7 Affordable Countries That WANT Black Americans to Move There (Visa Options Inside) transcript

A few weeks ago, we showed you how 123 countries voted to declare slavery [music] a crime against humanity at the United Nations. And while the US, Israel, [music] and Argentina voted no, and 52 other countries refused to vote, today we're flipping the script. >> Instead of focusing on where not to go, we're giving you seven countries >> [music] >> that did vote yes that are affordable, that have real infrastructure for foreigners, and that are genuinely welcoming to black Americans.

[music] We've got the cost breakdowns, the visa options, and the real talk on what it looks like to visit and live in each one. If you're new here, welcome to the channel. We're Lavon and Irene, and here we help people find affordable, welcoming places to visit or live abroad. >> After we dropped that UN vote video, the number one question in our comments were, "Okay, so where should we actually go?" And that's fair.

It's one thing to know which countries didn't stand up for us, it's another thing entirely to know which countries actually did. And whether those countries actually make sense for your life, your budget, and your goals. >> Now, we're going to be starting with three African countries, and I know what some of you might be thinking, "Of course African countries are going to be welcoming to black Americans. That's so obvious." But, the data does show that less than 6% of black Americans have ever even visited the motherland, and we think it's about time to change that narrative. >> So yes, these are African countries, but we're not including them because it's obvious.

We're including them because they're offering some of the best opportunities for black Americans in the world right now. >> So we're going to start with Kenya because it works on every level, and that's whether you're coming for a once-in-a-lifetime trip or you're seriously considering a move. Kenya voted yes on the resolution, and their support for the African diaspora goes well beyond their vote. This is a country that actually created digital nomad permit, which means the Kenyan government is actively building pathways for foreign remote workers to live there legally. >> But let's start with Kenya as a travel destination because even if you never plan to relocate, this country deserves a spot on your list.

Nairobi is one of the most dynamic cities in Africa with a food scene, nightlife, and cultural energy that will surprise people who have never been. The Masai Mara is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world and experiencing the great migration is a kind of trip you will never forget. Mombasa and Diani Beach give you Indian Ocean beaches, Swahili culture, and a completely different vibe from the capital.

You can easily spend 2 weeks in Kenya and feel like you've barely even scratched the surface. >> Now for our people who are thinking longer term, Kenya is going to be one of the strongest options on this list. The digital nomad permit can allow legal residence for up to 2 years. You will need proof of remote work from a company that's registered outside of Kenya and the income requirements are going to be $55,000 per year in foreign income. >> For where to base yourself, Nairobi is a clear first choice.

It has the strongest infrastructure, the most international connectivity, and the biggest expat community. But if you want a more laid-back and coastal vibe, Mombasa is a great alternative. For living costs, the average monthly expense runs about $797 in Nairobi and around $604 in Mombasa. So whether you're coming from a safari trip or building a life, Kenya is ready for you. Rwanda might be the most surprising country on this list for people who haven't done their research, but once you look at the details, it becomes one of the most compelling.

Rwanda voted yes on the resolution and their approach to welcoming foreigners is backed by real policy, not just talk. All nationalities can receive a visa on arrival. That alone puts Rwanda ahead of many countries on accessibility. >> But now as a travel destination, Kigali alone is worth the trip because it's one of the best capital cities in Africa. You have the Kigali Genocide Memorial and that's one of the most important cultural sites on the continent and visiting it is going to give you a deep understanding of Rwanda's history and its resilience.

But even beyond Kigali, you have gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and that is a bucket list experience. There's also Nyungwe Forest National Park and that offers incredible biodiversity and canopy walks through their ancient rainforest. Rwanda packs an incredible amount of variety into a small country, which means you can see a lot even on a shorter trip. >> For people considering a longer stay, the visa options are very strong.

There's a 30-day and a 90-day tourist visa and Rwanda's V12 reciprocity long-term visitor visa. Cost-wise, you can live comfortably in Kigali on roughly 1,200 to 2,400 a month. Mid-range apartments often run from 600 to 1,500. Utilities are around $100 to $190 and grocery runs are about $150 to $400 depending on your lifestyle. >> And for black Americans, Rwanda's pitch is built on structure. Visa on arrival for everyone, a special long-term path for Americans, and a clean and organized capital, and a government that took a clear stand at the UN.

That combination is going to be hard to beat. >> Staying in East Africa, Tanzania is next and this might be the best pure travel destination on the entire list while still offering a real pathway for longer stays. As a travel destination, Tanzania is absolutely elite. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world and one of the most iconic climbs you can do. The Serengeti is up there with Masai Mara as one of the greatest safari experiences on the planet. >> And then there's Zanzibar, which is an entirely different experience with white sand beaches, turquoise water, Stone Town's rich Swahili history, and some of the best seafood you're going to find anywhere.

