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 Mauritian citizens can travel to the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This means holders of eligible Mauritian passports can visit participating European countries for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, or other permitted short-term activities without first applying for a Schengen visa. The 90-day rule is calculated across the entire Schengen Area, rather than separately for each country. Therefore, a traveller cannot spend 90 days in France and then another 90 days in Germany under the same visa-free allowance. Mauritian travellers must still meet the relevant entry requirements at the European border, and visa-free access does not automatically guarantee admission. 2. Seychelles Citizens of Seychelles can also enter the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The arrangement makes it possible for eligible Seychellois passport holders to visit participating European countries without obtaining a Schengen visa before travelling. Like Mauritian citizens, Seychellois travellers can use the visa exemption for permitted short-term visits, including tourism and other activities covered by the rules. The 90-day limit applies across the Schengen Area during the relevant 180-day period. Vanguard News The post 2 African countries whose citizens can travel to Europe without a visa in 2026 appeared first on Vanguard News.
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.
