Denmark Grants Special Schengen Access to Mauritius, Seychelles

The Danish government has announced that citizens of only two African countries, Mauritius and Seychelles, qualify for a special short-stay provision that allows them to enter the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180 days. This provision is part of a broader category that applies to nationals of countries with existing visa-free arrangements with Denmark.

The announcement highlights that while Mauritius and Seychelles are included in this special category, the majority of African passport holders, including citizens from countries like Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, must still go through the standard Schengen visa application process. The inclusion of Mauritius and Seychelles reflects their relatively strong passport rankings on the continent and the visa agreements they have developed over the years.

For the remaining 52 African countries, simplified access to the Schengen area remains largely unattainable.