Challenges of Traveling in Africa: Visa Obstacles for Africa's Wealthiest Individual
Aliko Dangote, Africa's wealthiest man, highlights the significant visa challenges he encounters while traveling within Africa, emphasizing the disparity compared to European visitors' ease of access.
Even Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, finds it challenging to travel within his own continent. Despite being involved in business operations across various countries, the Nigerian entrepreneur expresses frustration over facing more obstacles while traveling in Africa compared to visitors holding European passports.
Dangote shared at the recent Africa CEO Forum in Kigali that as an investor wanting to contribute to Africa's growth, he has to apply for 35 different visas on his passport.
He humorously mentioned to the audience that he doesn't have the luxury of time to personally visit embassies to drop off his passport for visa processing.
The visa challenges faced by a 67-year-old entrepreneur have sparked renewed discussions about the difficulties of traveling within Africa for Africans.
Many Africans find it frustrating that European passports from former colonial powers have greater visa-free access in Africa compared to many African passports. This was emphasized by Dangote during a conversation in Kigali, where he pointed out to a French executive that he doesn't need 35 visas on a French passport, highlighting the disparity in travel freedom within Africa.
Rwanda was praised by Dangote for removing visas for all African nationals in 2023. Similarly, Benin, The Gambia, and Seychelles also allow visa-free entry for all Africans. However, there are still many African countries that require visas from other Africans, leading to experiences of discrimination, hostility, and expensive fees.
Powerful passports: France is one of six countries to top a 2024 index of the world's most "powerful passports." (Pictured: The Eiffel Tower in Paris.)
Powerful passports: France is one of six countries to top a 2024 index of the world's most "powerful passports." (Pictured: The Eiffel Tower in Paris.)
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‘Humiliating experience’
Nigerian travel filmmaker Tayo Aina shared that he had a humiliating experience when he arrived in Addis Ababa in April 2021. He was required to provide a stool sample in front of an Ethiopian immigration officer.
Tayo Aina expressed that this incident was the most embarrassing experience he has had while traveling within Africa. He mentioned that he has faced similar issues at airports in Kenya and South Africa due to his Nigerian passport.
This year, Aina shared that he invested in a passport from the Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis for $150,000 to have more flexibility in his travels. As a 31-year-old YouTuber, he mentioned encountering situations where travelers face unexpected visa changes and even deportation upon arrival.
The African Union has expressed its aim to enhance the freedom of movement for Africans, enabling them to travel, work, and reside within the continent without obstacles. Despite the vision of promoting visa-free travel and eliminating restrictions, progress has been sluggish in translating these goals into action. The seamless movement within Africa is crucial for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area, yet tangible steps have not matched the promises made.
Difficulty crossing African borders is a regular source of frustration for African travelers.
Difficulty crossing African borders is a regular source of frustration for African travelers.
Marco Longari/AFP/Getty Images
The fear of permanent migration is one of the reasons why African nations don’t make it easy for other Africans to visit, migration researcher Alan Hirsch told CNN.
In richer African countries, there is a concern that individuals from poorer nations may be seeking to permanently relocate there. Many Africans cross borders informally, making it difficult to track their movements. Some countries are worried about individuals applying for asylum and then disappearing without a trace.
The retired University of Cape Town professor, who now leads a migration program at the New South Institute in Johannesburg, points out that the reliability of passport and visa systems in poorer African countries has hindered the mobility of Africans. Instances of obtaining passports through illegal means, such as pretending to be from a different country, have been reported.
Nicusor Floroaica/Sovereign Order of Malta
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Africans have the freedom to travel within their regions without many restrictions. However, traveling outside their regions can be difficult. For instance, travelers from East African Community countries can move around without needing a visa within the block. Similarly, most parts of Southern and West Africa are accessible to nationals from their respective regions.
Even though it may seem like things are moving forward, there can still be new obstacles to overcome. In the past, Kenyan passport holders could get a Nigerian visa on arrival for just $25. However, due to recent changes, Kenyans now have to apply for a Nigerian e-visa beforehand, which comes with a higher price tag of $215.
Security officers are seen at the passport control point at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport in Abuja, Nigeria September 7, 2020. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde
Security officers are seen at the passport control point at the Nnamdi Azikiwe international airport in Abuja, Nigeria September 7, 2020. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde
Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters
Kenyan President William Ruto made a well-known promise to get rid of visas for all travelers to Kenya. Instead, he implemented an Electronic Travel Authorization, which has a similar application process to a visa. The cost is $30 without processing fees, and approval can take several days. Many visa applications require various documents like an application form, bank statements, and proof of flight and hotel bookings. Applicants are often denied for incomplete or unclear documentation.
Nigerian content creator Tayo shared his experience of South Africa holding his passport for nearly five months. With his new St Kitts passport, he now has access to more African countries than with his Nigerian passport.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the challenges faced by Africans when traveling within their own continent, particularly in obtaining visas. Despite being a prominent businessman, Aliko Dangote has faced significant obstacles, requiring 35 visas for his travels. The disparity in visa requirements between African passports and those of former colonial powers further exacerbates this issue.
The difficulties encountered by Africans underscore the need for enhanced freedom of movement within the continent. The African Union's vision of visa-free travel remains elusive, hindered by concerns about illegal migration and the reliability of passport systems in some countries. However, progress has been made in certain regions, such as the East African Community and parts of Southern and West Africa. The adoption of Electronic Travel Authorizations, while seemingly progressive, may still create barriers for those lacking access to technology or facing financial constraints.
