https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240106/kenya-welcomes-first-batch-of-foreign-tourists-under-new-visa-free-entry-policy-1064486863.html
Kenya Welcomes First Batch of Foreign Tourists Under New Visa-Free Entry Policy
Kenya Welcomes First Batch of Foreign Tourists Under New Visa-Free Entry Policy
Sputnik Africa
In December 2023, Kenyan President William Ruto announced that Kenya will abolish visa requirements for international visitors effective January 1, reflecting... 06.01.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-01-06T10:41+0100
2024-01-06T10:41+0100
2024-01-06T10:41+0100
sub-saharan africa
kenya
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Kenya has reached a momentous milestone by becoming the first country to implement visa-free entry for all foreign tourists in 2024. By waiving visa requirements for travelers regardless of nationality, Kenya aims to boost international tourism.This development came despite media reports earlier in the week that Kenya had postponed the implementation of a presidential decision to allow visa-free entry for foreigners.Julius Bitok, Kenya's Immigration Principal Secretary, expressed optimism about the country's tourism prospects, expecting a doubling of tourist arrivals by end of the year.To facilitate this initiative, Kenya has implemented an innovative Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system that replaces traditional visas with a streamlined online application process. The new process charges a nominal $30 processing fee, ensuring hassle-free entry for global travelers for a 90-day stay.Kenya's decision to implement visa-free entry is in line with strategic efforts to revitalize its tourism industry, which has faced adversity in recent years due to global travel restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The groundbreaking move regarding the visa regime is also expected to strengthen international relations.In 2023, Kenya's tourism revenue was $1.8 billion, according to government figures. With the new policy in place, Kenya aims to generate approximately $9.5 billion annually from tourism revenues once the initiative reaches full operational capacity. Notably, tourism plays a crucial role in Kenya's economy, contributing significantly to employment and foreign exchange earnings.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20231213/this-african-country-abolishes-visa-restrictions-for-all-tourists-1064099868.html
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kenya, east africa, tourism industry, tourism, economy, visa, travelling
kenya, east africa, tourism industry, tourism, economy, visa, travelling
Kenya Welcomes First Batch of Foreign Tourists Under New Visa-Free Entry Policy
Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
In December 2023, Kenyan President William Ruto announced that Kenya will abolish visa requirements for international visitors effective January 1, reflecting the country's commitment to attracting a diverse range of visitors to experience the East African nation's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Kenya has reached a momentous milestone by becoming the first country to implement visa-free entry for all foreign tourists in 2024. By waiving visa requirements for travelers regardless of nationality, Kenya aims to boost international tourism.
This development came despite media reports earlier in the week that
Kenya had postponed the implementation of a presidential decision to allow visa-free entry for foreigners.
Julius Bitok, Kenya's Immigration Principal Secretary, expressed optimism about the country's tourism prospects, expecting
a doubling of tourist arrivals by end of the year.
"We have made sure that traveling to Kenya is going to be an easy and pleasant experience. We have been receiving about 2 million tourists per year but we believe that with this policy shift, the numbers will double, to over 5 million per year," Bitok told the media.
To facilitate this initiative, Kenya has implemented an innovative Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system that replaces traditional visas with a streamlined online application process. The new process charges a nominal $30 processing fee, ensuring
hassle-free entry for global travelers for a 90-day stay.
Kenya's decision to implement visa-free entry is in line with strategic efforts to revitalize its tourism industry, which has faced adversity in recent years due to global travel restrictions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The groundbreaking move regarding the visa regime is also expected to strengthen international relations.
In 2023, Kenya's tourism revenue was $1.8 billion, according to government figures. With the
new policy in place, Kenya aims to generate approximately $9.5 billion annually from tourism revenues once the initiative reaches full operational capacity. Notably, tourism plays a crucial role in Kenya's economy, contributing significantly to employment and foreign exchange earnings.
