Starting in 2026, Spain plans to allow citizens from eight African nations to travel without a visa using ordinary passports, granting them the opportunity to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day span. This initiative is anticipated to enhance tourism, facilitate business travel, and promote cultural exchanges between the European and African continents.
The countries benefiting from this new visa-free policy include Botswana, Cabo Verde, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, and Seychelles. These travelers will be able to visit Spain for short-term purposes such as tourism, conducting business, or visiting relatives and friends.
Despite the relaxation of visa requirements, individuals must still adhere to standard entry protocols. This includes possessing a valid passport and, if asked by authorities, providing evidence of accommodation, adequate financial means, and tickets for return or onward travel. Importantly, this exemption does not cover activities such as employment, extended studies, or permanent relocation, which will continue to necessitate the appropriate visa or residence permit.
Notably absent from the list of countries eligible for the updated travel policy is South Africa. Consequently, South African passport holders will still be required to obtain a Schengen visa to visit Spain or other nations within the Schengen Area for short stays.