A new directive by Kenya‘s cabinet will allow citizens of nearly all African countries to visit without needing prior authorization.
A cabinet statement released on Tuesday said citizens of Somalia and Libya were exempt from this new regulation due to “security concerns”.
The statement also said this was part of “efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth” and “promote regional integration and ease travel across the continent”.
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Last year, Kenya introduced its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program, reducing visa costs from $50 to $30.
However, visitors were required to apply online, with approval taking up to three days.
This development faced criticism for falling short of expectations for visa openness, with some labeling it a mere “visa under another name.”
Currently, only five African nations offer visa-free travel to citizens of other African countries.