Africa Visa Guide: eVisa, Visa on Arrival, and Planning Tips
A practical overview of how visas work across Africa and how to avoid the most common entry mistakes.
How visas typically work
- eVisa: apply online before departure; may require a printed approval.
- Visa on arrival: pay at the airport/border; rules can change, so confirm close to travel.
- Consular visa: pre-arranged via an embassy/consulate; can take longer.
What to prepare in advance
- Passport validity (often 6+ months) and blank pages.
- Return/onward ticket proof (sometimes checked).
- Accommodation details or invitation letter where required.
- Payment method for visa on arrival (cash vs card varies).
Common mistakes that cause delays
- Assuming visa rules are identical across airports and land borders.
- Arriving without printed eVisa approvals when required.
- Not matching the purpose of travel to the visa category.
- Overlooking transit visa requirements for long layovers.
Use our planning worksheet
For trip planning, start with a country-by-country worksheet and update it again 2–4 weeks before departure.
Related reading
Last updated: Feb 2026. We review this page periodically for seasonality, pricing, and policy changes.
Sources & references
We link to primary sources where possible (tourism boards, park authorities, and health agencies).