Kenya Drops Visa Requirements For All African Countries Except Somalia And Libya

Kenya has officially scrapped visa requirements for all African and most Caribbean countries.

This means citizens from these regions no longer need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), do not have to fill out lengthy forms, and are not required to pay any visa fees.

Moreover, this will allow eligible travelers to show up at the border and enter the country hassle-free.

However, the privilege does not extend to Libya and Somalia because they pose security risks, according to the government. Further, the changes now allow African visitors to stay in Kenya for up to two months, while East African Community (EAC) nationals benefit from a six-month stay as per existing free movement protocols within the EAC.

According to the cabinet, the decision will enable Kenya to support open skies policies and encourage growth in the tourism sector.

Additionally, President William Ruto believes that simplifying entry procedures will make it easier for travelers to move across borders, strengthening ties between Kenya and the rest of the continent.

“As part of efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth, a key proposal is to grant ETA exemptions to all African countries, except Somalia and Libya, due to security concerns,” a dispatch from the cabinet read in part.

Kenya also promised to put in place measures that allow travelers to receive ETA approval instantly, or within 72 hours, depending on operational capacity.