Somalia officially launches its electronic visa service
Somalia has officially announced the implementation of its e-Visa/eTAS electronic visa issuance system, which will come into full effect on September 1, 2025.
Tunisia: tender for development of e-Visa platform declared “unsuccessful”
Tunisia’s Ministry of Communication Technologies has announced that the public tender launched in September 2024 for the creation of the country’s electronic visa issuance platform (e-Visa) has failed to produce a winning bid. The project, which aims to establish a fully digital platform for issuing electronic visas (e-Visa) in Tunisia,
Ghana: President wants to speed up introduction of e-Visa
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has called for the accelerated implementation of the electronic visa (e-Visa) as part of the modernization of the country’s border services. Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama took advantage of the inauguration of a new aviation control center in Accra to send a strong message: it
Senegal: electronic visa soon to be mandatory for countries that do not apply reciprocity
As a reciprocal measure, Senegal will soon implement an electronic visa (e-Visa) for nationals of countries that require visas for Senegalese citizens. On Friday in Dakar, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, accompanied by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, unveiled an ambitious National Economic and Social Recovery Plan. Adopted by the Council
Benin: free 72-hour visa for cruise passengers
Benin announces the introduction of a free 72-hour visa for cruise passengers, a measure designed to encourage maritime tourism. The government of Benin has announced a major measure to boost maritime tourism: cruise passengers stopping over in the country will now be granted a 72-hour visa waiver. This measure, reserved
South Africa: ETA coming soon, but will it also apply to visa-exempt travelers?
Starting in September 2025, South Africa will launch an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to digitize the issuance of tourist visas. For now, this measure will not apply to visa-exempt travelers, but questions are already being raised about its future extension.
Gabon launches new free tourist e-Visa system
Until September 30, 2025, Gabon is facilitating entry for foreign visitors by launching a free tourist e-Visa issued within 48 hours.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Foreign Minister “very ambitious” regarding e-Visa
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing to introduce an electronic visa (e-Visa), which was announced for launch in early 2025. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, promises to greatly simplify the process of traveling to the DRC. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is
After Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania considers mandatory insurance for foreign travelers
Following Zanzibar’s lead, which has enforced this rule for several months now, mainland Tanzania is considering requiring international travelers to purchase mandatory health insurance. Mainland Tanzania is preparing to follow Zanzibar’s example by introducing mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors. The measure, proposed as part of an amendment to the
South Africa: ETA to be launched in September 2025
South Africa will launch its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in September 2025, aimed at short-term tourists. This AI-based system is designed to eliminate border queues, fraud, and administrative burdens.
Namibia welcomes over 70,000 visitors since launch of new visa policy
Since the introduction of its new e-visa and visa-on-arrival system, Namibia has welcomed over 70,000 visitors and generated N$100 million in revenue.
Botswana: Electronic visa application system restored
After being suspended at the end of April 2025, Botswana’s electronic visa application portal (e-Visa) is once again up and running. Suspended without notice at the end of April, Botswana‘s e-Visa portal had halted the registration of new online visa applications, forcing users to go through embassies or local immigration
Lesotho soon to be visa-free for European travelers
Lesotho has approved a visa exemption for all citizens of the European Union. This decision, announced during the annual Lesotho-EU Partnership Dialogue, is expected to come into effect in the near future. Landlocked within South Africa, Lesotho aims to become a more accessible destination—particularly for European visitors—by simplifying its entry
Ghana reduces visa application processing time
Ghana has introduced a new visa policy, cutting the maximum processing time for applications to five business days. This initiative aims to boost the country’s appeal to international investors and tourists. Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a major reform regarding the processing of visa applications
Egypt to launch emergency visa-on-arrival system at Cairo airport starting mid-June
Egypt will roll out a pilot phase of its new digital emergency visa-on-arrival system in mid-June, initially testing it at Cairo International Airport. On May 15, 2025, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities chaired a strategic meeting to finalize the implementation of the new electronic visa-on-arrival system at Egyptian airports.
