All African nationals are now eligible to enter Rwanda without the need to obtain a visa first, as the country has decided to become visa-free for the entire continent as of November 2.
The move positions Rwanda as the latest nation in Africa to adopt such a policy with the aim of promoting the free movement of African people and trade, VisaGuide.World reports.
During this announcement, President Paul Kagame highlighted the potential of Africa as “a unified tourism destination.”
According to data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, its tourism industry, however, still depends on attracting 60 percent of its tourists from outside Africa.
As local media reports, following the implementation, Rwanda will also join the ranks as the fourth African country to eliminate travel restrictions for Africans. The other nations that have waived visa requirements for African nationals are Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles.
Next to undertake such a move is Kenya, as its President William Ruto declared plans on Monday to permit visa-free travel for all Africans to the East African nation by December 31.
“Visa restrictions amongst ourselves is working against us. When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel, we all become net losers,” Ruto pointed out in this regard.
The African Union (AU) made a significant announcement in 2016 by introducing the African passport amid great enthusiasm, with the vision of rivalling the European Union model and “unleashing the continent’s potential.” Until now, only diplomats and AU officials have been granted this travel document.
The African Passport and the concept of free movement of people are designed to “remove restrictions on Africans’ ability to travel, work, and live within their continent,” as stated on the AU’s website.
In addition, the AU launched the African Continental Free Trade Area, a continent-wide free trade zone projected to be valued at $3.4 trillion. It aims to establish a unified market for the continent’s 1.3 billion people to stimulate economic development.
As of November 2023, the Rwandan passport is ranked 152nd in the world according to the VisaGuide Passport Index. As a result, Rwandan citizens can travel to 33 countries worldwide without needing a visa. On the other hand, for entry into the remaining countries, holders of Rwandan passports are required to apply for a visa in advance.
In January 2023, the Rwandan authorities also eliminated visa fees for more than 90 countries worldwide. The same said that it aimed to attract more visitors to the country and stimulate economic growth through tourism.