading examples of open borders, with visa-free access to all African nationals for several years now. Seychelles, in particular, has been a favoured destination for African tourists seeking a tropical getaway. As for Benin, the West African country has been one of the first to embrace visa-free travel, enhancing its status as a gateway to the rest of West Africa.

• Rwanda: Rwanda, a country that has already established itself as a hub for eco-tourism and luxury travel, has also adopted a policy of granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to citizens of other African countries. Rwanda’s travel policies are especially appealing to regional travellers, making the country an increasingly popular destination for tourists looking to explore the heart of Africa.

However, despite these positive developments, the challenge of uniformity across the continent remains. While countries like Ghana, Rwanda, and Seychelles lead the way, many African countries still require visas, making travel within the continent somewhat cumbersome. This inconsistent approach to visa policies underscores the need for more coordination across African nations to achieve the AU's goal of free movement by 2063.

Infrastructure & Open Skies

Improved infrastructure is another key driver of the growing ease of travel within Africa. Recent advancements in air transport are making it easier for tourists to explore the continent. These changes are part of Africa’s broader efforts to enhance regional connectivity, which includes the liberalisation of air transport services and improvements to the airport experience.

One of the most significant developments has been the creation of new air routes and airline partnerships. For example:

• easyJet launched its first sub-Saharan flight in March 2025, connecting London Gatwick to Sal, Cape Verde. This marks a major step in opening up new routes for travellers looking to explore less traditional African destinations. With three weekly flights, the airline is tapping into the growing interest in Cape Verde as a prime vacation spot.

• British Airways has also increased its connectivity to African destinations, launching new routes to cities like Tunis, Nairobi, and Lagos, further linking Africa with global markets. These routes, combined with the expansion of regional carriers, create a more interconnected continent.

One of the long-term goals is the realisation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which aims to eliminate the restrictions on intra-Africa flights. By allowing airlines to freely operate across African borders without excessive regulations, SAATM will significantly increase flight availability and reduce costs, thus making travel more affordable and accessible for African tourists.

Digital Payments & e-Visas

Digital payments and e-visa systems are becoming increasingly important in facilitating seamless travel experiences across Africa. Innovations like M-Pesa have transformed how tourists pay for goods and services within the region, especially in East Africa. M-Pesa and other mobile money platforms have made it easier for tourists to manage their finances while travelling through countries where traditional banking infrastructure may not be as widespread.

In parallel, many African countries are rolling out e-visa platforms to ease the visa application process. For example, Kenya and Rwanda both offer e-visa services, allowing travellers to apply for their visas online before arriving in the country. This reduces the need for long wait times at embassies and visa centres, thus encouraging more people to travel within Africa.

Countries such as Egypt, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania are also exploring digital solutions for payment and visa processing to attract more regional and international tourists. As the world becomes more digital, these advancements will only continue to play an important role in the future of African tourism.

Case Studies

Ghana: A Model for West Africa

Since Ghana's landmark decision to offer visa-free access to all African nationals in early 2025, the country has experienced a marked increase in regional visitors. Ghana is strategically positioning itself as a hub for intra-Africa tourism, and its commitment to ease of travel has made it one of the continent’s rising tourism stars.

The new policy is expected to attract tourists not only from neighbouring countries like Nigeria and Ivory Coast but from across the entire African continent. For example, Ghana's bustling capital, Accra, is now more accessible for business travellers, family tourists, and regional backpackers who previously faced visa challenges. With its rich history, culture, and heritage sites such as Cape Coast Castle and Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Ghana offers a diverse array of experiences for visitors.

Cape Verde: The Rising Star of African Tourism

Cape Verde's decision to open itself up to foreign tourists by creating visa-on-arrival options has paid off, with international airlines taking notice. As an archipelago located off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde has always held a special appeal for those looking for sun, sea, and culture. However, the introduction of more accessible visa policies and expanded air routes has cemented its status as a prime destination for African tourists. With routes from the UK and other parts of Europe, Cape Verde has seen its tourism sector thrive.

Insights & Analysis

What does this all mean for the future of African tourism? The picture is promising, though not without its challenges. As more countries adopt visa-free policies and infrastructure improves, Africa is likely to see an influx of both regional and international tourists. For the hospitality sector, this presents an exciting opportunity to capitalise on a broader pool of visitors.

However, the uneven pace at which visa policies are changing remains an issue. For Africa to reach its full potential as a unified tourism hub, more consistency in visa policies is necessary. Additionally, the digital payment and e-visa platforms that are becoming more widespread must continue to evolve to ensure that travellers can easily navigate Africa’s diverse tourism landscape.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the African tourism industry is poised to grow significantly in the coming years. Visa liberalisation, open skies agreements, and digital innovations will continue to break down the barriers to travel. Expect to see:

• A greater number of African countries implementing visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies.

• An expansion of international air routes, making it easier for tourists to explore Africa.

• Increased use of mobile payment systems and digital visa platforms to streamline the travel process.

Africa’s tourism sector will continue to thrive as it embraces these changes. For the hospitality industry, staying ahead of these trends will be key to attracting a growing, increasingly mobile tourist population.

Conclusion

Africa’s tourism industry is evolving, and the next few years promise to bring exciting changes. From visa liberalisation to improved infrastructure and the rise of digital tools, the continent is on track to become a more accessible and attractive destination for travellers. For the hospitality and tourism sectors, this is an opportunity to rethink how we engage with visitors and what we offer them. How will you prepare for the next wave of African tourism?