Kenya is the latest entrant in visa free countries in Africa 2025 after rethinking about Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Critics labelled the ETA system a modern way to demand a visa from visitors. This is in an effort to make trade and regional tourism seamless. A recent statement by the Kenyan Cabinet stated that the country is eliminating all travel requirements for African countries except Libya and Somalia. Kenya cited security concerns as the major reason why Somalia and Libya were exempted from its visa-free category.
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Which are the Visa Free Countries in Africa 2025?
You can visit the following African countries visa-free in 2025.
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Ghana
- The Gambia
- Benin
Kenya
This East African hub recently joined the list visa free countries in Africa 2025 hoping to change its fortunes after a dip in rankings. Since the introduction of ETA, Kenya visitor arrivals dipped to 46th according to 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index. The Cabinet’s decision was in the hope that doing away with visa restrictions will boost trade and tourism.
Citizens from Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda – East African Community members – can stay for up to six months. Non-EAC members can stay for up to two months.
Rwanda
The East African Community passport. Photo/Business Daily
Rwanda joined a growing list of visa free countries in Africa 2025 following an increase in African travellers. Tourism was a key motivation in allowing visitors to enter the country without a visa from 2023. Rwanda is beautiful with unending backdrops of rolling hills, friendly people and endangered mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park is an amazing destination for gorilla trekking.
Seychelles
Seychelles championed the rolling out of visa-free visits for Africans in 2018. It was the first African country to lift visa restrictions for African citizens. However, the Seychelles government revoked visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens. Its beautiful beaches, natural wonders, rainforests and untouched islands attract many tourists every year.
Ghana
Former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo announced in December 2024 that Ghana would allow Africans to visit the country without a visa. Akufo-Addo said that Ghana always had a desire to allow more people to visit without immigration hurdles presented often by visa entry requirements. Over one million international tourists visit Ghana each year. Its natural beauty, and cultural heritage alongside its historic background make Ghana an attractive travel destination in West Africa. Its historic castles, festivals, beaches, music and food attract lots of cultural and nature enthusiasts.
The Gambia
The Gambia Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in 2019 its visa-free entry for African travellers. As one of the visa free countries in Africa 2025; The Gambia combines cultural diversity with nature. Its capital city, Banjul stands as a major tourist destination. Major landmarks in the city include the historic Banjul State House, Arch 22 Monument and Albert Market.
Further, Kunta Kinteh Island fascinates with its history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Black slaves from West Africa were shipped to Europe from Fort James located on the island. Travellers looking for more than history enjoy wildlife sightings at Abuko Nature Reserve and Bijilo Forest. Monkeys are plenty in both forests.
Benin
Under its visa-free policy, Benin now welcomes every citizen from African Union states to enter for stays of up to 90 consecutive days without a visa. This policy seeks to enhance regional unity and simplify travel to create a stronger African community. Under its current visa-free policy, Benin extends its free entry to citizens from Hong Kong, Haiti and Singapore.
Which Countries are Visa-free for Kenyans?
Kenya will grant visa free entry to all Africans starting 2024. Photo/Nairobi News
According to the Global Passport Index, the Kenyan passport strength ranks 67 globally allowing its holders to enter 78 countries across the world. Some of these countries include the following:
- Uganda
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Barbados
- Bahamas
- Antigua
- Botswana
- Benin
- Cayman Islands
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Estwatini
- Fiji
- Ethiopia
- The Gambia
- Malawi
- Ghana
- Namibia
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Mauritius
- Trinidad
- Zambia
- Saint Kitts
- Zimbabwe
- Montserrat
- Jamaica
- Kiribati
- Grenada
- Haiti
Conclusion
The lifting of visa restrictions has many benefits among them enhancing trade and movements between African markets. Research shows this system supports regional trading activities between countries and accelerates economic development across the continent. Visa simplification enables businesses to grow globally. Tourism flows increase when with visa-free entry.
