Spain Grants Visa-Free Travel to Eight African Countries, Excludes Kenya

Spain will allow citizens of eight African countries to enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days from 2026. Kenya and South Africa are not included in the new arrangement and will continue to follow the existing visa requirements.

Under the revised policy, nationals of Rwanda, Mauritius, Botswana, Eswatini, Seychelles, Lesotho, Cape Verde and Namibia will be able to travel to Spain without applying for a short-term Schengen visa. The change removes the need for visa applications, supporting documents, application fees and consular approval for eligible travellers.

Spain expects the measure to strengthen tourism, trade and cultural links with the participating countries. It will also make it easier for citizens to visit family, travel for business or take short leisure trips.

Kenyan travellers will continue to follow the current visa process. Applicants must submit the required documents, book appointments at visa application centres and wait for approval before travelling to Spain. South Africa, one of Africa's largest outbound travel markets, is also excluded from the visa waiver.

The decision comes as African governments and industry groups continue to call for easier access to Europe. They argue that visa restrictions limit tourism, reduce business opportunities and make academic and professional exchanges more difficult.