Tag: Africa

This Is The Most Popular Country In Africa For Digital Nomads

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated 49 seconds ago

In recent years, working from home has exploded in popularity. The trend, which can be in part attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, means that more people than ever are able to complete their roles remotely.

And if you can work from home, why not make the world your home? You can then use this as an opportunity to work remotely while traveling.

This digital nomad phenomenon is only growing in popularity, with no continent left untouched by digital nomad activity.

But where are all these digital nomads going?

According to new research, South Africa is the most popular country in Africa for digital nomads, attracting 20,402 digital nomads using #digitalnomad on Instagram.

By contrast, Botswana was the least popular country in Africa with digital nomads, attracting just 1,082 travelers.

Cape Town has more than twice the amount of digital nomad activity on Instagram than any other African city.

Here’s why South Africa is so popular with digital nomads:

A Thriving Community

A thriving community means that when you arrive in the country, it should be relatively easy to meet like-minded people to socialize, collaborate, or even share accommodations with.

There’s a vibrant co-working and entrepreneurial spirit in South Africa that is particularly attractive to digital nomads that don’t like to work alone.

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

And while South Africa has 11 official languages, English is the language that is most widely spoken in South African business environments.

This makes it easy for foreign ex-pats to communicate and integrate themselves into the digital nomad community in the country.

It also makes it easier to navigate a new country, making South Africa a great choice for digital nomads that are new to the traveling lifestyle.

Easily Accessible

South Africa joined the digital nomad revolution by announcing its plans to introduce a new visa program that will make remote working in the country easy and accessible.

This visa will allow digital nomads to stay in South Africa for up to a year.

While this scheme still hasn’t come into force yet, in the interim, securing a business visa to work as a digital nomad in South Africa is relatively straightforward.

This visa is granted to individuals who want to work or create a business in South Africa. You will need to apply for this before you travel, and processing time currently takes around four weeks.

Affordable

One digital nomad enthusing about life in South Africa said that they were able to live a 5-star lifestyle on a 3-star budget.

Property prices in Cape Town are the highest in the country, so you can expect to spend more here than anywhere else. But you can still rent a room in a shared apartment or house for around $270-$530 per month, depending on size and location.

If you prefer to stay in a hostel, then shared dorm rooms can be found for as little as $15 per night.

Eating out in South Africa is also incredibly affordable, and food standards here are high. A decent meal in a nice restaurant will only set you back between $6.60 and $13.20 per person.

If you’re not eating out, you can expect your grocery bill to be very low, between $46-80 per person per month.

There are many cafes in Cape Town that offer free WiFi to attract remote workers, and if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, there are also an abundance of coworking hubs in the city.

This means that finding somewhere to work here is affordable too.

A Beautiful Country

Finally, perhaps the most obvious reason why South Africa is so popular with digital nomads is that it’s such a beautiful country.

You’ll find an abundance of cultural attractions to explore, including museums and galleries, as well as natural attractions such as parks, forests, and beaches.

Because Cape Town attracts visitors and expats from around the world, it is a vibrant and multicultural city.

South Africa boasts a Mediterranean climate, which means that it is hot and dry during the summer months.

This makes it a great place to live and work during the summer months when the weather is just as good, but the crowd levels are much lower than in Western Europe.

Many digital nomads choose South Africa specifically for its excellent surfing.

If you’re looking for excellent surfing options in your downtime, then there is nowhere better to be. You can experience incredible surf spots such as Seal Point at Cape Francis Bay at the end of your working day.

Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

↓ Join Our Community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

[ad_2]

Source link

June 19, 2023
This Island Paradise In East Africa Is One Of The Top Destinations For Digital Nomads
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 4 mins ago

After being largely ignored for years, the lesser-known island paradise of Mauritius, in East Africa, is rising in notoriety among digital nomads looking for cheaper alternatives to the overpriced Caribbean and Mediterranean. More and more, people are becoming aware of its natural wonders, incredible culture, and, most importantly, low cost of living.

