During Kenya’s 60th independence anniversary, President William Ruto declared itself to be a visa-free destination for all citizens from any nation. This is a landscape-defining move as tourists will no longer go through the hassle of processing so many travel requirements. There will be, however, an electronic travel authorization. Even so, this is already so much better than traditional visa applications that require so much.
In his speech on December 18th, President William Ruto said, “Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. 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.” This move is done with the goal of becoming a more welcoming country to international travelers, given its accessibility.
Reports show that security will still be paramount even with this change. The online travel authorization will have robust security checks to guarantee both the travelers’ and the nation’s safety. The best part of this service is that it is free of charge. This is both convenient and economically beneficial, especially for tourists on a budget who still want to explore Kenya and witness its diverse landscape and culture.
This transition to a visa-free system leads to a streamlining of the entry process. Kenya’s decision to implement a visa-free system is truly a step forward to an inclusive and travel-friendly system. The nation anticipates the advantages this will give them economically, welcoming everyone around the world to get to know their stunning landscapes and beautifully diverse cultures. Like Shakira said, this time for Africa!
