The Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) has released its latest report, highlighting the top 10 most visa-friendly countries in Africa for 2024. The report showcases the continent's progress towards visa openness, with 39 African countries improving their immigration policies to welcome travelers from other parts of the continent and foster collaboration across borders.

Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and the Seychelles continue to occupy the top spot on the AVOI, offering visa-free access to citizens of various African countries. Sierra Leone and Angola have shown the greatest increase in their AVOI score, with Sierra Leone now offering citizens of 15 countries visa-free access, a slight increase over 2023 (13). Angola has added nine countries to its list of citizens who qualify for visa-free access, almost doubling the number of countries whose citizens previously qualified for the same.

The report highlights that 48 of 54 countries currently offer visa-free entry privileges to the citizens of at least one other African country, demonstrating the shared commitment to ease of movement. The top 20 ranked countries are predominantly located in West and Eastern Africa, with North Africa represented by one country (Mauritania), and Southern Africa accounting for three countries, namely Madagascar, Mauritius, and Mozambique.

The AVOI measures the extent to which African countries are open to visitors from other African countries. For each country, the AVOI calculates the number of African countries whose citizens must obtain a visa before traveling there, the number of countries whose citizens may obtain a visa upon arrival, and the number of countries whose citizens can enter visa-free. Each country is then assigned an AVOI score and ranked accordingly.

The report's findings have significant implications for the African continent, as visa openness is crucial for fostering collaboration, trade, and tourism across borders. The progress made by African countries towards visa openness is a testament to the shared commitment to ease of movement and the vision of the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) to create a socio-economically well-integrated continent.

The top 10 most visa-friendly countries in Africa for 2024 are:

1. Benin - 1.000 score

2. Seychelles - 1.000 score

3. The Gambia - 1.000 score

4. Rwanda - 1.000 score

5. Ghana - 0.868 score

6. Nigeria - 0.864 score

7. Cabo Verde - 0.864 score

8. Guinea-Bissau - 0.849 score

9. Mauritania - 0.830 score

10. Mauritius - 0.826 score

The Africa Visa Openness Report serves as a benchmark for African countries to assess their progress towards visa openness and collaboration. As the continent continues to make strides towards integration, the report's findings will play a crucial role in shaping immigration policies and fostering a more connected Africa.

In conclusion, the latest Africa Visa Openness Report highlights the significant progress made by African countries towards visa openness and collaboration. As the continent continues to move towards a more integrated future, the report's findings will be instrumental in shaping the course of immigration policies and fostering a more connected Africa.