Digital nomadism itself has never been as popular as it is now. All around the globe, national governments are relaxing their strict immigration laws to welcome remote workers and help boost their COVID-stricken economies, from the overly bureaucratic Europe to Asia’s traditionally conservative countries.

Keeping up with the trend, Mauritius is also ramping up efforts to attract foreign workers:

+1000 Digital Nomad Visas Issued In 2022 Alone

Last year, the Mauritius Government opened a path to easier immigration for digital nomads, launching a successful ‘Premium Visa’ category that allows foreigners to remain in the territory for longer than the usual 180 days, for up to a year initially, though it is renewable. By the end of 2022, up to a thousand Premium Visas had been issued.

But why exactly are nomads flying all the way to Africa for a sunny ‘workcation’ when there are tropical islands closer to home?

The Mauritius DNV Is One Of The Easiest To Apply

First off, eligibility for the Mauritian Premium Visa is broad, and application couldn’t be easier or more straightforward: anyone holding one of these nationalities, from tourists staying longer than 3 months to entrepreneurs wishing to conduct business from Mauritius, can apply for free. The following criteria must be observed:

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
- Applicants must not enter the Mauritius labor market (in other words, they cannot be employed locally)
- Their profits must originate from abroad
- They should provide supporting documents that will help authorities verify the purpose of their visit (such as evidence of accommodation for the intended period of stay)
The official website does not define a financial threshold, which may imply there is none whatsoever or that applications are considered on a case-by-case basis; thus, using the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) calculator is not advised. Instead, you are encouraged to contact Mauritian authorities in order to inquire about income requirements.

On top of that, the bureaucracy-free policy is part of the reason why the Mauritius DNV is leading application trends in Africa: once they complete the form online and attach all the relevant documentation, all there is left to do is check the mailbox. The approval is granted via email, and visits to a Consulate for further checks and visa issue are not necessary.

Beautiful Nature And Low Cost Of Living

Of course, the accessibility and absence of unnecessary, bureaucratic steps are not the only contributing factors to Mauritius’ newfound fame in the ‘nomadverse’: it is located in the Indian Ocean, where the weather is warm year-round and home to some of the world’s clearest waters, as well as untouched nature.

When deciding on a new country to call home, nomads strongly favor destinations where their hard-earned dollars stretch further, especially when freelancing. On average, they would need US$549.50 to cover monthly expenses on the island, excluding rent. Compared to some cities in the U.S., the cost of living can be between 40.1% to 56% lower.

To sum it up, it is the perfect spot for a nature getaway, whether you’re looking for hiking trails or secluded beaches. On the culture front, Mauritius does not disappoint either, being stacked with 18th and 19th-century architecture, slave trade-era plantation sites where you can learn about the heart-wrenching past, and History museums.

Mauritius Is Getting Trendier By The Minute

Despite its late reopening, which took place only in the summer of 2022, the country recorded more than a million bookings between January 1, 2022 and January 1, 2023, a significant improvement over the preceding two years. Before border curbs were dropped, a much more moderate 458,058 guests were hosted between 2020 and 2021.

As reported by local media, the strong rebound is a result of the joint initiative by Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Louis Steven Obeegadoo, MTPA (Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority), and the private sector, who worked ceaselessly to keep Mauritius ‘resilient’ and at the ‘top of mind’ of travelers, particularly long-term visitors.

This year, the parties involved have set an even higher goal of 1.4 million visitors while vowing further to develop the country as a world-class nomad hub. Tourism may account for nearly 24 percent of the GDP, being vital to the local economy, but it is not the only driving force behind Mauritius’ resurgence in the post-pandemic scene:

As Arvind Bundhun, director of MTPA puts it, ‘Mauritius is uniquely placed to benefit from the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly holidays, as well as meet the desire to experience destinations with a strong historic, cultural, and natural appeal‘. More information about the Mauritius DNV can be found on this link.

Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

↓ Join Our Community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
[ad_2]

Source link
February 3, 2023
These Are The 16 Safest Countries To Visit In Africa Right Now
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 29 mins ago

Home to savanna forests, paradisaical beaches, and majestic mountains, Africa has a lot to offer to nature lovers and those hoping to escape the Western World, but how actually safe is it to visit? In this article, we bring you the 16 safest African countries for tourists, other destinations that may require extra vigilance, and which ones you should avoid.

Millions of Americans have been bitten by the travel bug and are eager to explore new countries now that Covid has been largely controlled. Interestingly, slow travel and ecotourism are taking precedence over city breaks and multi-destination trips, as nearly 60% of travelers look to ‘totally unplug’ and ‘get back to nature’.

For some of them, the obvious answer is Africa. It is particularly famous for its vast natural resources, and contrary to popular belief, it’s perfectly safe for tourists – for the most part:

What Is The Definition Of A Safe Country?

The United States categorizes different countries between Levels 1 and 4, taking into account not only safety but the internal sociopolitical climate. At Level 1, Americans do not face any heightened threat pertaining to crime, violent demonstrations, or other social disturbances. In Europe, 28 nations have been listed as Level 1, including Portugal, Greece, and Ireland.

In comparison, Level 2 destinations are still relatively safe, but they might have higher crime or scam rates compared to the previous group (Brazil, Mexico, Turkey) or be targeted by terrorist organizations (France, Italy, Germany). Moving down to Level 3, travel is normally discouraged, normally due to increased urban insecurity and/or civil unrest.

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

Lastly, Level 4 countries should be avoided at all costs, according to the State Department. This status is normally bestowed upon failing democracies, dictatorships, places where consular assistance is limited, demonstrations have led to civil war, death, and other tragedies, and states at war. That is the case with Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, Europe’s current no-go zone.

With this information in mind, where does the African continent stand in terms of safety?

The 16 Safest African Countries For Tourists

The complete list of Level 1 destinations in Africa, as defined by the U.S. Department of State, is the following:

Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
- Angola
- Botswana
- Cape Verde
- Comoros
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Lesotho
- Mauritius
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Togo
- Zambia
In total, 16 African nations have made it to Level 1. Among them is the vacation hotspot of Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of West Africa and a highly sought-after winter sun destination. The country enjoys a tropical climate all year round, and its pearl-white sand beaches and crystal-clear seas are evocative of the Maldives.

Seychelles, one of Africa’s most developed nations, is yet another insular African country boasting a pristine coastline, breathtaking views, and world-class all-inclusive resorts. Traveling to both Cape Verde and Seychelles, Americans must exercise ‘normal precautions’, though some areas may have an ‘increased risk’.

In Cape Verde, for instance, sun-seekers should maintain a high situational awareness visiting Praia, the capital island, due to crime, though all other islands in the collective are safe for foreigners. Perhaps surprisingly, countries like Angola, Rwanda, and Zambia, and the lesser-known Botswana and Togo, only to name a few, are also relatively safe.

In Angola, Americans are simply advised to be cautious walking in urban areas as ‘crime and kidnapping’ are supposedly common. Still, this does not mean you will be harassed or be a victim of violence staying in Angola – one should bear in mind several states in Mexico have been issued similar travel advisories, and a majority of visits are trouble-free.

Over in Rwanda, where the landmark Nyungwe National Park is located, U.S. citizens are warned to steer clear of the Rwanda-Burundi and Rwanda-Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) borders, where armed conflict can erupt any minute due to unresolved ethnic disputes. Other than the border areas, the country is free from danger.

What About The Tourist Hotspots Of Egypt, Morocco, And South Africa?

Separate lists for Level 2 and Level 3 African countries can be found below:

Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
- Algeria
- Benin
- Cameroon
- Congo, Republic of
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Sierra Leone
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Zimbabwe
Level 3 (Reconsider Travel)
- Burundi
- Chad
- Congo, Democratic Republic of
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Uganda
Africa’s leading hubs, including Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, have all been classed as Level 2 or 3. When it comes to Egypt specifically, a bucket list destination for many due to its pyramids, archaeological zones, and rich ancient heritage, travel should be reconsidered as terrorist attacks can be carried out.

