Strengthening Africa-Europe academic mobility: visa policy for science partnerships Position Paper

Europe and Africa have significantly expanded cooperation in higher education, research, and innovation through initiatives such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, the AU–EU Innovation Agenda, and the Global Gateway strategy. These efforts reflect the growing importance of Africa-Europe academic exchange for addressing global challenges, advancing science diplomacy, fostering talent development, and deepening strategic relations between both continents. Despite these ambitions, visa procedures remain a major impediment for African students as well as academic and professional staff seeking to travel to Europe. Evidence from existing research and CIVIS Alliance surveys shows that applicants frequently face obstacles such as long waiting times, difficulties obtaining appointments, high costs, long-travel distances to embassies and consulates, or extensive documentation requirements. These barriers cause major uncertainty and unfair deterrence often leading to delayed or cancelled exchanges, thus undermining the effectiveness of European investments in academic cooperation. For us at CIVIS, a European university alliance with African members, these obstacles present a constant challenge to our multilateral, intercontinental cooperation. Key policy recommendations Against this background, CIVIS welcomes recent efforts by the European Commission to modernize visa policy. This paper argues that the ‘EU Visa Strategy’ and ‘Recommendation on attracting talent’ offer significant improvements. But the underlying visa policy framework must be widened to recognise the specific needs and objectives of international academic collaboration, particularly with Africa. CIVIS therefore calls for complementing both policy initiatives in three ways: Systematically include academic mobility as a priority category in facilitating measures, enabling easier visa access for scientific travel purposes, including longer-validity and multiple-entry visas where appropriate. Just as business people do, academics may count as low-risk and reliable travellers, while the EU would thereby strengthen its position as a global research and education hub. Extend simplified visa procedures for long-term stays to short-term academic mobility, such as conferences, workshops, research visits, and training activities. Those are particularly affected by current administrative barriers, while playing an indispensable role for academic exchange as well as EU science support programmes. Give strategic priority to Africa in visa facilitation efforts, including increased consular capacity, faster processing, and targeted measures that reflect Africa’s importance as a partner in education, research, and innovation. Improving visa access for African academics and students is not merely an administrative reform. It is a strategic investment in stronger research partnerships, talent exchange, and Europe’s long-term scientific and geopolitical objectives.