Kenya has officially waived visa requirements for the majority of African and Caribbean nations. This bold policy shift means that eligible citizens from these regions can now travel to Kenya without undergoing the cumbersome Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) process or paying visa fees.
Announced as part of the government’s broader strategy to simplify travel and promote economic cooperation, the new immigration policy enables African nationals to stay in Kenya for up to two months. For East African Community (EAC) citizens, the six-month stay period remains intact under the existing free movement agreements.
The Kenyan Cabinet, in approving the decision, highlighted the country’s commitment to open skies and regional connectivity. President William Ruto reiterated that easing border entry would foster stronger diplomatic and economic ties across the continent. “Africa must be connected not only through trade but through the free movement of its people,” said Ruto, stressing that the future of the continent relies on unity and integration.
Despite the sweeping exemptions, the new policy excludes Somalia and Libya due to ongoing security concerns. The Kenyan government cited these reasons in a January 2025 notice that outlined the country’s intent to exempt African nations from ETA requirements.
This development reflects a growing trend across Africa to dismantle intra-continental travel barriers. As more countries adopt visa-free policies, the continent moves closer to realizing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which includes improving the ease of doing business and enhancing people-to-people interactions.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed Kenya’s move, anticipating an uptick in arrivals and regional business activities. By eliminating travel hurdles, Kenya positions itself as a central hub for tourism, trade, and diplomacy in Africa and beyond.
As the new policy takes effect, travelers from the approved countries can look forward to a more seamless journey to Kenya, marking a new era in Pan-African and Caribbean-Kenyan relations.
