Kenya Introduces Visa-Free Layover Tourism for Foreign Visitors
In a bold move to enhance Kenya’s tourism industry, President William Ruto has unveiled a new policy aimed at boosting the country’s appeal to foreign travelers.
The initiative, announced at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2024, will allow travelers on connecting flights to explore Kenya without the need for a visa.
The new policy introduces the Transit and Long Connection Travellers Electronic Travel Authorisation, which will enable passengers with layovers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to leave the airport and explore Nairobi and its surrounding areas.
President Ruto emphasized that this development would transform the experience of passengers who typically spend long hours waiting for their connecting flights. “Travellers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with time between connection flights will therefore now be able to immerse themselves in Magical Kenya instead of waiting at the terminals,” he stated.
By making Kenya more accessible, the government aims to attract a wider audience of tourists who might otherwise bypass the country.
The policy is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to elevate its status as a premier tourist destination in Africa. With a target of drawing in 5 million visitors by 2027, this initiative is expected to make a substantial impact on the tourism sector. It is seen as a way to showcase Kenya’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, which tourists can experience during even brief layovers.
In addition to this change, President Ruto announced the introduction of a Digital Nomad Work Permit. This new permit will allow foreign digital professionals to live and work in Kenya with ease, granting them the flexibility to move in and out of the country as needed.
“I am pleased to announce the introduction of a Digital Nomad work permit, designed to welcome global digital professionals,” Ruto said, underscoring Kenya’s ambition to become a hub for remote work and innovation in Africa.
The tourism sector has long been a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy. Recent statistics show that Kenya recorded nearly 2 million tourists in 2023, marking a 31.5 per cent increase from 2022. With these fresh initiatives, the government is hopeful that the tourism industry will continue its upward trajectory, bringing in more visitors and contributing significantly to the local economy.
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Kenya Introduces Visa-Free Layover Tourism for Foreign Visitors
