Kenya passport holders can travel to 75 countries visa-free, as per the latest July update of the Henley Passport Index. This benefit complements Kenya’s vibrant tourism sector, offering travelers stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and a unique cultural heritage. From the expansive savannas of the Maasai Mara to the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean, Kenya provides unforgettable adventures, making it an ideal destination for explorers.
TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “Kenya’s middle class is on the rise, and with it, the country’s outbound tourism sector is booming. Kenyan passport holders now enjoy the freedom to travel to 75 countries visa-free, making global exploration more accessible than ever. This growing interest in travel sees Kenyans venturing not only to neighboring African countries but also to far-off destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Whether for leisure, business, education, or medical purposes, more Kenyans are taking to the skies, thanks to simplified visa processes and improved air connectivity. Their enthusiasm for cultural exchanges, shopping, and sampling international cuisines reflects a broader global perspective. This wave of outbound travel enriches individual experiences and fosters stronger international relationships.”
Kenya outbound tourism sector is a vibrant component of its economic landscape, driven by a growing middle class with increasing disposable income. As Kenyans travel more frequently, popular destinations include neighboring African countries, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The motivations behind these travels are diverse, encompassing leisure, business, education, and medical tourism. Factors like simplified visa procedures, enhanced air connectivity, and the appeal of global events have boosted outbound travel. Kenyan tourists are particularly drawn to cultural exchanges, shopping, and exploring international cuisine, reflecting a broadening outlook and integration into global travel trends. This outward movement not only enriches individual travelers but also fosters international relationships.
In 2019, outbound tourism from Kenya generated 196 million current US dollars in revenue. A study from 2024 projects that outbound tourist visits from Africa will continue to increase annually through 2025. In 2023, Kenya witnessed a 32% rise in international departures. Following a significant drop during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent recovery in 2022, outbound visits from the region are expected to grow by 17.3% in 2024 compared to the prior year.
The GlobalData report, Travel & Tourism in Kenya 2023, identifies Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Africa as top destinations for Kenyan travelers.
Visa Free Countries
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Benin
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands
- Burundi
- Cayman Islands
- Congo (Dem. Rep.)
- Cook Islands
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Eritrea
- eSwatini
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Hong Kong (SAR China)
- Indonesia
- Jamaica
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- Namibia
- Niue
- Panama
- Philippines
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Singapore
- South Africa
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Tanzania
- The Gambia
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
VOA
- Bolivia
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde Islands
- Comoro Islands
- Guinea-Bissau
- Iran
- Jordan
- Laos
- Macao (SAR China)
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Palau Islands
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- St. Lucia
- Sudan
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
ETA
- Sri Lanka
Kenya Airways, a premier African carrier, operates flights to 42 global destinations, including 35 in Africa. It bridges Africa with the world and vice versa from its hub at the state-of-the-art Terminal 1A at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
As part of the SkyTeam alliance, Kenya Airways is preparing to boost travel to Paris for the 2024 Olympics through its extensive network of partner airlines. This partnership enables Kenya Airways to provide seamless travel connections and more flight options for those heading to Paris.
Kenya Airways has resumed direct flights between Nairobi and Maputo, offering three weekly flights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This relaunch enhances travel convenience for passengers originating from Kenya and acts as a crucial connection point for travelers from other African cities via Nairobi.
Beyond Maputo, this expansion aligns with Kenya Airways’ broader network strategy for 2024. The airline plans to increase the frequency of flights to popular destinations such as New York, Paris, Lagos, Accra, and Freetown.
Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the busiest in East Africa and formerly known as Embakasi Airport and Nairobi International Airport, serves as a crucial aviation hub for the region. Managed by the Kenya Airports Authority, this airport is situated 18 kilometers east of Nairobi and connects directly to cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. In 2023, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport handled 8,210.1 thousand passengers, a 25.2% increase from 2022, accounting for 67.3% of the total passengers.
Moi International Airport (MBA), Situated in Mombasa, this is Kenya’s second-largest airport, catering to both domestic and international flights, particularly to European destinations. In 2023, the Airports Council International (ACI World) named Moi International Airport in Mombasa as the Best Airport by Size and Region in the Under 2 million Passenger per Year category for Africa.
Eldoret International Airport (EDL) – Located in Eldoret, this airport primarily serves domestic flights but also handles some international cargo flights.