NAIROBI – Kenya has officially removed visa requirements for citizens of all African countries, offering what it describes as seamless access to the country in a move meant to boost continental travel and tourism.
The announcement, which also extends to most Caribbean nations, means travellers from across Africa no longer need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), complete visa forms, or pay related fees before entering Kenya. The change allows visitors to simply present themselves at border entry points and proceed without additional documentation.
The exemptions, however, do not apply to nationals of Libya and Somalia, which the Kenyan government says pose security risks.
Under the new policy, African visitors will be allowed to stay in Kenya for up to 60 days. Nationals of East African Community (EAC) member states will retain their right to remain in the country for up to six months, in line with regional mobility agreements.
According to a cabinet statement, the visa-free regime supports Kenya’s ambitions to open its skies, attract more travellers, and deepen economic and cultural connections across the continent. The government has also committed to improving entry processes, including the rollout of a new passenger information system to fast-track screening and reinforce border security.
President William Ruto, who first announced the plan in January, said the decision was also aimed at making travel within Africa easier, and fostering stronger intra-African collaboration.
Kenya is further introducing a digital nomad visa to allow remote workers to live and work in the country. This, according to Ruto, is supported by the expansion of national internet infrastructure to ensure reliable connectivity for digital professionals, even in remote tourist locations.
The government will also permit travellers on layovers of up to 12 hours to leave airport terminals and tour Kenyan cities using a temporary ETA—designed to give transiting passengers a brief experience of the country without visa obligations.
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