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Kenya to become visa-free for visitors from all countries in 2024

The tourism industry plays a vital role in country's economy, offering beach holidays along its Indian Ocean coastline and wildlife safaris inland

Published: Thu 14 Dec 2023, 7:07 PM

Updated: Fri 15 Dec 2023, 12:35 PM

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  • Reuters

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A cheetah on a prowl in Masai Mara, Kenya. (Photo: Gifty Sahany)

A cheetah on a prowl in Masai Mara, Kenya. (Photo: Gifty Sahany)

Visitors to Kenya from across the world will no longer require a visa from January, President William Ruto said on Tuesday.

Ruto said his government had developed a digital platform to ensure all visitors would receive an electronic travel authorisation in advance, instead of needing to apply for a visa.

"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," he said in a speech in the capital Nairobi at an event to mark 60 years of independence from Britain.

Ruto has long advocated for visa-free travel within the African continent.

At a conference in the Republic of Congo in October he said people from African countries would not require a visa to visit Kenya by the end of 2023.

The tourism industry plays a vital role in Kenya's economy, offering beach holidays along its Indian Ocean coastline and wildlife safaris inland.

"Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home!" he said.

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