The rate of visa openness in Africa is rising sharply. In fact, every year, the African Development Bank publishes the Visa openness Index report. This document mentions the innovations introduced by each state. For the 4th consecutive year, Benin holds the top spot.
Leaders in visa issuance in Africa
The Visa openness Index report highlights the most attractive countries on the continent. The ranking reveals the entry of two new countries in the Top 3. This is the 4th time in a row that Benin has topped the list. This time, the Seychelles and Gambia follow in its footsteps. All three nations achieved a respectable score. Each country in the top 3 scored 1, while the weighting varies from 0 to 1.
This recognition is the fruit of the efforts made by these governments to facilitate access to their territory for African travellers. In recent years, many African countries have relaxed visa requirements for African nationals. This is a regional dynamic.
Some countries have gone a step further in implementing visa facilitation policies by adopting electronic visas. The number of states opting for this new form of visa has almost tripled in 5 years. The 2021 report mentions that the number of countries offering online visa applications has risen from 9 in 2016 to 16 in 2021.
Whatever people may say, there has clearly been a more liberal policy towards African travelers since 2016. Countries wishing to improve their rating must encourage the granting of visas on arrival. This policy involves systematically issuing entry visas for travelers from other parts of the continent. By acting on this lever, diplomatic authorities promote the free movement of goods and people. This further strengthens regional integration.
Innovations from Benin
There's a reason why the Republic of Benin is once again in first place in this ranking. For several years now, the country has been engaged in far-reaching reforms to enable Africans to enter its territory with ease. The government has even taken specific measures to allow certain categories of people to enter Benin without a visa. However, this exemption is subject to clear, pre-defined criteria.
The executive's efforts are part of the implementation of the PAG (Government Action Program). One of the priorities of this program is to make Benin a leading destination in West Africa. To make this vision a reality, initiatives have led to the introduction of a tourist visa on arrival. Benin has also introduced a fixed price for all non-Africans staying less than a week. To increase its attractiveness, the country has set up an electronic visa-issuing platform.
In view of all this, it's fair to say that Benin richly deserves its place. The country is constantly innovating to make its tourism offering highly attractive.
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