You can now add Kenya to the list of African countries you can travel to without a visa. Although the number of visa-free destinations within the continent remains small, it is steadily increasing, with Kenya recently added.
The East African country has announced a new directive granting visa-free entry to citizens of almost all African countries. The government says the open borders policy is part of its efforts to foster regional integration, support open skies agreements, promote cross-border trade and promote tourism.
Under the updated system, nationals of most African countries will be allowed to visit Kenya and stay visa-free for up to two months. Additionally, members of the East African Community (EAC), which includes Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, will be allowed to stay for up to six months, in line with the bloc's policy. However, the new policy excludes Somalia and Libya due to continuing security concerns, according to a cabinet statement.
Intra-African visa-free travel refers to an agreement or policy that allows nationals of one African country to travel to another country without the need for a visa or through simplified visa procedures. Kenya's move is in line with broader efforts by the African Union and countries such as Benin, Seychelles, Gambia and Rwanda, which have already opened their borders to all Africans. Most recently, Ghana joined this list with a new policy approved by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, scheduled to come into force in early 2025. The initiative also aims to simplify transcontinental travel, strengthen ties between African countries and foster regional cooperation. — similar to Kenya's approach.
Kenya has not announced a specific implementation schedule, but plans are underway to introduce an enhanced process for instant travel approval with a maximum processing time of 72 hours. The new system replaces the widely criticized Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which required travelers to apply for and pay for entry authorization before traveling.
According to the BBC, Kenya's cabinet has directed relevant ministries to finalize updated guidelines within a week to improve the passenger experience at airports.
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