You'll be able to build an entire two-week trip around Tanzania and still leave wanting more. >> For people considering longer stays, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are the strongest bases. Zanzibar is generally described as a safer, more relaxed, which makes it appealing for first-time visitors or people looking for a slower pace. In Dar es Salaam, the neighborhoods that come up the most for expats are Masaki, Oyster Bay, and Upanga, which tend to offer better security, roads, clinics, connectivity, and services. >> On cost, Dar es Salaam is going to run about $760 a month on average, which is actually a bit cheaper than Nairobi.

But one practical note for expats is that housing often requires up to 3 months rent up front and secure compounds are recommended in major cities. So for Black Americans, Tanzania is going to give you one of the most incredible travel experiences in Africa combined with a system that's already built for repeat American visits. So come for Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, or Zanzibar, and if you fall in love with it, that 12-month visa is going to give you the runway to keep coming back while you figure out what your next move is going to be.

Real quick though guys, can you do us a favor and hit that like button? It tells YouTube that this kind of content matters, and if you're watching on the YouTube app, tap the hype button that's right below the video. You're only able to hype videos in their first week, but those points really help small channels like ours even more than a like. But let's keep going because now we're going to be leaving Africa and heading to Asia. >> As a travel destination, Indonesia is world-class, but I like it's all the attention, and honestly, it deserves a lot of it.

The temples, the rice terraces, the beaches, the food, the spiritual energy of the island, it's all real, and it's all worth experiencing. But Indonesia is so much more than Bali. Komodo National Park lets you see Komodo dragons in the wild and snorkel some of the most pristine waters in the world. >> And even Jakarta, which most tourists skip, has a food scene and urban energy that's definitely worth at least a few days of your time.

Indonesia is the kind of country where you can visit five times and have a completely different experience on every trip. >> That's true. For longer stays, the strongest bases are Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya. Bali is the most internationally known lifestyle hub, but Jakarta is the biggest city option with more of a business feel. And Surabaya gives you the cheaper urban setup than either of those. Bandung and Medan are also worth considering as lower cost alternatives.

Cost-wise, the average monthly living cost for a single person are well under a thousand dollars a month in those areas. Even in Bali, where prices have risen over the last few years, you can still live comfortably on a budget. >> So, for us as black Americans, Bali and Jakarta already have a very well-established international ecosystem. Those are cities that are very used to receiving foreigners from all over the world.

They already have great infrastructure, and when you combine that with the truly affordable cost of living, the incredible travel experiences, and a yes vote at the UN, that makes Indonesia a country that works whether you're coming for 2 weeks or you're planning to stay for 2 years. Now, crossing over to Latin America, Colombia is one of the most talked about destinations right now. And as a travel destination, Colombia definitely hits different.

Medellin's transformation over the last two decades is one of the great comeback stories of any city in the world, and being there in person, riding the cable cars, eating at the food markets, and exploring the street art, you are able to feel all of that energy. You also have Cartagena, which is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas, and they have colorful streets, incredible Caribbean food, and beaches that are within easy reach. >> Bogota has world-class museums, a massive food scene, and the kind of cultural depth that keep you discovering new things.

And that's even before you get to the coffee region, where you can tour working farms and drink some of the best coffee straight from the source. Colombia is also one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. So, if nature is your thing, they have national parks, hiking, and wildlife. So, whether you have 1 week or 3, Colombia fills every day with something worth your time. >> And for our people that are thinking about living here long-term, Medellin is often the easiest pitch because it balances cost, climate, and the nomad infrastructure.

Bogota will also work if you want a bigger, more business-oriented city, and then Cartagena is going to offer you that coastal lifestyle. Cost-wise, comfortable expat living is going to run about $1,200 to $2,000 a month in Medellin, and around $1,300 to $2,400 in Bogota. >> Colombia's digital nomad visa is one of the biggest selling points. It can allow stays up to 2 years for people earning from foreign sources. On income requirements, applicants need proof of foreign income, and you should realistically prepare to show at least 1,100 a month, but we recommend 1,400 a month as a stronger buffer for your application.

Either way, the bar is accessible for most remote workers and retirees. >> Colombia is also strong on daily life quality. Safety in major cities is far improved. Private health care is solid, and the coffee and co-working culture has helped push Colombia into the top tier of expat destinations globally. The one thing we always say about Colombia is that you cannot treat it as a uniform experience because Medellin, Bogota, and Cartagena all feel very different in terms of cost, climate, and vibe.

So, do your research on which city actually fits your lifestyle before you commit. >> Real quick, whether you're traveling short-term or planning to live abroad, having access to health coverage is non-negotiable. We've personally been using SafetyWing for our travel insurance needs, and thank goodness because when I had to go to the ER in the Philippines, it gave me peace of mind knowing I would get reimbursed. >> They have two main plans, essential, which is great for short-term travel because it covers the basics like medical emergencies and hospital visits, and complete, which is best if you're living abroad long-term. >> You can get checkups and screenings at public or private hospitals, and it can cover things like vaccines, maternity care, and therapy.

It also includes some non-health travel benefits like coverage for lost luggage or a lost passport. >> And another great benefit of SafetyWing is it's available in over 170-plus countries. So, if travel insurance is something that you need, and I'm telling you you don't want to be without it when you do need it, our affiliate link is going to be in the description for you, but let's get back to the video. >> Peru is interesting because it's one of the most incredible travel destinations in the world while also offering one of the cleanest residency pass on this entire list.

