African countries impose varying airport security fees on travellers

Passengers travelling across Africa may encounter airport security charges in addition to their airfares, with varying amounts, exemptions and collection methods across countries. In Kenya, the statutory Air Passenger Service Charge is US$50 for international journeys and KSh600 for domestic journeys, collected through airline ticket sales. Exemptions apply to certain categories of passengers, including children under two years and qualifying transit passengers. The charge is distinct from other airport security fees and infrastructure levies that may apply in different countries.

The Gambia requires travellers to pay a US$20 airport security fee on arrival and another US$20 when departing, payable at designated airport kiosks. This means passengers should budget up to US$40 for a return journey, subject to applicable exemptions and any subsequent government changes. The arrangement has attracted scrutiny over the management of the agreement between the government and Securiport, with a 2022 National Audit Office management letter questioning aspects of the contract's award and administration.

In Sierra Leone, collection of the US$25 airport security fee at Freetown International Airport was suspended effective July 6, 2026, pending a review of the contractual framework, a special audit and consideration of alternative payment arrangements. The Ministry of Internal Affairs clarified that suspending the collection did not terminate Securiport's operating contract, and the company was expected to continue its core technological operations during the review.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo disputed claims that it had introduced an additional US$30 passenger security charge associated with an agreement involving Securiport. The government clarified that the security charge was already incorporated into international airfares, and travellers should confirm the applicable charge with their airlines and check the latest government instructions before departure.

Gabon has introduced a US$30 Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) charge covering passengers on international commercial flights, following a government agreement with Securiport. The charge applies to covered passengers arriving in and departing from Gabon on international commercial flights, with airlines responsible for collecting it when issuing tickets. Exemptions include transit passengers and children under two years.

The varying airport security fees and collection methods across countries highlight the importance of passengers establishing what they actually owe before travelling. Travellers should check with their airlines and review government instructions to avoid any confusion or additional costs. The distinction between contractual arrangements and actual passenger charges is also crucial, as audit findings and proposed fees serve different purposes.

As travellers navigate these different airport security fees, they should be aware of the specific charges and collection methods in each country. By understanding the applicable charges and exemptions, passengers can better plan their trips and avoid any unexpected costs. The different arrangements also serve different functions, and passengers should not confuse them when assessing passenger charges.

Key points

• Travellers face varying airport security fees across Africa, with different amounts, exemptions and collection methods.
• Passengers should establish what they actually owe before travelling and check with their airlines and review government instructions.
• The distinction between contractual arrangements and actual passenger charges is crucial to avoid confusion or additional costs.