Kenya opens visa-free travel to all: Maasai Mara reserve, Great Rift valley should be on your UAE holiday bucket list

Foreign visitors to Kenya will not be required to have a visa beginning January 2024, President William Ruto announced during the celebration of Jamhuri Day, or Independence Day, held in Nairobi, the capital. Ruto said on Tuesday that all foreign nationals will enter the county without a visa from January next year, a move that is expected to boost tourism, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya," he added.

The Kenyan leader said that to implement the visa-free policy, the government has adopted a digital platform to ensure that all travellers to the country are identified in advance through an electronic platform.

An electronic travel authorisation will be granted to foreign nationals visiting Kenya, Ruto said, adding that a visa-free regime aligns with his administration's quest to boost the growth of tourism and borderless commerce.

Kenya had earlier waived visa requirements for citizens from Indonesia, Senegal and Congo, anchored on bilateral agreements to enhance the movement of tourists, investors and skilled personnel. President Ruto has advocated for the abolition of visas for Africans visiting Kenya to realise the continent's integration agenda since taking over power in September 2022.

Kenya joins Rwanda which in November announced visa-free travel for all Africans. During his speech at the 60th independence anniversary celebration, Ruto said his administration was committed to renewing key sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, health and financial services in line with the people-centered growth model. Above : The reflection of the sky on Lake Elementaita, Great Rift Valley .

You can now travel to Maasai Mara National Reserve, renowned as one of the world's premier wildlife destinations. Maasai Mara captivates with its sweeping landscapes and abundant wildlife. The crown jewel of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains, the reserve offers an awe-inspiring spectacle.

Tropical Beach Paradises: Escape the wild and venture to Kenya's coastal havens, where white sandy beaches meet the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Diani Beach, with its palm-fringed shores, invites you to unwind and indulge in water activities, from snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs to kite surfing along the gentle waves.

The Great Rift Valley is a colossal trench, forged by the movement of tectonic plates over millions of years. In Kenya, this breathtaking fissure reveals itself in a dramatic panorama of cliffs, escarpments, and expansive vistas. Lakes of Tranquility: Dotted along the Rift Valley floor are several stunning lakes, each possessing its unique charm

Kenya is a destination where travellers of all levels and interests can find something to enjoy - whether that be adrenaline-fueled activities or a chilled-out stress-free vacation with a book on the beach or by the bush. With the visa-free scheme now, UAE residents can add Kenya to their bucket list.