As of mid-2025, traveling across Africa without a visa remains a challenge in several countries, with some of the continent’s nations ranking among the most restrictive in the world. According to the latest Henley Openness Index, which evaluates 199 countries based on the number of nationalities they allow entry without a prior visa, parts of Africa still lag far behind when it comes to visa-free access.
Why This Matters
While the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) envisions a borderless Africa that boosts intra-African trade, economic collaboration, and mobility, strict visa regimes are working against that dream. These restrictions not only slow down business and tourism but also hinder the free movement of skilled professionals, cultural exchange, and youth mobility — all vital for the continent’s growth.
With Africa’s youth population forming the majority and serving as a key driver of innovation, restrictive entry policies create barriers to economic integration and competitiveness on a global scale.
Africa’s Least Open Countries in 2025
Henley’s latest data highlights 10 African countries with the fewest nationalities granted visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry:
| Rank in Africa | Country | Global Rank | Nationalities Allowed | Openness Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Equatorial Guinea | 101st | 3 | 1.52% |
| 2 | Eritrea | 100th | 4 | 2.02% |
| 3 | Libya | 99th | 5 | 2.53% |
| 4 | South Sudan | 98th | 6 | 3.03% |
| 5 | Algeria | 98th | 6 | 3.03% |
| 6 | Congo (Dem. Rep.) | 97th | 7 | 3.54% |
| 7 | Sudan | 96th | 8 | 4.04% |
| 8 | Cameroon | 96th | 8 | 4.04% |
| 9 | Mauritania | 95th | 11 | 5.56% |
| 10 | Gabon | 94th | 12 | 6.06% |
Key Observations
- Equatorial Guinea sits at the bottom, offering visa-free entry to just three countries.
- Eritrea and Libya are also among the most closed, allowing entry to only 4 and 5 nationalities, respectively.
- South Sudan and Algeria are tied in their low openness, each granting access to only 6 countries.
- Even relatively better-ranked Gabon still only allows 12 nationalities to enter without a visa.
The Road Ahead
Experts and policymakers have been calling for harmonized visa systems and mutual recognition frameworks across Africa to unlock the potential of cross-border travel. Until such reforms are embraced, these restrictive policies will remain a major roadblock to Africa’s integration, economic growth, and global competitiveness.
The path toward a truly connected Africa will require more than just trade agreements — it will demand a commitment to mobility, trust, and the belief that borders should connect us, not keep us apart.
