The Gambia has secured the top position among 54 African nations in the 2024 African Visa Openness Index (AVOI), as reported by the African Development Bank and the African Union. This achievement highlights the country’s progressive visa policies, which make travel easier for citizens across the continent.
Visa openness measures how accessible a country is to foreign travelers, particularly how straightforward it is to obtain travel authorization. Countries with high visa openness either waive visa requirements entirely or allow visitors to obtain a visa upon arrival.
The 2024 report recognizes The Gambia, Benin, Rwanda, and Seychelles as leaders in fostering visa accessibility. It also notes that 16 of the top 20 ranked countries are located in West and East Africa, with a few representatives from North and Southern Africa.
Interestingly, the report suggests that lower-income countries are more likely to adopt liberal visa regimes, while wealthier nations often maintain stricter policies, citing concerns about economic migration or irregular travel.
The AVOI also highlights significant progress since its inception in 2016. Countries like Benin, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and The Gambia have made notable strides, reflecting a broader push to ease travel restrictions across Africa.
This shift towards more open visa policies is seen as a step forward in promoting regional integration and enhancing travel across the continent.
