Beginning in October 2025, citizens of Kenya and Benin will be able to travel between the two countries without a visa.
The agreement will allow citizens of both countries to travel visa-free for up to 180 days.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, signed the deal with his Benin counterpart, Oleshegun Adjadi Bakar, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
“A new chapter in Africa’s story of unity has begun as I signed a landmark visa-free agreement with H.E. Oleshegun Adjadi Bakar, Benin Minister of Foreign Affairs, unlocking seamless movement for our people. What started two years ago as an ambition to boost tourism and trade across African nations has now become a reality,” part of the statement read.
Mudavadi described the pact as “a new chapter in Africa’s story of unity” and a culmination of two years of efforts aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange across the continent.
Kenya Secures Visa-Free Travel Deal With Benin
Benin’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Oleshegun Adjadi Bakari, lauded the recent policy aimed at fostering greater continental cooperation and creating opportunities for African youths.
“I want to appreciate you (Dr Mudavadi) and commend President Ruto on the move. The waiver means that we are integrating the citizens of Africa and helping our youths take advantage of opportunities in Africa,” Bakari said.
Under the agreement, citizens of both countries can visit for up to six months without a visa, although the waiver does not grant them the right to work or reside permanently.
After the six-month stay, travelers will be required to obtain visas in accordance with the host nation’s immigration laws.
The deal further stipulates that nationals holding valid diplomatic, official, service, or ordinary passports who are appointed to diplomatic or consular missions, along with their families, will still need to apply for visas before entering the other country.
“Nationals of either party who are holders of valid diplomatic, official, service or ordinary passports, appointed as members of the diplomatic or consular mission on the territory of the other party, including members of their families, shall be required to obtain a visa before entering of the territory of the other party in accordance with the national legislation of the receiving party,” States the agreement.
Also Read: Proposed UK Visa Changes That Could Affect Kenyans and Other Foreign Nationals
Extension of Stay Above 6 Months
The Republic of Benin has made it easier for foreign travelers to enter the country through its electronic visa (e-Visa) system, allowing eligible applicants to apply online without needing to visit an embassy.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
- Provide a valid email address.
- Specify travel dates and accommodation details in Benin.
- Confirm their point of departure.
While a yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory for the application, health authorities recommend it.
Approved e-Visas are typically sent via email within a few business days and must be printed for presentation at border control upon arrival.
Authorities note that all information submitted must exactly match the passport details, as discrepancies can lead to denial of entry.
Also Read: What Kenyans Should Know About Visa And Entry Changes for 29 European Countries
Burkina Faso Scraps Visa-Fee Travel to African Countries
Burkina Faso has announced that citizens of other African countries will no longer be required to pay fees for entry visas.
The policy, unveiled in September 2025, allows African nationals to apply online for a visa that will be issued free of charge, although it does not guarantee visa-free entry.
Key points:
- Visa Fee Waived, Not Visa-Free: Travelers must still obtain a visa; the waiver only removes the cost.
- Online Application Required: African nationals must submit their visa applications via the official portal at www.visaburkina.bf.
- Application Approval Necessary: Each application is reviewed and approved before the free visa is issued.
- Purpose of the Policy: The initiative seeks to strengthen African solidarity, promote Burkinabe culture, boost tourism, and enhance the country’s global visibility.
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