The president of Kenya announced that international visitors arriving in the African country will no longer need a visa to enter, starting in January.
Reuters.com reported that Kenyan President William Ruto said Tuesday; the government developed a “digital platform to ensure all visitors would receive an electronic travel authorization in advance, instead of needing to apply for a visa.”
Ruto has been a strong advocate for visa-free travel across Africa and said in October that Kenya would welcome travelers from across the continent without the need for a visa by the end of the year.
“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,” President Ruto said.
“Kenya has a simple message to humanity: Welcome Home,” Ruto continued.
The tourism industry is a major driver of income for Kenya’s gross domestic product, with the economy dependent on travelers who visit the country’s beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline and the wildlife safaris farther inland.
Earlier this year, Delta Air Lines announced an expanded partnership with Kenya Airways that includes the latter’s nonstop Nairobi-to-New York service. The deal also offers customers more travel options within the United States and Africa, with 31 additional single-connect destinations in Africa and another 57 across the U.S. and Canada.
