Kenya’s passport has been ranked as the seventh most powerful among African countries due to the number of visa-free entries, according to the latest data provided by the Henley Passport Index.
The data further ranks the Kenyan passport at number 67 globally, with the strongest passports being those of six countries including France, Spain, Singapore, Germany, Italy and Japan.
These six countries tied at number one, with holders from the countries enjoying visa-free entries to 194 destinations.
Compared to other African countries, only Seychelles (26), Mauritius (30), South Africa (53), Botswana (59) Namibia and Lesotho (65), and Eswatini (66), ranked above Kenya.
However, Somalia (99), Libya (98), Eritrea (96), Sudan and Nigeria (95), South Sudan (94) and DR Congo (94) ranked among the lowest in the African continent.
According to the index, Kenya passport holders can also enjoy visa-free entries to 76 different destinations.
Passport Index Report
As such, Kenyan passport holders can enjoy visa free entries to African countries such as Benin, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria among many others.
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On the other hand, the document can grant holders entry to many destinations not within the African content including the Bahamas, Maldives, Cuba, and Hong Kong.
Furthermore, the Index report ranked Finland second with a visa-free score of 193, noting a tie with South Korea and Sweden.
The report further ranks Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan and Yemen among the least powerful passports, probably due to the political tensions within the countries.
It is important to note that the Henley Passport Index is an authoritative passport index based on data provided by the International Air Transport Authority (IATA).
The index is updated monthly, including a total number of 199 different passports and 227 different possible travel destinations.
Kenya Visa Requirements
This ranking comes at a time when the government is transitioning to a new system after President Ruto scrapped off all visa requirements for foreign nationals visiting and transiting through Kenya.
Speaking during the 2023 Jamhuri Day Celebrations, President William Ruto said that the decision will boost tourism and attract more foreign investments to Kenya.
Subsequently, the visa requirements have been replaced by the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
Also Read: History Made as Ruto’s Visa-Free Promise Kicks Off
The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services gave an update on visa free travels to Kenya and the status of ETA on January 11.
According to the ministry’s PS Julius Bitok, ETA system has introduced significant changes to the travel and transit experience for foreign nationals visiting Kenya.
Besides, he revealed that the electronic system provides for a simple and faster process as compared to visa application.
“Previously, it took up to 14 days to process visa applications for foreigners from 12 listed countries.
The waiting period for this category has now been drastically reduced to a maximum of 72 hours,” he said.
