Travel

Angola, the official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2026, is the focus of the international travel industry from 3 to 5 March. At the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show the country from southwest Africa is showcasing its cultural diversity, spectacular natural beauty and a vision for sustainable development. Events kick off with the opening press conference and opening gala on …

Mozambique has officially launched a new digitally enabled e-Visa platform, marking a major step in the country’s tourism drive and broader digital transformation agenda. The system is designed to simplify travel procedures, modernise border management and make the country more accessible to international visitors, including an increasing number of travellers from Germany. The platform, introduced under the government’s Visit Mozambique …

The landmark Trans-African Tourism and Unity Campaign, led by Pan-African advocate and former Ghanaian lawmaker Ras Mubarak, concluded its multi-month continental tour on 22 January 2026 after traversing 31 African countries and covering more than 40,000 kilometres. The campaign, which began in Accra on 18 August 2025, was to promote visa-free travel across Africa by 2030, strengthen tourism, deepen cultural …

Over 60% of African countries now face costly bonds or travel restrictions, highlighting the growing global mobility gap compared with European citizens, for example. In recent months, the United States has introduced sweeping visa policy changes that disproportionately affect travellers from Africa, adding new obstacles to business trips, tourism and family reunification. Central to these changes is an expanded B‑1/B‑2 …

The newly released Henley Passport Index 2026 once again highlights the deep inequalities that shape global mobility, showing how nationality continues to determine who can move freely across borders and who cannot. The annual ranking, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), assesses passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without obtaining a …

Travelling to Europe will become more digital and more regulated in 2026, as the European Union and the United Kingdom introduce new entry systems aimed at improving border security and managing migration. These changes will be particularly relevant for travellers from Africa and other non-EU regions who visit Europe for tourism, business, education or family reasons. One of the most …

Tourism industry leaders from across the world gathered in the Kingdom of Bahrain on 6 December for the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025, a night dedicated to honouring the most innovative and outstanding performers in global travel and hospitality. Before the global finale, the Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2025 took place in Dar es …

Ghana has long been celebrated for its warmth, vibrant culture and powerful sense of history. Sandro Sacco and Jane da Silva Sacco, proprietors of Reiseservice Sacco —Germany’s leading travel agency for Africa, write about their recent trip to Accra, reaffirming why the country continues to captivate travellers from around the world. By Sandro Sacco & Jane da Silva Sacco Some …

In a landmark development for African tourism, Angola has been officially announced as the host country of International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin 2026, taking centre stage at the world’s largest trade show’s 60th anniversary edition. On 16 October 2025, Angola’s Ministry of Tourism and Messe Berlin signed a partnership agreement to elevate Angola onto the global travel-industry stage from 3 …

Equatorial Guinea is showcasing a different African story — one of modern infrastructure, clean cities and strategic development. Writing from his Trans-African Tourism and Unity Campaign journey, former Ghanaian MP Ras Mubarak highlights the country’s progress while questioning Western double standards that often overshadow African achievements. As I journeyed through Equatorial Guinea, driving from Ghana to the vibrant city of …

Former Ghanaian MP and dedicated Pan-Africanist Ras Mubarak is leading a group of activists on an ambitious campaign to mobilize support for a visa-free and united Africa. The Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign, a 163-day, 40,000-kilometer road trip spanning 39 African countries, advocates for the elimination of visa restrictions for African citizens travelling within the continent. Launched on 18 …

In a welcome development, Germany has unveiled four new Schengen visa application centres — two in Nigeria (Abuja and Lagos), one in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and another in Nicosia (Cyprus). This expansion, launched under a renewed seven-year agreement with VFS Global, seeks to streamline visa services and reduce bottlenecks affecting applicants. VFS Global is the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services …

The European Commission has confirmed that its long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin its phased rollout on 12 October 2025, launching a digital transformation of border management across 29 European countries, including Schengen-associated states. Designed to modernise the cumbersome process of passport stamping, the EES will capture biometric data — fingerprints, facial images along with travel document and entry/exit details …

From 1 October 2025, Emirates passengers will face stricter rules when travelling with powerbanks. The Dubai-based airline says the move is aimed at enhancing onboard safety amid rising incidents involving lithium batteries across the aviation industry. According to the new policy, passengers may still bring powerbanks on board under certain conditions, but using or charging them during the flight is …

At the Skytrax World Airline Awards gala in Paris on 17 June 2025, Qatar Airways was crowned the World’s Best Airline for a record-tying ninth time, consolidating its dominant position with additional honours for Best Business Class, Best Business Class Lounge (Al Mourjan Garden) and Best Airline in the Middle East. Singapore Airlines, a five-time winner of the coveted Airline of the …

From 1 July 2025, Germany will end the remonstration procedure, a free appeal process that allowed visa applicants to challenge a rejection without going to court. Currently, if your visa is denied, you can file a written appeal (called a remonstrance) without going to court. This informal process usually takes between one and three months and gives applicants the chance …

In a significant policy shift, Namibia has introduced a visa requirement for German nationals and citizens of 32 other countries, effective from 1 April 2025. The policy aims to establish reciprocity with nations that mandate visas for Namibian citizens. The affected countries span Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania, including:​ Europe: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, …

The European Commission has proposed designating seven countries as “safe countries of origin,” aiming to expedite the processing of asylum applications from their nationals. Under this proposal, asylum claims from individuals originating from these nations would be subject to accelerated procedures, with decisions expected within three months, compared to the standard six-month timeframe. The Commission justifies this move by citing …

Travellers to the United Kingdom now need a digital travel authorisation called ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). However, consumer advocates are warning of widespread online scams that are catching many people off guard, German media report. Since 2 April 2025, most non-visa visitors to the UK – including tourists from the EU – must apply for an ETA before entering the …

Germany has updated its travel advisory for citizens visiting the United States following multiple reports of German nationals being detained at border entry points. The advisory warns that obtaining a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) does not guarantee entry, as final admission decisions rest with US border officials. The revision comes after several German travellers were …