Top 10 least open African countries at the start of 2025

As Africa pursues greater unity through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the issue of visa openness—or the lack thereof—remains a pressing challenge in shaping the continent’s future.

While efforts have been made to boost regional integration and ease travel restrictions across Africa, some countries continue to enforce highly restrictive policies, making it difficult for both African and international travellers to gain entry.

These stringent measures not only curb tourism and business opportunities but also stifle the exchange of ideas, investments, and collaborations essential for economic growth.

Often rooted in concerns over national security, administrative inefficiencies, and outdated frameworks that prioritize control over accessibility, these restrictive policies have far-reaching consequences. They risk isolating nations from the benefits of globalization, deterring foreign investment, and undermining efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.

The Henley Openness Index, which ranks 199 countries and territories based on how many places their citizens can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access, shows that some African nations are among the least open globally.

Equatorial Guinea, for example, ranks as the least open country in Africa, allowing its citizens visa-free access to only three countries out of 198, placing it at 101st globally. Close behind is Eritrea, with access to only four countries, ranking 100th in the world.

Libya takes third place, with only 5 countries granted similar access, placing it at 99th globally.

Liberia, Congo (Republic), and Chad also exhibit low levels of openness, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 15 countries, tied at 95th globally.