Nigerian passport holders now enjoy increased travel freedom across Africa, with 17 countries offering visa-free access and 36 others granting visas on arrival, according to the latest Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) report. This development reflects the continent’s steady progress toward easing travel restrictions for African citizens.
The report reveals that Nigerians can travel visa-free to countries such as Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Seychelles, and Sierra Leone, while Algeria, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Morocco are among the 36 countries offering visa-on-arrival.
The index also highlighted broader progress across Africa in promoting travel integration. In 2024, 44% of African countries offered e-visas, a significant increase from just 17% in 2016. Furthermore, visa-free travel scenarios within Africa have risen from 20% in 2016 to 28% in 2024, reflecting a 40% increase over nine years.
Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles stand out by offering visa-free access to all African travelers. Meanwhile, Nigeria has moved from 25th place in 2016 to 6th place in 2024, making it one of the top-performing countries in the index. Other significant movers include Benin, which jumped from 31st to 1st place, and Ethiopia, now ranked 19th from 46th place in 2016.
Over the last nine years, 39 African countries have improved their scores, with six of the 10 most improved countries located in West Africa. These advancements underscore a strong regional commitment to reducing travel barriers.
The report highlights that 55% of intra-African travel scenarios required a visa in 2016, but this figure has dropped to 47% in 2024. More countries are transitioning from requiring visas ahead of travel to offering visa-on-arrival or even visa-free policies.
In 2024, 26 African countries provided e-visas, making it easier for travelers to obtain travel authorization ahead of their journeys. While this still requires a visa, it simplifies the process significantly compared to traditional visa applications.
The rise in visa openness aligns with Africa’s broader efforts toward regional integration and increased intra-continental trade and tourism. These improvements enhance mobility for African citizens, foster economic opportunities, and strengthen cultural ties across borders.
As more countries embrace visa openness, experts expect further growth in travel and tourism within Africa, which will contribute to the continent’s development and integration goals. The progress documented in the Africa Visa Openness Index offers a promising outlook for the future of African travel.
