During the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, on 13 December 2023, President William Ruto revealed that Kenya is set to become a visa-free country, eliminating the need for visitors worldwide to apply for visas. This groundbreaking decision is scheduled to take effect in January 2024.
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Hassle-free Travel for All
President Ruto emphasized that this decision follows closely on the heels of Kenya’s earlier commitment to open its borders for visa-free travel by Africans, effective the end of December 2023. The new development marks the end of visa requirements for all visitors, regardless of their nationality.
To facilitate this policy shift, the government has introduced a digital platform to identify travelers in advance. Travelers are required to simply obtain electronic travel authorization before visiting the country, known for its diverse tourist attractions.
“It is with great pleasure, as president of this extraordinary country, to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country,” stated President Ruto. “It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya. To echo the call of the Turkana people to the world: ‘Tobong’u Lorre!’ Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home!” he added.
Will Kenya go VISA-free?
The move aligns with Kenya’s commitment to embracing globalization and opening its borders to spur socio-economic development. President Ruto highlighted Kenya’s historical significance as the first home of humanity, emphasizing the country’s pride in its rich heritage.
“Our world, and the good in it, belongs to those who are not shy to embrace globalization. We venture abroad fearlessly and warmly welcome our visitors from near and far. This is not by accident. The scientific historical account of early humanity is told by various archaeological sites in our country,” said President Ruto.
While addressing the Youth Connekt Africa Summit earlier in December, President Ruto expressed his belief that Africa should abolish visa requirements for its population, citing the success of the European Union in creating a borderless market.
“I am very persuaded, and we all know what borderless countries have done, the people who taught us about visas because we did not have visas, our good brothers from Europe came and taught us about visas,” he stated.
Why is Kenya trying to go VISA-free?
President Ruto reiterated Kenya’s support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), established in 2021. According to Ruto, the organization aims to create a borderless market for African entrepreneurs and businesses. He argued that eliminating visa requirements would further enhance economic integration on the continent.
“As Kenya, by the end of this year, no African will be required to have a visa to come to Kenya. Our children from this continent should not be locked in borders in Europe and also be locked in borders in Africa,” President Ruto asserted.
While some African nations have already embraced visa-free entry for all citizens, Kenya’s decision reinforces its commitment to fostering a more interconnected and prosperous continent. Do you think Kenya will go VISA-free?
