In a landmark agreement signed in Nairobi, Kenya and Senegal pledged to allow citizens of both countries to travel visa-free for up to 90 days—a move aimed at deepening ties, boosting tourism and trade, and advancing the vision of a more integrated Africa.
The agreement covers both ordinary and diplomatic passport holders and permits entry, stay and transit for a period of 90 days without a visa. The signing ceremony at Kenya’s State House, witnessed by President William Ruto and Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, marked a public commitment toward stronger bilateral cooperation.
- Kenya already made sweeping changes to its visa policy earlier in 2025, exempting visitors from most African nations from visa requirements, further underscoring the bilateral pact’s significance.
Why It Matters
For travellers, businesspeople and cultural exchange in both countries, this arrangement breaks down one of the remaining formal barriers. Kenyan citizens now have simpler access to Senegal’s growing tourism, trade and Francophone-West-African economy; Senegalese nationals gain easier access to East Africa and Kenya’s vibrant hubs.
Beyond travel, both governments emphasised trade, sports and infrastructure collaboration. President Ruto described the deal as enhancing “people-to-people ties” while boosting tourism and commerce.
What To Know Before You Go
While the visa-free path is open, both nations noted a few practical considerations:
- Travel should not exceed the 90-day visa-free limit; illegal overstays remain subject to enforcement.
- Kenya may still require an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) for some visitors, so travellers are advised to check entry requirements ahead of time.
- The agreement is part of a broader cooperation framework, including a Joint Commission for Cooperation set to formalise implementation and monitor related initiatives in 2026.
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With this deal in place, Kenya and Senegal are setting a blueprint for stronger intra-African connectivity. As flights between Dakar and Nairobi become more feasible and tourism campaigns take hold, both nations may see increased cultural exchange, business travel and regional cohesion.
For the I Love Africa reader, this opens new possibilities—whether it’s a weekend getaway from Mombasa to Dakar, a business trip linking East and West Africa, or simply a broader mindset that travel across Africa is becoming easier, more accessible, and more integrated.
