Visa Travel
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Kenyans will be able to visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days in a calendar year following the resolution of a longstanding visa dispute between both countries.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto announced the decision on Wednesday, during Ramaphosa's first official trip to Kenya.

Currently, South Africans can get free visas upon arrival in Kenya. However, Kenyans were charged for their visas and required to provide proof of sufficient funds and return flight tickets.

Speaking during his visit, Ramaphosa said he looks forward to the continued prosperous relationship between Kenya and South Africa under Ruto's leadership.

"Our bilateral relations are founded on the principles of solidarity, mutual respect, and common values. We share a commitment to advance democracy, good governance, Pan-Africanism, human rights, and the emancipation of women" he added.

Kenyan President Ruto said that a return policy had been put in place when immigration laws were breached.

"Kenya considers South Africa a strategic ally and we are committed to building stronger economic ties between our nations," Ruto added.

The new visa rules

Starting from January next year, Kenyans who wish to travel to South Africa will be able to do so without a visa for up to 90 days per calendar year. However, those who exceed the 90-day limit or enter the country illegally will be subject to a hefty fine.

The new agreement between Kenya and South Africa means that all Kenyans will now only need an invitation letter, a return ticket, and proof of vaccination for yellow fever and Covid-19 to enter South Africa.

In addition, Kenyans will need to demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves during their stay.

Officials said that each country will have to pay the cost of deporting their nationals who are caught overstaying. This means that if a Kenyan national is seen overstaying in South Africa or entering the country illegally, Nairobi will have to foot the bill for their return.

In other words, travel between the two countries is going to get a lot stricter, with illegal immigrants, criminal suspects, and anyone without the proper paperwork being filtered out.

"People who abuse the system...don't deserve to be in South Africa, and they don't deserve to be in Kenya," Kenyan President Ruto said.

"This agreement will be implemented to ensure the bad elements that try to infiltrate our countries are dealt with firmly and decisively," he added.