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KENYA INTRODUCES VISA-FREE TRAVEL FOR AFRICANS, EXCEPT LIBYA AND SOMALIA

KENYA INTRODUCES VISA-FREE TRAVEL FOR AFRICANS, EXCEPT LIBYA AND SOMALIA
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Faith Nyasuguta

In a bold move to promote regional integration and tourism, Kenya has announced visa-free travel for citizens of nearly all African countries, except Libya and Somalia, citing security concerns. The new policy was approved during the first Cabinet meeting of 2025, chaired by President William Ruto at the State Lodge in Kakamega.

This decision marks a return to Kenya’s previous system that allowed citizens from over 40 African nations to enter without prior authorization. However, the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) last year, which replaced traditional visas, faced widespread criticism for being a “visa under another name.” 

The policy required travelers to apply and pay for an eTA at least three days before arrival. Critics argued this system discouraged tourism and hindered regional integration.

Under the updated directive, African visitors can now stay in Kenya for up to two months without an eTA. Citizens from the East African Community (EAC) bloc, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, will continue to enjoy a six-month stay under EAC protocols.

/Courtesy/

The Cabinet also announced plans to streamline entry processes. Kenya will introduce an expedited eTA processing option, allowing for instant approvals, and set a maximum processing time of 72 hours. 

Additionally, an Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record system will be implemented to enhance prescreening, improve security, and simplify passenger processing at entry points.

The directive follows Kenya’s poor performance in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index, where the country dropped 17 places to rank 46th out of 54 nations. Neighboring countries such as Rwanda and Ghana have already implemented visa-free policies for African visitors, aligning with the African Union’s push for easier travel within the continent.

This move is expected to position Kenya as a more attractive destination for African travelers while boosting tourism and fostering economic growth. The Cabinet has tasked ministries of Treasury, Transport, Interior, and Tourism to propose guidelines within a week to enhance travelers’ experiences at Kenyan airports.

Kenya’s William Ruto /Eastleigh Voice/

By revisiting its travel policies, Kenya shows its commitment to Pan-Africanism, open skies policies, and its ambition to become a regional tourism and aviation hub.

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Faith Nyasuguta

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