Types of International Passports Available in Africa – An overview of the different types of international passports available in Africa, and the associated benefits.
International travel is an integral part of life in Africa, and having the right passport is essential for a smooth, hassle-free journey. Depending on the country or region you are travelling to, there are several types of international passports available in Africa. Here is an overview of the different passports, their associated benefits and the requirements to obtain them.
Diplomatic Passport: Diplomatic passports are issued to government officials and diplomats who are travelling on official business. These passports are recognized worldwide and have a number of privileges, such as visa-free access to many countries and special treatment in airports. Diplomatic passports can be issued to both citizens and non-citizens of African countries.
Official Passport: Official passports are issued to people who are travelling on official business. These passports are usually valid for a maximum of two years and are not valid for private or leisure travel. As with diplomatic passports, official passports can be issued to both citizens and non-citizens of African countries.
Ordinary Passport: Ordinary passports are the most commonly issued international passport in Africa. These passports are valid for a maximum of five years and are issued to citizens of African countries for both business and leisure travel. Ordinary passports are also the most economical option for African citizens who wish to travel internationally.
Emergency Passport: Emergency passports are a temporary solution for individuals who need to travel abroad but do not have the time to obtain a regular passport. These passports are usually issued within 24 hours and are valid for a maximum of three months. They are usually only available to citizens of African countries.
Collective Passport: Collective passports are issued to groups of people travelling together on official business. These passports can be issued to both citizens and non-citizens of African countries. They are valid for a maximum of three months and provide visa-free access to many countries.
These are the different types of international passports available in Africa. Depending on the country you are travelling to, the requirements for obtaining a passport may vary. It is important to research the requirements before applying for any of the above passports.