Zim GBC News Reporter
HARARE – In a major boost to African integration and travel, Kenya has abolished visa requirements for citizens of all African nations, alongside most Caribbean countries.
This landmark decision significantly simplifies travel for Zimbabweans and others across the continent, removing previous bureaucratic hurdles.
Crucially for Zimbabwe, the Kenyan government has also eliminated the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that Zimbabwean passport holders previously needed to enter Kenya. This means:
- No lengthy application forms for Zimbabwean travellers.
- No visa fees required.
- Simplified entry into Kenya.
“Holders of Zimbabwean passports previously did not need a visa to enter Kenya but an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a requirement that has also been scrapped,” the Kenyan government confirmed.
This places Zimbabweans on equal footing with other African nations under the new policy.
The move is explicitly designed to support “open skies policies and tourism growth.”
However, the Kenyan Cabinet noted a security exemption: “a key proposal is to grant ETA exemptions to all African countries, except Somalia and Libya, due to security concerns.”
This development aligns with regional efforts like the SADC Tourism Univisa pilot, recently agreed upon by Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, and Angola. SADC Executive Secretary Mr. Elias Magosi stated:
“Summit commended five Member States… for accepting to pilot the SADC Tourism univisa, a regional instrument which is expected to simplify travel and promote regional tourism… to boost intra-regional tourism.” Kenya’s visa abolition complements this initiative.
Further easing travel, Kenya pledged to implement measures ensuring travellers receive any necessary ETA approval “instantly, or within 72 hours, depending on operational capacity.”
The decision underscores the strong bilateral relationship between Zimbabwe and Kenya. Kenya’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mrs. Getrude Nyausi Angote, recently emphasized deepening ties:
“Our priorities are in trade and investment, but more importantly, we intend to deepen our diplomatic relations in many ways,” she stated during her credentials presentation. Highlighting shared challenges, she added,
“We are looking to strengthen our relationship with Zimbabwe… to build resilience and implement climate action to address droughts, floods, and other climate-related challenges.”
Ambassador Angote noted the foundation laid by President Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto:
“We are looking at continuing those kinds of relations and deepening engagements.”
This sweeping visa removal is seen as a significant step towards realizing the African Union’s vision of free movement and enhanced intra-African trade and tourism, directly benefiting Zimbabwean citizens and businesses.
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