The U.S. expressly discourages its citizens from touring the Sinai Peninsula, except those traveling via air to resorts in Sharm El-Sheikh, the Western Desert, and militarized zones along the borders with the Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip, Israel, and Jordan. Likewise, Moroccan cities suffer from occasional acts of terrorism.

Below the Saharan divide, on the extreme south of the continent, South Africa is not usually targeted by extremists, but the Department of States still notes crime remains a concern, as does civil unrest. In summary, ‘armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and smash-and-grab attacks on vehicles is common‘, especially in central business districts after dark.

In spite of the risks, demand for South Africa keeps growing as more Americans become fascinated with the nation’s multi-ethnic composition, recent Apartheid History, and stunning nature. This year, a triangular South African route was launched by Delta, connecting Atlanta to both Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Which African Countries Should Be Avoided?

Out of 54 countries, only 7 are considered off-limits by U.S. authorities, proving Africa is indeed safe, if not moderately:

Level 4 (Do Not Travel)
- Burkina Faso
- Central African Republic
- Libya
- Mali
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
Unlike the developing nations of Seychelles or South Africa or others in Africa that have experienced more stability in recent years, Level 4 states are plagued by widespread poverty, a low Human Rights score, and incessant political turmoils. Unless their travel is deemed essential, Americans should refrain from visiting all of the above.

To access country-specific travel advisories, please visit this page.

Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

↓ Join Our Community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
[ad_2]

Source link
November 29, 2022
5 Off The Beaten Path Destinations In Africa Open For Tourism
[ad_1]
Share The Article

Last Updated 9 hours ago

Still relatively unexplored by Westerners, Africa is perhaps the most underrated continent in the world. From its Pacific to Indian Coasts, the cradle of humanity is brimming with culture and ready to be re-discovered following two years Covid.

Unlike several well-known destinations in Asia or the Caribbean, which still impose stricter travel rules, others in Africa, which are just as paradisiac, are welcoming U.S. travelers with open arms and very simple entry requirements.

Here you will find 5 off the beaten path destinations in the African continent which are currently open for American, Canadian, and British visitors, whether testing or vaccination is needed for entry, and most importantly: what these unheard-of countries have to offer.

Cape Verde

Looking for spotless beaches with the clearest of waters, luxury resorts that are much more affordable than similar beach retreats in the Maldives or Cancun, and a warm tropical climate all year-round? Cape Verde might be that dream destination you never knew you needed.

An archipelago off the Western coast of Africa, this country is steeped in History, owing its dual European-African identity to its strong links to Portugal, and featuring several island getaways vacationers can pick from, including the tourist hotspots of Sal and Boa Vista.

Covid Entry Requirements For Cape Verde

When it comes to Covid entry requirements, Cape Verde is noticeably one of the easiest countries to visit in the African continent right now. In order to enter, Americans need to fill out a Travel Form in advance and present only one of the following documents:
- A vaccination certificate certifying full immunization with all required doses of an approved vaccination scheme;
- A recovery letter dated no earlier than 90 days prior to departure;
- A negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours of flying;
- A negative Rapid Antigen test result obtained 48 hours before flying.
Once in Cape Verde, other than regular temperature checks at the airport, visitors are not required to undergo further testing or observe quarantine, being able to enjoy their time in the sun worries-free. On the other hand, presenting Covid documents may be necessary for inter-island travel.

Mozambique

Like Cape Verde, Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony and a nation boasting incredible wildlife, beaches, and marine parks. Straddling the Indian Ocean coast, this hidden gem is just as intriguing as its neighbor South Africa, but without the usual crowds of tourists.

Here you can visit the Quirimbas Archipelago, comprising 250km of coral islands, explore the impressive ruins of Ibo, an island owing much of its History to the Portuguese colonial period, or then just relax at quieter beaches such as Tofo.

Covid Entry Requirements For Mozambique

While Mozambique does not require proof of vaccination to enter, it also does not differentiate between existing categories of travelers, expecting all incoming passengers to present proof of a negative PCR test, issued up to 72 hours prior to travel.

