Kenya officially eliminated visa requirements for citizens of all African nations and most Caribbean countries, enabling hassle-free entry without Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) forms or fees, Africanews reported.
Travellers from eligible countries can now arrive directly at Kenyan borders and gain immediate entry, significantly streamlining access.
The exemption excludes Libya and Somalia due to government-cited “security concerns”. African visitors may stay for up to two months, while nationals from East African Community (EAC) member states retain the existing six-month stay entitlement under regional free movement agreements.
President William Ruto championed the move as pivotal for continental integration, stating that simplifying entry procedures will facilitate easier movement for travellers across borders.
Complementing the visa overhaul, Kenya committed to processing ETA approvals “instantly or within 72 hours” while developing a new passenger information system for enhanced pre-screening and border efficiency. This follows October 2024’s launch of a digital nomad visa allowing remote workers to live in Kenya.
Ruto highlighted expanded “cyber optic coverage” ensuring tourist connectivity nationwide. A 12-hour electronic transit authorisation also permits flight connection passengers to explore cities and attractions rather than awaiting transfers in terminals.
Kenya now joins Ghana, Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin in offering visa-free access to all African passport holders, marking a significant shift towards frictionless intra-continental travel.
