"The World Is Really Watching": Ukraine Opens E-Visa Access to 3 African Countries Only, SA Chuffed

• Ukraine granted electronic visa access to citizens of South Africa, Mauritius and Seychelles, allowing them to apply online
• Citizens of other African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Egypt, must still apply through a Ukrainian embassy
• The announcement sparked a mixed reaction from Africans, with many questioning why major nations were left out

South Africa, Mauritius and Seychelles are now the only African countries whose citizens can apply for a Ukrainian visa entirely online. The news was shared by African Folder on Facebook on 5 August 2026 and quickly stirred conversation across the continent.

The move places South Africa in a select group on the continent when it comes to travel access to Ukraine. While the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, Ukraine appears to be keeping its borders open to international visitors, including those from parts of Africa.

According to Ukrainian immigration services, the e-Visa system allows eligible nationals to complete their application without visiting an embassy or visa application centre in person. The list included only three African countries: Mauritius, South Africa, and Seychelles. Citizens of all other African nations, including those from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Egypt, are still required to go through the traditional embassy route. The announcement shared by African Folder drew sharp reactions online, particularly from Nigerians and Ghanaians who felt their countries had been overlooked. See the original Facebook post that sparked the conversation below:

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Africans discuss Ukraine's e-Visa list

Comments flooded in from across the continent:

Kroos Agbor asked:

"Who wants to go to Ukraine?"

Munts Mabuza joked:

"Looks like we'll have the chance to check out some Russian military shows as we make a run for dear life! 🤭"

Nomndeni Mkhize celebrated:

"Us the lions of Africa 🇿🇦♥️"

Neo January questioned:

"What about the leading nations of Africa, Ghana and Nigeria?"

Joyce Molalle added:

"This world is really watching. Anyone 🇳🇬?"

DearGod ThankYou declared:

"There's no Africa without South Africa."

Kofi Ankomah Hagan raised safety concerns:

"Africans still visiting Ukraine? Are they insured against missiles?"

Khumbulani Madonsela offered broader context:

"Ukraine is an important country because it has the capabilities and capacity to produce grains that can feed the whole continent of Africa, which has completely failed to win the war of hunger, so we need Ukraine. Let there be peace soon."

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Other Briefly News stories about visas

• Turkey's recent decision to expand its eVisa program, now including South Africa among nine African nations, sparked a wave of pride and humour on social media.
• South Africans are in a unique position in the travel landscape for 2026, being the only African country whose passport holders qualify for Japan's eVisa programme.
• Spain's updated travel guidelines for 20263 confirm that only eight African nations are eligible for visa-free entry.

Source: Briefly News