Kenyans travelling to the Republic of Congo will no longer need visas starting January 2027 after the Central African nation announced plans to open its borders to all African countries.
President Denis Sassou Nguesso announced during Africa Day celebrations on Monday, saying the move is part of efforts to strengthen unity and cooperation across the continent.
Once the programme takes effect, African travellers will be allowed to enter Republic of the Congo using their passports without going through the usual visa application process.
The move is believed to help Kenyans travel to Congo easily for business, tourism, education, and other purposes as the countries of Africa continue their efforts towards promoting free movements between each other’s borders.
Speaking during his speech, President Sassou Nguesso urged the countries of Africa to concentrate on cooperation rather than narrow nationalism.
According to him, it was important that the countries in Africa invested in infrastructure, transportation, and energy sectors so as to enhance trade and economic cooperation between them.
Republic of Congo becomes the next country to allow entry into its territory for Africans without having a visa after other African countries decided to implement similar policy.
Earlier in the year, for instance, Togo became the first country in the continent which allows its African visitors to enter into the territory visa-free but only for a period of up to 30 days after filling in an online declaration form.
It looks like the new decision will be well received by many people who have traveled in Africa for years being subjected to strict visa regulations.
Kenya has also been one of the nations advocating for easy travel across Africa.
The last year saw Kenya’s government declare visa-free travel from the majority of the nations within Africa, in a bid to enhance trade relations and improve ties with its neighbors.
However, Somalia and Libya are not part of this arrangement owing to security issues that are prevailing in those two nations.
The announcement by Congo is coming against the background where other African countries have adopted policies that facilitate movement within Africa.
