Spain is set to eliminate visa requirements for travelers holding ordinary passports from eight African nations starting in 2026, enabling them to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This initiative aims to strengthen tourism, business interactions, and cultural ties between Europe and Africa.
The countries benefiting from this visa exemption include Botswana, Cabo Verde, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, and Seychelles. The policy will facilitate short-term travel for purposes such as tourism, business activities, or visiting family and friends.
Despite the waiver of visa formalities, visitors must adhere to standard entry requirements. This includes holding a valid passport and, when necessary, presenting evidence of accommodation, adequate financial means, and tickets for return or onward journeys.
It is important to note that this exemption does not cover employment, long-term education, or permanent relocation. Individuals planning to work or study in Spain are still required to secure the appropriate visa or residency permit.
South African travelers, however, are not included in this update. Therefore, they will continue to need a Schengen visa for short visits to Spain and most other countries within the Schengen Area.