subject: Gap Year Africa - Don't Forget Your African Visa [print this page] If you're thinking of spending part of your gap year volunteering in Africa, or indeed you are a little older and are one of the many people who volunteer to work in Africa each year, don't forget that you'll need a visa in addition to your passport. You'll also need a passport which is valid for at least six months.
Although a visa for most African countries can be obtained before you leave your home country it's a simple procedure at your destination and it's the choice that most African volunteer organizations suggest. It has been said that some African immigration departments aren't particularly efficient, but they get the job done and you'll be fine as long as you know the rules.
For example, in most (although not all) African countries that you'll be volunteering in, the United States Dollar is the currency of choice. Gap year students come to Africa from all over the world, of course, but if you are not a US citizen then whether you're from Australia or Azerbaijan you'll be well advised to change some, if not all of your currency, to the US dollar. You could find yourself quite a lot out of pocket if you don't.
It's unlikely that immigration officials will take a credit card of any kind. Never mind the adverts you might have seen from your credit card company telling you it's accepted anywhere - it almost certainly won't be. You could have trouble with other currencies too. You may be able to pay with your own currency if it's UK sterling for example, but the immigration officials may not have any change. If you only have a fifty pound note for a thirty dollar visa it will cost you fifty pounds - or you don't get in!
Forewarned is forearmed, right? Check with your own embassy in the country you are going to how much the visa will be and take at least that much in US currency and you'll be fine. Why take the risk? The last thing you want is your gap year adventure in Africa getting off to a bad start. Be aware that prices change and may be different depending on the country you are traveling from so always check. As an example, an American traveling to Zimbabwe will pay $30 at the moment but a Brit has to pay $55. On the subject of currency, in some countries it needs to be dollar bills that are newer than year 2000.
You may not be able to get a visa for the full length of your stay if you are volunteering in Africa for more than three months, but extensions are possible once you are there. You'll also be able to get cross-border visas if you plan to visit other countries during your stay. Once again, the dollar is king.
In fact unless you have a very good reason to do otherwise it is generally accepted that a gap year student volunteering in Africa will find life easier with US dollars than any other currency. Always check with your African volunteer organization of course, any reputable company will be able to keep you up to date, right up until the moment you travel.
by: Jeff Seams
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