According to current statistics from 2024, 42 African nations now levy transfer taxes and fees, up from 35 in 2022, out of a total of 52 evaluated.

Transfer taxes, charges, and fees are the expenditures incurred when a traveler travels through one country on their way to another.

These are frequently imposed at international airports and can dramatically increase the entire ticket price, particularly for tourists doing making numerous trips across the continent.

While the average amount added to ticket costs owing to transfer-related fees has declined marginally, from USD 34.5 in 2022 to USD 34.4 in 2024, the overall impact remains considerable.

“Passengers in Africa also pay taxes, charges, and fees for transfer and on arrival, as shown in the tables below: 42 countries now apply transfer in Africa in 202,4, compared to 35 in 2022, over the 52 selected,” the Afraa Taxes and Charges Study Review 2024, reveals.

“Transfer taxes, charges, and fees increase cket price by an average amount of USD 34.4 compared to USD 34.5 in 2022. Arrival-related taxes, charges, and fees increased from an average USD 14.1 in 2021 to USD 34.1 in 2024,” the report adds.

Given that African airfares are already among the highest in the world, relative to earning power, the continuation and extension of these taxes adds to travelers' already severe burden.

Furthermore, passengers are subject to more than just transfer taxes.

They must also pay arrival fees, government taxes, security costs, passenger service charges, and airport development fees, all of which can significantly increase the cost of what would otherwise be a reasonably priced ticket.

The growing number of countries levying such fees underscores the financial strain on African governments and airport authorities, many of which utilize them to pay for infrastructure, security, and maintenance.

With that said, here are the 5 African cities with the highest taxes, charges, and fees paid by passengers on arrival.