Image Credit: kosmozoo / Getty Images
In recent years there has been an increase in the discourse and quest to drive togetherness on the African continent. African countries that require no visa for citizens from any country on the continent are setting a remarkable example for others to follow. While some have already joined the journey, others still appear yet to take this much-needed step.
From working towards less strenuous trade laws between countries to removing the visa requirement for visiting the country, one cannot help but applaud the positive changes springing up all over the continent. Adopting visa-free policies has several advantageous impacts on the development of the continent.
But it is equally crucial to recognize the fact that only a few countries have taken this step. There is a need for more countries to adopt this change to strengthen the relations, trade, and cultural exchange between African countries.
Fortunately, another country recently lifted visa requirements for African citizens, joining the ranks of countries setting a positive pace on the continent. That said, here are the 6 African countries to visit on a free visa in 2025.
Kenya
Mombasa, Kenya. Image Credit- rguha
President William Ruto announced in October 2023 that the country was working on removing visa requirements for African countries by the end of the year. True to his word, Kenya became visa-free to all citizens of the continent as of 1st, January 2024. However, you will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA in place of a visa).
This change has caused an increase in both visitors and tourists to the country, creating more jobs and generating more revenue for the Kenyan economy.
Apart from experiencing the local delicacies, you can also visit some wonderful tourist attractions like:
Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda. GATETE Pacifique, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rwanda announced a plan for a visa-free policy for every African in November 2023. This proclamation went into effect by the end of 2023, sparking lots of discussions across the continent that urged other African countries to follow this example.
The Rwandan goal for this plan was to make it easy for African citizens to enter the country. With such a change, the country has become a part of the tourist’s map for Africa. Also, the influx has caused an increase in cultural exchange and drawn more spotlight to Rwanda.
The country has lots of attractions for tourists and visitors. Here are some of them:
Ghana
Picture source – Ibom Air
Ghana joined the list on the 1st of January, 2025, making it the latest African country to become visa-free for anyone from an African country. Before this change, Ghana was visa-free to mainly ECOWAS members.
Although Ghana recently joined the ranks of visa-free countries for African citizens, one can expect positive results similar to what other countries are experiencing after the change. Nevertheless, the continent has started paying attention to the Gold Coast.
The republic of Ghana has lots to offer anyone looking for tourist attractions. From landscapes to historical landmarks, there is something for everyone.
Seychelles
Finding Seychelles on this list does not come as a surprise because of the country’s positive approach to tourism. It is important to note that Seychelles is the first African country to lift visa requirements for all Africans.
Tourism has always been a crucial part of the economy of Seychelles. Making this change heavily benefits the country’s economy and revenue. One should expect more changes aimed at boosting travel and tourism for this country.
Being a hot spot for anyone who loves beaches, Seychelles offers several attractions to make a visit/vacation exciting!
Benin
According to President Patrice Talon, the Republic of Benin removed visa requirements for African countries as a way to emulate Rwanda’s visa-free policy. Every citizen of an African country can travel to Benin without a visa.
Benin can also benefit from softer travel laws and requirements. Lifting the visa requirement has sparked a boost in the country’s tourism industry.
Being a once popular region during the slave trade, Benin has many landmarks and musuem that tell the tales of days past.
Gambia
Picture source – Mappr
Gambia is not only visa-free to Africans, but the country has also removed visa requirements for several other countries and citizens from outside the continent. A government-issued ID works fine.
Reports have shown how well these countries are performing in the travel and tourism sector and Gambia is no exception. The change also placed the country on the list of exciting places to visit on the continent.
In case you are wondering, Gambia also has many tourist attractions that include landmarks and wildlife.
While these countries have made the move to boost tourism, their decisions also benefit economic growth, cultural diversities and exchange, and cooperation among countries.
