Visa-free travel - Kenya-South Africa pact boosts the AfCFTA

12-11-22

South Africans now get free visas on arrival in the East African nation, a gesture that Kenyans have long wanted to see reciprocated. Kenyans travelling to South Africa had to pay a $40 visa fee and prove that they had sufficient funds and had booked return air tickets.

The visa agreement between Kenya and South Africa will come into force on 1 January, initiating the visa-free travel agreement.

At the time of the announcement, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was in Kenya on his first official trip to the country at the invitation of President Ruto.

Ramaphosa said they discussed the visa issue between Kenya and South Africa to allow Kenyans to visit the southern African nation without a visa.

"This will officially start on January 1, 2023, and will be available to Kenyans for a period of 90 days a year," he said.