Kenya has joined the growing list of African nations embracing visa-free travel for citizens across the continent. This policy aligns with similar initiatives by countries such as Benin, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Rwanda, which have already opened their borders to all Africans.
The East African nation’s new directive allows citizens of nearly all African countries to travel to Kenya without a visa. This move is part of Kenya’s strategy to foster regional integration, enhance cross-border trade, promote open-skies agreements, and boost tourism.
Under the updated policy, travelers from most African countries can stay in Kenya visa-free for up to two months. Members of the East African Community (EAC)—including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi—will be permitted to stay for up to six months, reflecting the bloc’s existing regulations. However, the policy currently excludes citizens of Somalia and Libya due to security concerns, as noted in a cabinet statement.
Visa-free travel within Africa refers to agreements or policies that enable citizens of one African country to enter another without a visa or through simplified procedures. Kenya’s initiative aligns with broader efforts by the African Union and mirrors similar measures recently announced by Ghana, whose visa-free policy for African travelers will begin in early 2025. Such initiatives aim to simplify travel, strengthen intercontinental relationships, and encourage regional collaboration.
Although a specific timeline for Kenya’s implementation is yet to be confirmed, plans are in progress to streamline entry procedures. A new system for instant travel approval is expected, with processing times capped at 72 hours. This will replace the current Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which has faced criticism for its complexity and cost.
According to the BBC, Kenya’s cabinet has instructed relevant ministries to finalize updated guidelines within a week, focusing on enhancing passenger experiences at airports and ensuring smooth transitions under the new policy.
