Kenya extends no visa requirement to visitors globally

President William Ruto has announced that visitors to Kenya from any country in the world will no longer need a visa. 

According to the president, this will take effect from January 2024 as the government has introduced a digital platform for obtaining electronic travel authorization in advance, eliminating the need for visa applications.

Earlier, Ruto stressed that eliminating government visa requirements and tariffs would significantly boost trade among East African Community nations.

He underscored the need to encourage tropical forest basin countries to protect their forests for climate preservation benefits.

Ruto, speaking in Nairobi during an event commemorating 60 years of independence, emphasized that individuals globally won’t have to undergo the hassle of visa applications when coming to Kenya.

Advocating for visa-free travel in Africa, Ruto previously mentioned at a Republic of Congo conference in October that by the end of 2023, people from African countries would not require a visa to visit Kenya. 

The move is aimed at boosting Kenya’s tourism industry, which is a vital component of its economy, known for beach holidays along the Indian Ocean and wildlife safaris.

To this, Ruto expressed a welcoming message, stating, “Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home!”