KENYA DROPS VISA RULES FOR AFRICA AND CARIBBEAN EXCEPT SOMALIA AND LIBYA

Kenya has officially lifted visa requirements for citizens of all African countries and most Caribbean nations, marking a major shift in its travel policy aimed at advancing continental integration, boosting tourism, and facilitating cross-border trade. The new policy, announced in a cabinet dispatch and confirmed by the Ministry of Interior, allows eligible travelers to enter Kenya without applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), completing extensive paperwork, or paying visa fees. Under this directive, African nationals can now stay in Kenya visa-free for up to two months. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states will continue to enjoy an extended stay of up to six months under existing regional free movement agreements.

However, the exemption does not apply to travelers from Somalia and Libya. Kenyan authorities cited security concerns, stating that visitors from these countries will still be subject to stringent screening procedures until the security situations allows for more relaxed travel measures. The move fulfills President William Ruto’s promise to eliminate visa barriers for Africans, which can be criticized as a relic of colonialism. The President has emphasized the importance of allowing Africans to travel freely within the continent, similar to the free movement enjoyed within the European Union.

 Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura called the policy a milestone in Kenya’s commitment to continued integration, adding that the removal of visa requirements signals Kenya’s readiness to welcome business, tourism, and partnerships. To support the change, the government is implementing a new passenger information system to streamline entry procedures and strengthen security. The system will enable real-time pre-screening of travelers and speed up ETA processing for those still required to obtain one. The ETA system will remain in place for non-exempt travelers, with processing expected within 72 hours. Kenya becomes the second African nation after Rwanda to introduce such a wide-reaching visa-free policy.