In a significant move to streamline travel for foreign visitors, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are collaborating to introduce a unified visa system. This initiative, inspired by the Schengen visa model, will eliminate the need for separate visas across these five countries, as reported by VisaGuide.World.
The proposed single visa will facilitate seamless travel within the region, allowing visitors to move freely among Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe without additional documentation. Currently, Zambia and Zimbabwe operate a “univisa,” permitting entry to both countries and short stays in Botswana. The new plan seeks to extend this arrangement to include Angola and Zimbabwe, enhancing travel convenience and accessibility across Southern Africa.
Officials anticipate that the unified visa will significantly boost tourism by simplifying the visa application process. Travelers will enjoy the benefit of exploring multiple countries on a single trip, free from the hassle of securing multiple visas. This initiative aims to position Southern Africa as a more attractive destination, likely encouraging longer and more comprehensive visits.
In a parallel development, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—comprising the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait—are also planning to launch a single visa. Known as the “GCC Grand Tours” visa, it will allow travelers to stay in any of the GCC countries for over 30 days without additional procedures. Similar to the Schengen visa, this unified permit will enable entry to all GCC nations, aiming to enhance tourist retention and boost the region’s appeal as a prime travel destination.
Related topics:
