In a landmark move aimed at fostering continental unity, economic integration, and stronger South-South cooperation, the government of Kenya has officially removed visa requirements for all African citizens and the majority of Caribbean countries. This transformative policy takes immediate effect and removes traditional entry barriers such as ETA applications, visa forms, and entry fees. Citizens of these countries now simply need a valid passport to enter Kenya.

This development was confirmed by senior officials at Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and follows President William Ruto’s long-standing pledge to eliminate visa restrictions for fellow Africans, which he reiterated at several regional summits. The decision aligns with Kenya’s broader Pan-African vision and its strategic goal of boosting intra-African trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

The policy, however, excludes Libya and Somalia, reportedly due to ongoing security concerns and pending bilateral negotiations.

Caribbean countries now benefiting from this relaxed policy include Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and more — as Kenya seeks to deepen historical and cultural ties with the African diaspora.

Tourism operators, business leaders, and regional integration advocates have praised the decision, calling it a “bold step toward a borderless Africa and Caribbean-African unity.”