By 5 South African Countries To Soon Have A Schengen-Style Visa. Credit: Canva
There is something about the African landscape that makes it a perennial feature on our travel itineraries. And now travelling to five incredible countries of Southern Africa is about to become a whole lot simpler. In a move inspired by Europe’s Schengen Visa, five African nations are expanding their regional visa program to streamline travel for tourists. This new visa, applicable to Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, promises a seamless multi-country experience, boosting tourism across the region.
A Schengen Sibling In Southern Africa
Previously, the univisa, as it’s called, allowed access to Zambia and Zimbabwe, with limited forays into Botswana. Now, inspired by the Schengen Area’s free movement zone, this visa aims to make it easier than ever to explore the diverse offerings of all five countries.
While the current expansion focuses on the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area, plans are underway to extend the univisa program to encompass other countries within the Southern African economic bloc. This ambitious vision promises a future where exploring Southern Africa is as effortless as travelling across neighbouring European countries within the Schengen Zone.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Visa
Similar unified visa plans are underway in other parts of the world. The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) unified tourist visa is expected to be launched between 2024 and 2025, which will allow you to visit six GCC countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with a single visa, attracting long-haul travellers.
