Visa-free travel is the removal of all traveling restrictions, including visa applications between countries, to facilitate ease of access. This means that you only need your passport, and in some cases, your national identity card to cross borders.
Africans are calling for the removal of these restrictions within the continent. One of the most prominent voices is Nigeria’s businessman Aliko Dangote, who said he needs 35 visas to move within the continent, despite his business pedigree.
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According to the Visa Openness Index, 28% of countries within the continent don’t require visitors to get a visa, an improvement from 2016, when only 20% of countries offered such policies. 24% of countries offer e-Visa, up from nine countries.
Benin, Rwanda, Seychelles and the Gambia have the most liberal visa policies while Egypt, South Sudan, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan and Libya, have the strictest policies.
Many find it surprising that American and European citizens can access the continent easily, as they do not need visas, which always brings into question the power of African passports vis-à-vis European passports. Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of both.
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Advantages of an African Passport
It’s important to stress that Africa doesn’t have a single passport. However, the African Union (AU) launched a continental passport in 2016, issued to African heads of state, foreign ministers and diplomats. It was supposed to be rolled out to the citizenry by 2018, but this is yet to happen.
So what are the benefits of having a passport from an African country?
Regional Traveling
African countries have regional blocks, which tend to have reciprocal visa policies for their citizens. For example, the East Africa Community (EAC), which consists of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania, allows visa-free travel for its passport holders. The same applies to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states.
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Economic Opportunities
As a result of visa-free policies within the regional blocs, these countries can transact business easily, facilitating trade and growth between them. It opens the regional markets, making prices friendly to business people in the zone.
Enhances Cultural and Social Ties
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Allowing people to travel across borders promotes cultural diversity and strengthens social ties. Most countries have similar cultural practices, which makes it easy to assimilate. Cultural differences make us unique and leave room for visitors to learn.
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Access to Consular Services
When you are in a foreign country, your passport is the most important document you have. In case of anything, you will have access to diplomatic and consular services that can help you resolve any issues. Always know where your country’s embassy is located and have their contact information.
Global Travel
Some African countries enjoy visa-free travel regimes with nations outside the continent. This makes it easier to travel abroad for business or tourism. For example, Kenyans can enter Singapore and Hong Kong visa-free for 30 days.
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Advantages of a European Passport
European passports are some of the strongest in the world. Under the European Union (EU), they have access to other member states and enjoy ease of travel to Africa. Here are its benefits:
Visa-Free Travel or Visa on Arrival
Many African countries allow European passport holders to enter their countries visa-free or get a visa on arrival. This makes it easier for them to travel for business or tourism and even move on short notice. Many Africans have voiced their disappointment because European countries do not offer reciprocal visa policies to African travelers.
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Perceived Higher Status
Having a European passport comes with perceived credibility and trust. Immigration officers are likely to treat these travelers better and without suspicion due to perceived high status.
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Economic Benefits
Africa attracts foreign investors who want to take advantage of the economic opportunities. With the ease of movement, they can establish companies and have business partnerships with multinationals. This leads to job creation for Africans.
Diplomatic and Consular Support
European travelers enjoy support from their embassies spread across the continent. They receive guided support throughout their travels by getting constant communication about the security levels in these countries. We have seen the travel advisories they send when there is a perceived threat.
Social Connections
There are many expatriate communities across the continent which allow visitors to build social networks when traveling. Cultural exchange programs are beneficial for both parties in strengthening social ties.
Disadvantages of an African Passport
African travelers face a lot of challenges when traveling. We outline some of them.
Visa Restrictions
Henley & Partners established that Africa has the highest visa rejection rate in the world. Often, African travelers are given arbitrary reasons for rejection. For example, the embassy cites that it’s not sure the traveler will return to their home country once their visit period expires, despite them providing a return ticket.
Some are denied visas for not proving strong ties to their home countries, despite having strong reasons for travel. This has seen many African travelers miss economic and educational opportunities.
Lengthy Application Process
African passport holders are subjected to an arduous visa application process. We are required to present multiple documents; financial statements, health certificates, proof of stay, reason for travel, and proof of ties to your home countries among others. There is no limit to the amount of documentation needed. Additionally, we pay a non-refundable visa fee and even after you submit all documentation, you can still miss out on the visa.
Lengthy Waiting Time
Visa processing time varies by embassies. In 2023, the United Kingdom reduced the wait time for visas from six weeks to 15 days for Kenyan citizens. This is after it upgraded its services with TLSContact Visa Application Center in Nairobi. This Business Daily article shows that Kenyans had to wait for up to a year for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. That was cut by five months for some categories; tourist/business (B1/B2), student (F,J,M).
Poor Perception of African Passport Holders
African passport holders are deemed to be high-risk travelers. Many embassies hold the view that they might overstay their visas or disappear after entering the country to avoid returning home. This leads to increased scrutiny at the borders and sometimes racial prejudice.
Limited Consular Services
Some African countries lack consular services abroad, which can lead to challenges when accessing its services abroad.
High Cost of Travel
Traveling as an African is expensive. Before you book flights or accommodation, you have to deal with visa fees and the cost of getting the required documents. Some people must move to a neighboring country to access visa application centers. For example, the French Embassy in Nairobi processes visa applications for Somali citizens. This means an applicant must travel to Nairobi for appointments and passport collection.
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Disadvantages of European Passport
You might not think that holding a European passport can be disadvantageous. Here are some of them.
Security Risk
European citizens can be the target of crime and terrorist groups. This is due to perceived wealth and geo-political disagreements between countries. Terror groups use them to retaliate against their governments. This is why their countries issue travel advisories for those wishing to travel to some countries.
High Cost of Travel
European passport holders can travel visa-free to most countries but aren’t exempt from high costs. While African countries are relatively cheap, destinations mostly occupied by expatriates are expensive. Also, some locals take advantage and hike prices when selling their goods to them.
Cultural and Social Barriers
In most African countries, European travelers can get by with English. However, some locals aren’t conversant with the language, as they communicate in their native language. This creates a communication barrier. Even when they understand English, the foreign accent can be challenging to understand. Additionally, they have to adapt to distinct cultural practices like eating, dressing and more.
Poor Health Services
The availability of quality health services is essential for a good traveling experience. European passport holders enjoy quality healthcare services in their countries and they might not get the same level of care abroad. This means using more money to go to private hospitals or cutting short their trip back home.
Perceived Wealth
White travelers are deemed to be wealthy and thus are open to exploitation by locals. People in the service industry expect tips or kickbacks and some on the streets expect handouts. This makes them a target for petty theft in areas they are likely to frequent.
Conclusion
These are the pros and cons of having an African and European passport. If you want to enjoy its benefits, you can go to nations that allow you visa-free access. Most of the limitations associated with the African passport are administrative, so we hope policymakers will work towards change.
In its 2063 agenda, the African Union (AU) hopes to achieve visa-free travel on the continent, as one of the main pillars of Africa’s economic prosperity. We also hope this will lead to reciprocal visa policies with Western countries. What is your experience of traveling with a passport from an African country? Share your comments below.
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