ABSTRACT
The concept of visas has a rich historical background, originating in the 19th century when the United Kingdom coined the term in 1855, establishing it as a conditional endorsement within passports, granting access to British territories. In Africa, the adoption of visas was a gradual process, beginning in colonial times and persisting into the postcolonial era. This evolution has been influenced by a complex interplay of historical, political and economic factors, shaping visa policies across the continent. Hence, one of the key aspirations of the African Union's Agenda 2063 is the vision of an integrated Africa, characterised by seamless borders, free movement of people, goods and services, facilitated by enhanced infrastructure development. To realise this vision, African Union (AU) member states endorsed initiatives such as the AU Passport and the Free Movement of Persons (FMP) Protocol in 2016 and 2018 respectively. However, despite these commitments, both the AU passport and FMP have yet to be fully implemented, reflecting the challenges faced in harmonising visa regimes across the continent. Indeed, the widespread imposition of restrictive visa measures within Africa remains a significant hurdle. Excessive visa costs, bureaucratic delays, corruption and harassment by immigration authorities are among the obstacles hindering the free movement of Africans within their own continent. This situation contradicts the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and undermines efforts towards regional integration and economic development. As such, drawing on secondary data and examining historical documents such as the Abuja Treaty of 1989 and REC agreements on visas and free movement in the continent, this chapter aims to analyse the evolution of visa policies in Africa and the trajectory of efforts towards free movement on the continent. By exploring case studies from various African countries, the chapter will identify both the challenges and opportunities presented by current visa regimes. Ultimately, it will propose strategies for advancing towards a visa-free Africa, aligning with the aspirations of Agenda 2063. In contributing an African perspective to the migration and mobility discourse, this chapter sheds light on the implications of visa regimes for migrants and underscores the importance of realising Africa's vision for integrated mobility in achieving sustainable development and regional cooperation.
