How non‑tariff barriers hinder Africa’s visa openness gains
African countries have eased conditions for travellers but latest Visa Openness Index shows that non-tarriff barriers have remained a hindrance to ease of entry to into these countries.
African countries are increasingly introducing non‑tariff barriers that restrict the free movement of people, even as overall visa openness improves, the 2025 Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) report shows.
These Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) include introduction of more e‑Visas or electronic travel authorisations, varying visa fees, mandatory yellow fever certificates, and unnecessary paperwork at immigration desks, airports, and border entry points; in addition to new fees charged on arriving or departing travellers.
