10 African Countries Where Americans Can Visit ‘Visa Free’
10 African Countries Americans Can Visit Without a Special Entry Visa.
It is important to be knowledgeable about the entry requirements of a country you plan to visit. Unfortunately, due to a lack of planning, it is quite common for American citizens to incur unforeseen expenses as a result of carrying insufficient documentation. This can completely spoil travel plans, so it is best to be prepared. Luckily, It is important for instance, to check to be sure that your passport is valid for 6 months past the dates of your travel and that you have several blank pages available for stamps. Africa is a continent that offers the opportunity for Americans to visit several of its countries on a visa-free basis. Here’s a look at the African countries that do not require Americans to have special visas.
The Basics of Visa-Free Travel
Visa-free travel often indicates an agreement by two countries or more to allow their nationals to move freely between them. The term ‘visa-free’ means you can enter a country without a visa for a specified period of time. In a ‘visa-free’ context, all you need is to fill an entry and exit form and the immigration authorities of that country will place an appropriate stamp on your passport.
In a visa-free scenario, you do not have to pay a fee, whether affixed on your passport or otherwise. For business travellers, a key feature of visa-free travel means one can travel as soon as possible without having to take the extra time to make a visa application.
Beware that visa rules do change and so it’s essential to reconfirm the position from before travel. The following are African countries that offer visa-free travel for citizens of the United States.
Seychelles
You can visit this beautiful island country, visa-free for 30 days as long as you can provide evidence of return tickets, confirmed accommodation and proof of sufficient funds.
South Africa
Take advantage of the visa-free agreement here for a maximum period of 90 days. A key feature to remember is that you must have at least one unused visa page on your passport otherwise you will be denied travel. Airlines strictly enforce this rule as they incur heavy fines for failure to ensure non-compliance in their passengers.
Swaziland
Nestled in South Africa, and famous for its festivals that showcase traditional Swazi culture, the Kingdom of Swaziland offers 30 days on a visa-free basis for Americans.
Morocco
You do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. For longer stays, you will require a residence permit which can be issued by the police department of your place of residence in Morocco.
Mauritius
You can gain entry for 180 days as long as you can provide proof of sufficient funds to enter the country. You need to demonstrate an availability of a $100 per day as a minimum amount to live on. Extensions of stay are issued free of charge.
Lesotho
You can stay up to 180 days visa free in the Kingdom of Lesotho. If traveling from, or through a yellow fever endemic country, you must present a valid yellow fever certificate.
Equatorial Guinea
A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Americans are required to present a valid passport and an immunization booklet to border control officers on arrival. Although not required, it is recommended that you take malaria pills before travel.
Botswana
Visitors are not allowed for more than 90 days within a 12-month period. Malaria shots are advised.
Namibia
Tourists can enter Namibia visa-free for a maximum period of 90 days. Other than for touristic purposes, any other reason for entry requires a corresponding visa, which would need additional documentation.
Tunisia
You can stay up to 90 days on a visa free basis in Tunisia. If you intend to stay longer, you should request permission from the nearest police station in the district of residence. Your passport should have one blank page, and there is no vaccination requirement.
One final point to note
We always advise that you check the country in Africa you’re travelling to is not on a ‘watch’ or ‘caution advised’ list before you travel. You can do this via the Government site in your own country. We also strongly recommend you always register your travels plans with the local embassy too.
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Image Source: Pixabay
