In a landmark policy shift, Kenya has officially removed visa requirements for Nigerians, all African nations, and most Caribbean countries, effectively allowing visa-free entry into the East African country. The development was confirmed in a Kenya Times report published on Sunday.
This sweeping reform means Nigerian travellers — along with other Africans — will no longer need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Kenya. The only exceptions are Libya and Somalia, which Kenyan authorities have classified as high-risk security countries.
The policy aligns with Kenyan President William Ruto’s vision to unify Africa through open borders, promoting tourism, trade, and foreign direct investment across the continent.
“Removing visa restrictions is essential to ease movement for African citizens and to unlock economic opportunities across borders,” Ruto previously said in a 2024 AU Summit.
This announcement follows an earlier move in January 2025, when Kenya hinted at broader travel reforms aimed at improving passenger experience and regional cooperation.
In contrast, Nigeria recently reviewed its Visa-on-Arrival policy, signaling that African countries are reconsidering how to foster deeper continental partnerships through open-border strategies.
While the visa-free privilege currently excludes Libya and Somalia, the move has been largely praised across diplomatic and travel circles, as it opens up East Africa’s economic powerhouse to millions of African citizens and diaspora travelers.
This initiative is expected to significantly increase intra-African tourism, strengthen diplomatic ties, and reduce entry barriers for students, entrepreneurs, and investors.
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