African visa costs have come under the beam light as citizens are beginning to express frustration over soaring costs of visas needed to enter various countries on the vast continent.
This is as many have narrated the obstacles they face when trying to explore countries in their backyard.
The issue came to prominence when a Kenyan journalist, Larry Madowo, highlighted his personal experience on X (formerly Twitter), noting that his single-entry Cameroonian visa cost €229, said to be the most expensive African visa fee.
He said: “My single entry Cameroonian visa cost €229, one of the most expensive visas an African country charges other Africans. Cameroon gives visa-free access to just 7 African countries.
“Why do African countries make it so hard to travel within our continent?”
His experience has ignited debates about accessibility, regional integration, and the promise of a visa-free Africa.
Another user on X (@queenetonde): “I paid the visa fee twice last year because I was in Cameroon in September & December. I initially requested a multiple entry visa; they only granted me a single entry visa, which meant I had to apply again the second time.
“Each time, I had to submit proof of travel, reason for my visit, proof of residence, proof of accommodation, proof of financial support, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. The payment portal also broke and wouldn’t let us pay for the visa for days. The second option was to momo a number listed. It’s the most expensive and stressful visa process I’ve completed in all 18 countries I’ve visited.
“I found this process even crazier because I’m Cameroonian by birth…I still don’t understand why Cameroon doesn’t allow dual citizenship. Having to apply for a visa to visit my own country is crazy.”
Also, a user on X (@julie_olum): “Bwana see my shock paying $160 for a single-entry visa to Burkina Faso last month. Crazy work.”
Cameroon is known for maintaining a restrictive visa policy compared to some of its neighbours.
The country offers visa-free access to citizens of seven African countries: Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, and Mali.
Other Africans must pay about €229 fee for a single-entry visa. This price applies to tourist, business, and short-term visits, with additional costs for expedited processing or multiple entries potentially driving the total even higher.
While Cameroon’s visa fee is the talking point on social media, it is not the only African nation with high visa costs.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass findings on African visa fees across the continent reveal a patchwork of policies, with some countries embracing openness while others impose significant financial barriers:
Nigeria: Nigeria’s Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) for African citizens costs USD 170 (approximately €159), making it another expensive option.
South Africa: Known for its stringent visa requirements, South Africa charges varying fees depending on nationality and visa type. For many Africans, a single-entry tourist visa costs around $50-USD 70 (€47-€66), though additional administrative fees and the complexity of the application process can increase the burden.
Kenya: A single-entry visa to Kenya costs about USD 50 (€47), a relatively moderate fee. However, Kenya is part of the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) scheme, alongside Rwanda and Uganda, which allows multiple entries across the three countries for USD 100 (€94) over 90 days.
Rwanda: Rwanda stands out as a champion of visa openness, offering visa-free entry to all African citizens since 2023. For non-Africans, a visa-on-arrival costs USD 50 (€47).
Benin, Gambia, and Seychelles: These nations also offer visa-free access to all Africans, aligning with the African Union’s vision of a borderless continent. Seychelles, in particular, has long been a model of openness, requiring no visa or fee for any nationality.
Egypt: Egypt’s single-entry tourist visa costs USD 25 (€23) for most nationalities, including Africans, though additional visa processing fees may apply. Despite its low cost, Egypt’s strict entry protocols can complicate travel.
Ghana: Ghana offers a visa-on-arrival to citizens of African Union member states for USD 150 (€141).
This development comes as the African Union has long championed the idea of visa-free travel as a cornerstone of economic integration and cultural exchange.
The Africa Visa Openness Index 2023, published by the African Development Bank, reported progress, with 50 countries improving or maintaining their openness scores.
Four nations, Rwanda, Benin, Gambia, and Seychelles, now offer visa-free access to all Africans, up from three in 2022.
The report also revealed that 46% of intra-African travel scenarios still require a visa, down only slightly from 47% the previous year.
The report also positioned that visa-free policies, or at least affordable visas, could boost trade, tourism, and investment.
