Kenya waives visa for DRC nationals

Immigration and Citizen Services Director General Evelyn Cheluget.[Standard,file]

Kenya has lifted visa restrictions for all citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) effective September 1, 2023, according to the Immigration and Citizen Services Director General Evelyn Cheluget.

Cheluget said the move was in line with the directive by President William Ruto on July 29, 2023 in Mombasa County, where he announced that Kenya would remove DRC from Category 2 to Category 1 of visa regulations.

"This is in compliance with the East Africa Community Regulations of free movement of Persons within the Member States. We are committed to enhancing our bilateral relations with our neighbor and partner in the region," Cheluget said in a statement on Friday, September 1, 2023.

She added that the visa waiver would facilitate trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Cheluget urged all officers working under her to implement the new policy and bring it to the attention of all travelers from DRC.