U.S. citizens also require a visa to visit Mozambique, which is issued upon arrival. Travelers are advised to contact Mozambican authorities in order to obtain more information on visa fees, which may vary depending on the duration of their stay. In summary, they must carry:
- A negative PCR test result issued up to 72 hours prior to traveling;
- A return ticket;
- An accommodation booking.
Despite the availability of visas on arrival, the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique advises Americans to obtain their visas in advance from the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, noting that some ‘U.S. citizens have been denied entry for not having obtained the proper type of visa in advance’.

Seychelles

Seychelles is an archipelago country in the Indian ocean, off the Eastern coast of Africa, and one of the most developed nations in the whole continent. Its small capital, Victoria, offers a more relaxed city break, while the Morne Seychellois National Park allows visitors to get back in touch with nature.

Boat trips are also a common activity across the Seychellois islands, which are famous for water activities and some of the most beautiful secret beaches in Africa. When visiting, travelers are likely to land in Mahé, the main island, and the country’s most important hub.

Covid Entry Requirements For Seychelles

As of March 15, 2022, fully vaccinated visitors no longer need to take Covid tests before traveling to Seychelles. If more than six months have passed since completion of a primary vaccination scheme, they must have received a booster in order to continue being eligible to bypass testing.`

Other travelers are also welcome, though they may have to undergo testing prior to flying, especially those who are unvaccinated and have not had Covid in the year preceding travel. Generally, travelers must select one of the Covid proofs of entry below:
- A vaccination certificate dated less than 6 months;
- A booster dose;
- A recovery certificate dated less than a year prior to travel;
- A negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel;
- A negative Rapid Antigen test in under 24 hours.
Tanzania

Tanzania is yet another surprising destination in Southeastern Africa, cornered between snowy peaks to the North, the nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi to the West, Mozambique to the South, and the Indian Ocean to the East.

It is home to the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in all of Africa, and the autonomous island of Zanzibar, which features the UNESCO-listed Stone City. Classical African safaris and wildlife observation are also popular activities among visitors.

Covid Entry Requirements For Tanzania

Tanzania is open for tourism.

Those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid are exempt from all kinds of testing before and after arrival to Tanzania, but they must be able to present a valid certificate with a readable QR code upon landing. This means U.S. citizens who only hold a physical CDC card may face further challenges.

Alternatively, those who do not hold a valid vaccination certificate can enter by presenting either a negative RT-PCR or NAAT test result. The test must be performed within 72 hours of departure and presented at the border upon landing. Thus, Americans are advised to hold either a:
- Digital vaccination certificate with a QR code; or a
- Negative PCR or NAAT test result performed 72 hours prior to flying.
São Tomé and Principe

An island-country located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Principe has been made famous for its striking nature, which includes unique rock formations and an abundance of rainforests. As another former colony of Portugal, its cities also feature traditional Portuguese architecture.

Beach lovers will also inevitably fall in love with the country, which boasts miles of pristine coastline. Some of its most famous attractions are the Rolas Island, a small island with turquoise water beaches, the Cão Grande peak, which is a major national landmark, and the Blue Lagoon.

Covid Entry Requirements For São Tomé and Principe

São Tomé and Principe has some of the easiest Covid entry requirements on this list. All are welcome irrespective of vaccination status, though all travelers must undergo testing prior to departure. Once through the border, Americans are free to explore the islands unrestricted.

In sum, they must present a single document:
- A negative PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of traveling.
Whether it’s unexpected beach breaks, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the Saharan drylands, or city-hopping across different nations, there is surely no shortage of landmarks to be visited in Africa.

As more countries in this continent reopen for tourism, Americans are advised to follow official CDC guidance ahead of making travel plans, and ensure they are covered for any Covid-related eventualities while abroad.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

5 Alternatives to the Classic African Safari Trip

10 Non Stop International Flight Routes You Can Take From The U.S. This Year

U.S. State Department Issues 28 New Travel Advisories

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
[ad_2]

Source link
April 9, 2022