Kenya’s New Visa Modifications

Kenya has officially eliminated visa requirements for all African nations and the majority of Caribbean countries. President Ruto stated that the government is expanding its digital infrastructure to enable tourists to stay connected to the internet and work remotely while exploring various regions of the country. He also announced the implementation of an electronic travel authorization (ETA) that permits tourists to explore Kenyaexplore Kenya for up to 12 hours. This initiative allows travelers with connecting flights to leave the airport terminals and visit different cities and attractions without delay. Consequently, citizens from these regions are no longer required to obtain an ETA, complete extensive paperwork, or pay visa fees. Furthermore, eligible travelers can now enter the country seamlessly upon arrival at the border. However, this exemption does not apply to Libya and Somalia due to security concerns.

Implications of the Visa Policy Changes

The revised regulations permit African visitors to remain in Kenya for up to two months, while nationals of the East African Community (EAC) continue to benefit from a six-month stay in accordance with existing free movement agreements within the EAC. The cabinet emphasized that this decision supports open skies policies and aims to stimulate growth in the tourism sector. President William Ruto expressed that simplifying entry procedures will facilitate cross-border travel and strengthen Kenya’s relationships with other African countries. In a government notice issued in January 2025, several additional measures were outlined to enhance the travel experience. “As part of efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth, a key proposal is to grant ETA exemptions to all African countries, except Somalia and Libya, due to security concerns,” the cabinet communiqué stated. Kenya also committed to implementing systems that enable travelers to receive ETA approvals instantly or within 72 hours, depending on operational capacity. Moreover, the government plans to introduce a new passenger information system designed to improve pre-screening, bolster security, and streamline passenger processing.

Introduction of Nomad Visas

In October 2024, President Ruto announced the launch of a digital nomad work permit, which will allow remote workers to live and work legally in Kenya.