Kenyan-Eritrea Agree To Abolish Visa Requirements

Kenya and Eritrea have taken the monumental step of eliminating visa requirements between their two nations. During bilateral talks in Nairobi, President William Ruto of Kenya and President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea agreed to collaborate on several key areas including agriculture, trade and investment, air transport, mining, education, renewable energy, water management, tourism, the blue economy, and regional integration.

President Ruto announced that, in order to facilitate growth in trade and connectivity between the two nations, they have agreed to permanently abolish visa requirements with immediate effect. Both countries' relevant ministries will now work to formalize the directive.

To further strengthen bilateral relations, Kenya will be opening a diplomatic mission representation in the Eritrean capital city of Asmara. President Ruto expressed confidence that this stronger cooperation will have a significant impact on advancing the African agenda globally, especially in light of current dynamics that negatively impact the lives of their people.

Eritrea becomes the second country to open its borders to Kenyans since President Ruto took office in September 2022. The first country was South Africa, where President Ruto and President Cyril Ramaphosa agreed in November 2022 to abolish visa requirements for their citizens. President Ruto announced that Kenyans with ordinary passports will now be able to enter South Africa for up to 90 days per calendar year without a visa.