In a bid to ease traveling for each other citizens, Rwanda and the Bahamas have decided to end visa requirements mutually.
As confirmed by the Ministry in a Twitter post, the memorandum applies to all passport holders. It allows citizens of both countries to travel without the need for visas, representing a significant advancement in diplomatic relations between these two countries, VisaGuide.World reports.
The agreement was formalized on September 23 in New York during the 79th United Nations General Assembly. It follows President Paul Kagame’s visit to The Bahamas in July 2023, where he attended the country’s 50th independence celebration. During his visit, he met with Prime Minister Philip Davis to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations.
However, since 2022, the two nations have discussed strengthening ties in various sectors. During a one-day official visit to Barbados, Kagame noted the ongoing discussions about travel and visa waivers between the two countries.
In this regard, he emphasized the importance of direct travel between Africa and the Caribbean, noting Africans’ considerable interest in connecting with the region.
It is an important step taken in the relations between Rwanda and the Bahamas.
Rwanda Joins Gambia, Benin & Seychelles in Visa Waiver Initiative
In 2023, Rwanda announced that all African nationals can enter the country without needing a visa, effective November 2. This policy positions Rwanda as the latest African nation to embrace visa-free travel across the continent, promoting the free movement of people and trade. With this move, Rwanda joins Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles as one of only four African countries to eliminate travel restrictions for fellow Africans.
This year, Rwanda signed a visa exemption agreement with Indonesia, allowing holders of diplomatic and service passports from both nations to travel visa-free. This agreement was established during a bilateral meeting in Jakarta between Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Vincent Biruta, and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
Currently, Rwandan citizens can travel visa-free to 32 countries, require an eVisa for nine countries, and need to apply for a visa for 22 others. As of September 2024, the Rwandan passport ranks 156th globally on the VisaGuide Passport Index, which evaluates the passports of 199 countries and territories.
In comparison, Bahamian citizens can travel visa-free to 127 countries, need an eVisa for 13 countries, and must apply for a visa to enter 22 others. As of this month, the Bahamian passport provides holders with extensive global mobility, allowing access to 127 countries and territories without needing a visa.