Peru voted guest, and as a place to visit, it delivers experiences that you simply cannot get anywhere else. Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic sites on the planet, and seeing it in person is genuinely a life-changing experience. But Peru is so much more than one landmark. Cusco is a city full of history, architecture, and culture that could fill days on its own. >> The Sacred Valley is stunning and gives you a window into Andean life that goes far beyond the tourist surface.

And Lima has quietly become one of the greatest foodie cities in the world with a culinary scene that blends indigenous, Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences into something completely unique. And the Amazon Basin in Peru offers jungle lodges and wildlife experiences that rival even places in Brazil. Peru is a country that's going to reward every type of traveler. >> For people considering a longer stay, Lima is the best option for our base, and the cost is very manageable.

A single person can live decently in Lima for about $800 a month while a family of four may need to budget around $2,000 to $3,000 a month for a comfortable lifestyle in a good neighborhood. >> Peru's a long stay option is the rentista visa and this is what makes it unique. The rentista visa grants permanent residency, not temporary residency, not a renewable permit, we're talking actual permanent residency and it doesn't require renewals, it's not limited by age so you don't even have to be retired to qualify. >> The core requirement is at least $1,000 a month in recurring passive income from outside of Peru with an additional $500 per dependent.

So if you have rental income, investment returns, or a pension, or any other consistent passive income stream, Peru gives you a direct path into permanent legal stay. The trade-off is clear, the visa is designed for people of independent means. If you need to work a remote job, this particular pathway isn't built for you, but our retirees and our FIRE friends out there, this one is the best option globally. >> We saved Panama for last and not just because we've lived there, but Panama might be one of the cleanest visit first, move later stories on this entire list.

Panama voted yes on the resolution and the practical welcome starts way before you even apply for anything. As Americans, you don't even need a visa to visit Panama, you just need a valid passport and a round trip ticket and you're in. That zero barrier entry means you can come experience the country with no paperwork, no application fees, and no waiting period. Just book your flight and go. >> As a place to visit, Panama punches way above its weight.

You have Panama City, which is one of the most modern skylines in Latin America, and some of the best food you can find anywhere else. The Panama Canal is one of the great engineering achievements in human history and visiting gives you a front row seat to all the massive ships passing through. Bocas del Toro is a Caribbean island paradise with turquoise water, affordable beachfront stays, and a laid-back energy that's hard to leave. >> Boquete in the highlands is going to offer you cool mountain air, world-class coffee farms, hot springs, and incredible hiking.

And we can't forget about the San Blas Islands, which are some of the most untouched, beautiful islands in all of the Caribbean. And I know that we mentioned the food already, but seriously, Panamanian food pulls from Afro-Caribbean, indigenous, Spanish, and American influences, and that's going to give you a dining scene with real depth. Most people don't think of Panama as a top travel destination, and that's exactly why it's so rewarding once you get there. >> For where to base yourself, Panama City is an obvious choice with the strongest infrastructure, health care, and international connectivity.

Coronado and Boquete also come up as popular expat areas outside of the capital. Cost-wise, estimates put a single person at about $1,500 to $2,000 a month, and a couple at roughly $2,000 to $2,500 a month. Panama City, Coronado, and Boquete are on the higher end of those ranges, but there are more affordable areas if you're willing to explore. Some other areas to check out are David, and I'll put the rest on the screen for you. >> Now, Panama's long-stay appeal is built around their structured residency programs.

You have the Pensionado Visa, and it's one of the most well-known and best retirement visas in the entire world. There are a ton of benefits from it that give you discounts on pretty much everything, and the requirements are affordable. We do have a video where we break it all down, so we're going to link it in the description below for you. >> Beyond the residency programs, Panama has some broader advantages that matter for long-term living.

There's no tax on foreign income, health care in Panama City is strong, and the country has direct flight access to North America and Europe, which makes it easy to stay connected. >> For black Americans, Panama may be the easiest country on this list to defend on paper. The government openly markets itself to long-term foreign residents through retirement and residency pathways. And when you combine that with the visa-free entry, the no foreign income tax, and a yes vote at the UN, you have a country that is welcoming you at every level from policy all the way down to practice.

And we can tell you from personal experience from being there, the welcome is very real. >> So, those are seven countries that voted yes on the UN slavery resolution and that actually back up that vote with real infrastructure, real visa pathways, and real affordability for Black Americans. That matters and it should matter when you're deciding where to spend your money, your time, and potentially your future. But now we want to hear from you.

Which of these seven countries are you most interested in and which one do you want us to cover in a full deep dive video? Drop it in the comments and let [music] us know. >> And if you missed our original video breaking down the UN vote, including which countries said no and which ones abstained, we're going to link it right here on the screen. Make sure that you watch that one, too, because it gives you the full picture and context. >> And make sure that you're subscribed if you aren't already.

Thank you guys so much for watching and we'll see you in the next video. Bye.