Kenya has been ranked 73rd globally in the latest Henley Passport Index, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 70 destinations, maintaining its position globally from the past ranking.
This is despite President William Ruto’s aggressive reforms aimed at opening up the country to global investors and tourists.
According to the October Henley Passport Index report, Kenya ranks 73rd globally.
The index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations holders can access without a prior visa.
In July, Kenya was ranked 69th globally in the latest Henley Passport Index, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 71 destinations, maintaining its position globally from the past ranking.
Kenya Drops Visa Requirements
Kenya now ranks as one of the most open countries globally, achieving a 100% score on the Henley Openness Index, which means it allows citizens from other countries to enter without needing a prior visa.
However, although Kenya has opened its borders to the world, Kenyans still face travel restrictions abroad. Kenya’s passport strength is still limited because of a lack of reciprocal visa waiver agreements.
Kenya had officially scrapped visa requirements for all African and most Caribbean countries.
This means citizens from these regions will no longer need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), fill out lengthy forms, or pay visa fees.
Eligible travelers can now arrive at the border and enter the country hassle-free.
However, the exemption does not extend to Libya and Somalia, which the government cited as security risks.
Under the new policy, African visitors can stay in Kenya for up to two months, while East African Community (EAC) nationals will continue to enjoy a six-month stay in line with existing free movement protocols.
According to the government, the move aims to promote open skies policies and stimulate growth in the tourism sector.
“As part of efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth, a key proposal is to grant ETA exemptions to all African countries, except Somalia and Libya, due to security concerns,” a dispatch from the cabinet read in part.
Also Read: Passport Application in Kenya: Fees, Forms and Requirements
Global Rankings
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Singapore holds the top spot globally, with its passport allowing access to 193 destinations. South Korea ranks second with 190 destinations, followed by Japan in third place with 189.
At the same time, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland share the fourth position, each granting access to 188 countries. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands are tied for fifth, with 187 destinations.
Also Read: Govt Makes Changes to Passport Application and Collection Process
Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden occupy the sixth spot, each with access to 186 countries. Australia, Czechia, Malta, and Poland are seventh with 185 destinations.
Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom share the eighth position, each allowing travel to 184 countries.
Canada is ninth with access to 183 destinations, while Latvia and Liechtenstein rank tenth with 182.
Iceland and Lithuania rank 11th with 181, while Malaysia and the United States rank 12th, with passports granting access to 180 countries worldwide.
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