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Unlimited Access to Africa: How to Get an African Passport
Introduction
Types of African passports
African Union Passport
Requirements for an African Passport
How to Apply for an African Passport
Benefits of an African Passport
FAQs
Introduction
According to a recent report, African countries accounted for the majority of the world’s fastest-growing economies in 2019. As a result, there is a growing interest in doing business in and traveling to African countries. However, obtaining a visa can be a daunting and time-consuming task. A possible solution to this challenge is acquiring an African passport that grants unlimited access to African countries without needing a visa.
Types of African passports
There are two types of African passports: national passports and African Union passports.
National passports are issued by individual African countries to their citizens and allow them to travel within and outside their borders.
On the other hand, the African Union passport is a special document issued by the African Union (AU) to all African citizens. The passport is intended to ease movement among African countries by circumventing bureaucracy and visa restrictions. It is part of the AU’s Agenda 2063 initiative, aimed at promoting African integration.
African Union Passport
The African Union passport is blue with a golden emblem of Africa in the center. It is valid for five years and is renewable. The document is accepted in all African countries except Morocco and some countries have begun issuing them to their citizens.
As of 2021, the AU has issued over 400,000 of these passports, with Tanzania and Senegal leading in numbers issued.
Requirements for an African Passport
To be eligible for an African passport, one must be a citizen of an African country and have a valid national passport. Additionally, the AU requires applicants to provide:
– A completed application form
– Two recent passport photographs
– A national identity card
– A copy of a valid African passport or residence permit
– Proof of payment of the passport processing fee
How to Apply for an African Passport
To apply for an African passport, one must first obtain a national passport from their home country. Afterward, the applicant can visit their country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or passport office to apply for an African Union passport.
The processing time for an African passport varies by country; it can range from a few days to several weeks.
Benefits of an African Passport
The benefits of an African passport include:
– Visa-free access to all African Union member countries except Morocco
– Easier access to business opportunities across the continent
– Simplified travel within Africa with no need for multiple visas
– Enhancing African identity and unity
FAQs
Q: Which African countries do not accept an African Union passport?
A: Only Morocco does not accept the African Union passport, though they are expected to join soon.
Q: Can a non-African citizen obtain an African passport?
A: No. Only citizens of African countries are eligible for an African passport.
Q: Can an African passport holder work in any African country?
A: No. An African passport holder would still need relevant work permits as per the respective country’s regulation.
Q: How much does it cost to obtain an African passport?
A: The cost of obtaining an African passport varies by country. However, it generally ranges from $50 to $100.
Q: How long is an African Union passport valid for?
A: An African Union passport is valid for five years.
In conclusion, an African passport is an excellent tool for anyone who desires to explore business opportunities in Africa or travel the continent. It offers great benefits despite the bureaucracy involved in acquiring one. Getting an African Union passport might just be one of the best investments a citizen of an African country could make.