Kenya plans to scrap visas for all visitors from January
President William Ruto of Kenya announced on Tuesday that starting in January, visitors to Kenya from around the world will no longer be required to obtain a visa.
The government has introduced a digital platform to streamline the process, enabling all visitors to receive electronic travel authorization in advance, and eliminating the need for a traditional visa application.
Ruto emphasized that individuals from any part of the world would no longer be burdened with the task of applying for a visa to enter Kenya. This move is aimed at facilitating smoother travel and promoting tourism to Kenya. The announcement was made during an event in Nairobi commemorating the country's 60 years of independence from Britain.
Key Takeaways
Ruto has been a longstanding advocate for visa-free travel within the African continent. In October, during a conference in the Republic of Congo, he announced that by the end of 2023, people from African countries would not require a visa to visit Kenya. This move aligns with efforts to promote regional integration and boost tourism. Kenya's tourism industry is a crucial contributor to the country's economy, offering diverse attractions such as beach holidays along the Indian Ocean coastline and wildlife safaris inland. Eliminating visa requirements for visitors is expected to facilitate easier travel, attract more tourists, and further support the growth of the tourism sector in Kenya.
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