Kenya has unveiled a new visa policy allowing citizens of almost all African countries to enter without prior authorization. This significant decision, announced by the Kenyan cabinet, aims to foster regional integration, ease travel across the continent, and boost tourism.
However, the visa-free arrangement notably excludes Somalia and Libya due to security concerns.
Previously, visitors to Kenya were required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. Critics have often described the system as essentially a “visa under another name,” as it added complexities to travel arrangements.
Under the new directive, the ETA will no longer be required for citizens of most African nations, enabling smoother travel experiences.
The government stated that this initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote open skies policies and regional collaboration. The policy will allow citizens from most African countries to stay in Kenya for up to two months without needing prior approval.
Additionally, members of the East African Community (EAC), which includes Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, will benefit from an extended stay of up to six months. This extended duration reflects existing agreements within the EAC bloc.
Travelers are also set to benefit from a streamlined approval process, with the maximum waiting period capped at 72 hours.
However, concerns about security remain a priority for Kenya, especially given threats posed by the al-Shabab militant group based in Somalia. These risks were cited as reasons for excluding Somalia and Libya from the visa-free policy.
Interestingly, despite this bold move toward greater openness, Kenya ranked 46th out of 54 nations in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index, a significant drop from previous years.
The introduction of the ETA system, which required visitors to pay $30 and apply three days before travel, has been criticized for deterring potential tourists.
