President William Ruto has announced that foreigners from all corners of the globe wishing to travel to Kenya in 2024 will no longer need visas.
Speaking at Uhuru Gardens during Jamhuri Day celebrations on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, Ruto said Kenya will abolish visa requirements for foreigners starting January 2024.
"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. To echo the call of the Turkana people to the world: “Tobong’u Lorre!” Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home! This is why, the Government has abolished the requirement of visas for all our visitors," Ruto said.
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The president added that his government has developed a digital platform to ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform even as the country abolishes visa requirements.
"To implement this new policy, we have developed a digital platform to ensure that all travellers to Kenya are identified in advance on an electronic platform. All travellers will obtain electronic travel authorisation," Ruto said.
Congo, Brazzaville
Ruto's announcement comes a month after he announced visa-free entry for Africans during the Three Basins Climate Change Conference in Brazzaville, Congo on October 28, 2023.
"By the end of this year, no African will need a visa to enter Kenya. The time has come to understand the importance of doing trade between us," he said.
Ruto explained that the move was aimed at boosting trade with African countries.
He regretted the low rate of intra-African trade and urged countries in the continent to reduce customs tariffs to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
"It is time we realize the importance of trading among ourselves and allowing goods, services, people and ideas to move freely across the continent," Ruto said.
