For the exemption of Libya and Somalia, citizens from all African countries can now enter Kenya without obtaining an entry visa.
The same gesture has also been extended to citizens from most Caribbean countries.
The new visa regime already had the approval of the Kenyan Cabinet.
By this development, citizens from all African countries with exemption from Libya and Somalia no longer require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The citizens of those countries also do not need to fill lengthy forms or pay any visa fees.
Kenyan President William Ruto aims to boost tourism and strengthen ties between Kenya and other African countries with the new visa-free policy.
The changes now allow African visitors to stay in Kenya for up to two months, while East African Community (EAC) nationals benefit from a six-month stay as per existing free movement protocols within the EAC.
“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 stated.
Also, the Kenyan government promised to introduce a new passenger information system to enhance pre-screening, strengthen security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points.
