For many African travellers, visiting European countries often means applying for a visa, submitting supporting documents and waiting for approval before making travel plans.
However, citizens of some African countries enjoy visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area for short visits.
As of 2026, Mauritius and Seychelles are the two African countries whose citizens have visa-waiver arrangements with the European Union for short stays in the Schengen Area.
The visa exemption allows eligible citizens of both countries to travel to participating European countries without obtaining a Schengen visa in advance, subject to the conditions of the visa-waiver arrangement.
1. Mauritius
