Despite having significant business interests across Africa, Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote faces significant travel difficulties that are largely avoided by European passport holders.
Speaking at the recent Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, he revealed that there are 35 types of visas to apply for, according to a report by VisaGuide.World.
It is easier for Europeans to travel to Africa than for Africans
Dangote's complaints highlight a broader issue of travel barriers within Africa. The difference in visa requirements between African and European passport holders is particularly off-putting to many.
Dangote made this point when he told his French counterpart Patrick Pouyannu that French passports do not require 35 visas and that they have more freedom to move around in Africa than he does.
In this regard, Dangote praised Rwanda, which abolished visas for all African nationals last year, as well as Benin, Gambia and Seychelles, which also allow Africans visa-free entry. However, many African countries still impose visas on each other, often with discriminatory practices, hostility and exorbitant fees.
African countries face humiliating experience with visa requirements
According to CNN, Tayo Aina, a Nigerian travel director, experienced a similar case. He described his humiliating experience at an Ethiopian immigration office where he was forced to provide a stool sample to prove he had not taken drugs. In addition to this, he has also been detained in Kenya and South Africa due to his Nigerian passport.
Travelling within Africa has been the most humbling experience for me.
Tayo Aina, Nigerian Tourism Director
In response to all the bad experiences, Aina bought a St. Kitts and Nevis passport for $150,000 to make her travels easier. The African Union aims to remove travel restrictions for Africans by promoting visa-free travel as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area. However, progress was slow.
In some cases, when you arrive in a country, the visa-on-arrival policy may change midway and you may be deported.
Tayo Aina, Nigerian Tourism Director
Regional travel within Africa has become more accessible, but challenges remain for long-distance travel. East African Community countries offer visa-free travel within the community, and most of Southern and Western Africa are open to their nationals.
However, policy changes may create new obstacles: Kenyan passport holders, for example, are now being charged $215 for an e-visa fee to Nigeria, replacing the previous $25 visa on arrival fee.
Kenyan President William Ruto has promised to abolish visas for travelers to the East African country. As a result, he launched electronic travel authorization. This is a similar process to applying for a visa, which costs $30 and takes a few days to approve. Additionally, applicants often require more documentation and clear reasons.
