Easy Introduction to Africa’s Travel Visa Policies

African Exponent | Africa is a continent with 54 countries, five United Nations regions, and a million experiences. But, as a guest, how easy is it to get through this enormous and fascinating continent? The truth is that it is much simpler than you might believe.

In order to make sense of Africa in this whirlwind tour, the most logical way to approach it is to explore each of the five UN areas one by one. That isn't to suggest that all of the countries in these regions are alike, but they do have a lot in common, including visa requirements. As a result, it's a convenient way to categorize the continent with the most countries. Continue reading to learn more about your next visit!

North Africa

Getting In: For a European traveler, or an American or Australian approaching Africa from this direction, the countries along the Mediterranean's southern shore are easily the most accessible.

Some South European capitals are only a few hours' flight away from some North African capitals, and it's likely that if you've only ever visited one African country, it was one of these.

It is, nevertheless, a game of two halves. Some of the countries are extremely accessible. As a result, tourists from Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia are among the numerous nationalities who can obtain a Visa on Arrival in Egypt, whereas the same nationalities can enter Morocco and Tunisia without a visa. It's no surprise that these are the three North African countries with the highest tourist numbers.

Getting into Algeria, Sudan, or Libya involves extra planning and a visa that must be obtained in advance from an embassy.

Getting Amazed: As you might guess, Egypt boasts a number of prominent tourist attractions, and no traveler should be oblivious of what this amazing country has to offer.

But did you know that Sudan has its own, even older pyramids at Meroe? Or that the Roman ruins in Leptis Magna, Libya, are among the world's best? Or that you can visit the real Star Wars sets in the Tunisian desert, which were erected over forty years ago?

West Africa

Getting In: The densely packed and densely populated region of West Africa is probably one of the most unexplored for travelers, with nearly twenty countries. This is due in part to the sheer number of borders, and in part to more restrictive visa requirements.

The majority of the countries in this region require embassy visas in advance. However, nations with larger tourist economies offer Visas on Arrival (Senegal for Australians and New Zealanders, Togo for most international tourists) or no visa at all (Senegal for Australians and New Zealanders, Togo for most international tourists) (The Gambia for pretty much everyone).

In addition, a few other countries, such as Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea, have recently implemented an electronic eVisa system for several visiting nationalities, indicating that the region is becoming more open.

Getting Amazed: If you enjoy the beach, the experiences available in places like Sierra Leone and The Gambia will astound you. If you're a culture vulture, the diversity inside these countries, let alone between them, will delight you. If you're looking for history, the forts of Ghana, as well as the ancient cities of Mali and Nigeria, may entice you.

Central Africa

Getting In: For most of the nations in this region, you'll need to apply for an embassy visa ahead of time. A few nations, such as Rwanda, do, however, issue Visas on Arrival at the airport.

Getting Amazed: Because the majority of the region speaks French, knowing it will give you a much richer experience in Central Africa. Nonetheless, English-speaking guides and accommodations are available in every destination.

Expect to be afforded a lot of opportunities to observe animals, with species differing by country. Alternatively, be the first Canadian or Australian you know to visit a sun-drenched beach near the equator!

Eastern Africa

Getting Here: The major airport hubs are Kenya and Ethiopia, and most journeys here pass through these countries. Some places, such as Madagascar and Uganda, do not require visas, and South Sudan now offers an electronic eVisa.

Getting Amazed: Make a point of seeing the Indian Ocean if you haven't before. It is, without a doubt, the most gorgeous place on the planet. You won't be disappointed whether you're enjoying it from the charming island nation of Seychelles, the magnificent beaches of Kenya, or the sun-kissed jewel of Mauritius.

If you're searching for a more active vacation, try hiking in Ethiopia's highlands or watersports on Lake Victoria. And don't expect to see any animals while visiting this place. In large portions of Tanzania and Kenya, lions, zebras, and giraffes are widespread, and gorillas can be found in Uganda's mountains and volcanoes.

But if you truly want to see animals that aren't found anywhere else on the planet, Madagascar, the remote but inviting island, is undoubtedly the place to go. There are more unique animal species here than anywhere else on the earth.

Africa's Southern Hemisphere

Getting In: Getting into this region is a breeze. For dozens of nationalities, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana are visa-free, and Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique offer Visa on Arrival. The majority of the borders in this region are straightforward to cross, and if you're planning to cross a few in Africa by car, here is likely the best place to do so.

Getting Amazed: South Africa's national parks are well-known worldwide, and Victoria Falls attracts people from both Zambia and Zimbabwe.

However, if you want to see genuine Africa, both in terms of wildlife and scenery, you may visit any of the countries listed below and not be disappointed.

Namibia and Botswana have fewer tourists but provide far more cheap experiences than South Africa, so it all depends on the type of African adventure you seek.

After all, Africa is a vast continent full of huge aspirations, gorgeous cities, and a spirit of adventure!