Kenyan globetrotters are in for a treat as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opens its doors wide, eliminating the need for visas for Kenyan citizens. This momentous decision mirrors Kenya’s recent move, which lifted visa requirements for Congolese travelers just five days prior.
The Directorate General of Migration in the DRC has made it official – as of September 1, 2023, Kenyan passport holders can journey to the DRC without the hassle of obtaining a visa. This decision stems from the directive of the DRC President and has effectively shifted Kenya from category 2 to category one regarding visa requirements.
This alignment aligns seamlessly with the principles of the East African Community, where the free movement of people among member states is a cornerstone.
The winds of change for more accessible travel within Africa are gaining momentum. President William Ruto hinted at the African Private Sector Dialogue Conference on Free Trade that this could be the last time African citizens need to open their wallets for visas when visiting Kenya.
In recent months, Kenya has been extending its hand in friendship to the world. Visa-free travel privileges have been extended to Indonesia, Comoros, and Senegal citizens. Moreover, Kenya and Eritrea have made history by permanently abolishing visa requirements for their respective citizens.
The nation is also actively exploring similar visa-free arrangements with other nations, including Djibouti, intending to foster trade and international cooperation.
In yet another uplifting development, Kenyan passport holders can now venture into South Africa without the visa hurdle, thanks to a groundbreaking visa-free agreement between the two nations. This achievement results from diplomatic endeavors, with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa playing a pivotal role in these negotiations.
These remarkable changes signify substantial progress in making travel more accessible and promoting collaboration among African nations. Ultimately, they stand to benefit citizens and advance the cause of regional integration across the continent.
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