Kenya has officially removed visa and electronic travel authorization (ETA) requirements for nationals from nearly all African and several Caribbean countries, marking a bold new step toward fostering greater continental integration, cultural exchange, and trade.
The announcement follows months of criticism surrounding Kenya’s earlier ETA-based entry system that had replaced traditional visas. Now, citizens from all African countries, except Libya and Somalia, due to security concerns, along with several Caribbean nations such as Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and Belize, can enter Kenya visa-free and without ETA pre-approval.
Under the revised policy, most African travelers can stay in Kenya for up to 60 days, while citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states may stay for up to six months under existing regional agreements. 
Kenya’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that this policy shift was designed to make the country more accessible, reduce entry barriers, and enhance Kenya’s global appeal as a travel and investment destination.
Kenya’s journey toward visa reform began in January 2024, when the government initially removed visa requirements for all foreign travelers and introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. However, the system quickly drew criticism from citizens and policy analysts alike, who viewed it as a bureaucratic obstacle disguised as openness.
Now, all eligible visitors only undergo basic pre-screening, with most approvals processed within 72 hours, eliminating the delays and costs associated with ETAs or visa applications.
This policy aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals of promoting the free movement of people, goods, and services. It also sends a strong signal to the Caribbean community of Kenya’s commitment to strengthening ties with the African diaspora.
Tourism operators in Nairobi and coastal regions such as Mombasa and Diani have already welcomed the move, expecting an uptick in African and Caribbean travelers.
Kenya becomes one of the few African nations to implement such a sweeping visa-free regime, standing alongside Rwanda, Seychelles, and Gambia in terms of open border policies. Analysts say the move could encourage reciprocity among other African states and further boost intercontinental travel between Africa and the Caribbean.
With the announcement, Kenya is positioning itself not only as a gateway to East Africa but also as a leader in building bridges across the Black Atlantic.
