Kenya’s visa ranking falls sharply in Africa
Kenya has dropped to 46th place out of 54 countries in the Africa Visa Openness Index 2024. This is a massive fall from its 29th position last year.
The report shows Kenya's visa-free access to other African nations is now very limited.
Kenya’s score fell to 0.113 in 2024, compared to 0.396 in 2023, placing it behind neighbours like Tanzania which came in 20th, Uganda which came in 26th, and Ethiopia which came in 19th.
The top-ranked countries are Rwanda, Benin, Seychelles, and Gambia which allow visa-free entry for all African nationals.
The drop in Kenya's ranking is linked to the introduction of an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). The system requires travellers from most African countries to pay Sh4,000 ($30) and apply online before visiting.
East African Community members are exempt, but critics say this policy discourages travel and trade within Africa.
The report also noted that “Kenya’s requirement of an ETA prior to travel for most travellers from other African countries lowered the score.”
While the ETA aims to reduce delays at entry points, many African nations do not impose such fees or restrictions on Kenyans.
In contrast, some countries have eased visa policies.
Ethiopia, for example, rose from 46th to 19th place over eight years. Somalia and Tanzania also improved by granting easier access to more African countries.
