Africa Visa and Travel News
Numerous official websites operated by Ghanaian embassies and high commissions are currently unavailable due to technical issues. Missions in Paris, London, Washington, Brussels, Madrid, Ottawa and Tokyo are among those affected. Ghana’s national e-Visa portal, however, remains operational.
South Africa now charges a processing fee of 500 rand, or about $30, for its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). At the same time, the portal is beginning to open beyond the four nationalities included in the pilot program.
Leaders of the Southern African Development Community, meeting in Durban on August 17, 2026, approved the agreement establishing the SADC Tourism UNIVISA. The future common visa is designed to make travel easier across several countries in the region, with an initial rollout planned in five states.
Since August 1, 2026, European Union travelers have been subject to new conditions when applying for a visa to Guinea. In addition to raising the entry visa fee to $100, Conakry has set the processing time at 45 days and suspended the issuance of multiple-entry visas, among other measures, under the principle of reciprocity with the EU.
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially launched South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) on August 12, 2026. Following a pilot phase limited to four nationalities, the system is now set to gradually expand to additional countries. The government also revealed that more than 216,000 applications have already been processed.
Travelers arriving in Malawi are now required to complete a Traveller Health Check, a digital health declaration that generates a QR code to be presented at the border. The form can be completed before travel, although authorities also provide screening options for passengers who arrive without having completed it in advance.
Malawi’s Immigration Department has republished its list of nationalities that can travel without prior authorization and obtain a visa on arrival. The updated document lists 160 countries and territories, while nationals of 47 countries must still obtain a visa or prior authorization before departure.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health has clarified how the country’s new mandatory travel insurance requirement will work for foreign visitors. Travelers will be able to use insurance purchased in their home country if it meets Kenya’s required coverage levels, but proof of coverage will have to be submitted as part of the ETA application.
All travelers entering Nigeria must complete a free health declaration, ideally at least 24 hours before departure. A PDF confirmation containing a QR code is then sent by email and must be presented upon arrival.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will officially launch South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation on August 12, 2026. Already available to travelers from four countries, the ETA is expected to expand “to all countries” in September, while initially remaining optional for visa-exempt nationals.
Chad will lift visa requirements for citizens of every African country beginning January 1, 2027.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs is proposing a 500-rand fee, or about $30, to process ETA applications and other visa and permit requests submitted online. The measure is scheduled to take effect on August 17, 2026, but must first complete the public consultation process.
Kenya is continuing preparations for mandatory travel health insurance for foreign visitors. A newly published government notice sets minimum coverage at $50,000, although officials have not yet announced when the requirement will be implemented in practice.
Egypt has officially launched its new digital visa-on-arrival system at Cairo International Airport. Eligible travelers can now pay their visa fee electronically and receive a QR code to present at passport control.
Since July 1, 2026, travelers entering or leaving South Africa must complete an online declaration before their trip. This customs formality, separate from visa requirements, is used to declare goods, currency, or items subject to control.
