Tourists from all over the world will no longer need visas to visit Kenya from 2024, President William Ruto said, speaking of a "historic announcement."
"It is with great pleasure as president of this extraordinary country to make a historic announcement of the decision of the government of Kenya. 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. [...] A simple message to humanity: 'Welcome home!'," he exclaimed in his speech on the occasion of Kenya's 60th anniversary of independence.
According to him, a platform has been developed so that travelers going to Kenya, identified in advance, can obtain an electronic travel authorization upon arrival in the country.
The leader recalled that his country was considered by many scientists as the "cradle of humanity" and that it was logical that everyone could go there without accumulating paperwork.
In late October, Ruto revealed that Kenya would lift visa requirements for all African visitors by the year-end.
The announcement was made after the KTB disclosed that Kenya aims to increase international tourist arrivals to 5.5 million over the next five years, boosting the sector's contribution to the economy $6.3 billion annually.