Amanze ChinonyeIn a landmark move, Kenya has officially removed visa requirements for all African countries and most Caribbean nations.
It, however, excluded Libya and Somalia due to security concerns.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelEligible travelers from these regions can now bypass Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs), visa forms, and fees entering the country directly with just a valid passport.
Tourists from African nations (excluding Libya and Somalia) may stay for up to 60 days, while East African Community (EAC) nationals enjoy six-month stay, in accordance with existing regional free-movement protocols.
A directive issued in January by the cabinet emphasised that this step supports Kenya’s open skies policy, and will spur tourism and regional integration.
READ ALSO: Kenya Delays Visa-free Policy For Visitors Despite President Ruto’s Pledge
Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, said the government plans to automate immigration systems and introduce an advanced passenger-information system to speed up border processing and improve security.
This policy overhaul complements Kenya’s rollout of the Digital Nomad Work Permit, first announced by President William Ruto in October 2024 during the Magical Kenya Travel Expo.
The permit allows remote workers and freelancers employed abroad to reside in Kenya, provided they meet requirements such as proof of income, accommodations, and a clean criminal record.
Additionally, Kenya introduced a 12-hour transit ETA to allow passengers with layovers to leave the airport and explore nearby cities a strategy aimed at maximizing tourism revenue.
According to Deborah Calmeyer of Condé Nast Traveler, “Kenya has witnessed a journey of connectivity and digital prosperity in recent years and internet speeds are amongst some of the best on the continent,” adding that this digital infrastructure supports the nomad-visa initiative.
These reforms align with President Ruto’s vision to tear down colonial-era travel barriers and promote connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA). Kenya now joins countries such as Rwanda, The Gambia, and Benin in offering visa-free access to African passport holders moves that have earned praise from travel advocates and integration experts.
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