visa

In a bold and transformative step, the Kenyan government has declared the elimination of Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and visa requisites for travelers from across the African continent. Well, almost everyone—from the sands of Senegal to the shores of South Africa—can rejoice, except for those residing in Somalia and Libya, a decision influenced by persistent security concerns that linger like an unwelcome guest. This ambitious initiative aims to bolster regional integration and fuel tourism, promoting the idea that…

NAIROBI, Kenya - In a surprising twist that got everyone talking, Kenya has decided to roll out the welcome mat for travelers from across the African continent. But, here's the kicker: the mat seems to stop short of the borders of Somalia and Libya. Strange decision? Perhaps. But let's take a closer look at this diplomatic dance. Following a cabinet pow-wow in the lush landscapes of Kakamega, President William Ruto, with his top brass, laid out plans for a continental hug—oops, I meant, policy shift. By nixing…

In a vibrant twist to the ever-evolving travel narrative, Kenya has revealed a groundbreaking shift in its visa policy, electing to ax eTA and visa obligations for its African brethren. Well, almost all—Somalia and Libya find themselves on the outskirts of this diplomatic accord, left in the visa-requiring zone due to discernible security qualms. Opening Borders, Opening Hearts Kenya's latest gambit isn't just a tale of policy shifts. It's a heartfelt invitation, a clarion call for vibrant unity across a continent brimming…

Mogadishu (AX) – So, here's the scoop: Somali Foreign Minister and International Cooperation guru, Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, just had a pow-wow with a crew from the Indian High Commission based out of Nairobi. What's the word on the street? They're putting the final touches on opening a swanky new visa facilitation center right in good ol' Mogadishu. On Monday, this was trumpeted by the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The session was also graced by the presence of Said Jama Mire, who runs the Asia and Australia…

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the outgoing president of Ghana, has just given the green light for visa-free travel for all African citizens. This landmark decision stands to reshape the way Africans connect and explore one another’s countries. Historically, Ghana had already extended a warm welcome to travelers from 26 African nations, allowing them to enter without the hassle of a visa. However, citizens from another 25 countries had to jump through hoops to secure a visa upon arrival. Only a select few, specifically…

Italy Justifies Visa Suspension in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Italy has staunchly defended its recent decision to cease issuing visas in Somalia, attributing the hold-up to 'administrative issues' that are currently being sorted out by officials in an effort to bring stability back to the process. Pier Mario Dacco Coppi, Italy's ambassador to Somalia, dismissed rumors that the visa halt was linked to the shifting political scene in Somalia—a country building new alliances amid sovereignty concerns related to Ethiopia.…

Over the last ten years, the Somali passport has clawed back some of its lost prestige, moving up the ranks from a dismal 128th to a more respectable 95th on the Passport Power Index. However, challenges linger around how this document is distributed and its perception on the global stage.

Aida Diarra, the bigwig behind Visa’s Sub-Saharan Africa division, couldn’t contain her excitement about the business tie-up. “Teaming up with UNDP Somalia lights us up as we aim to bring the digital age and financial services to every nook and cranny of the region. With our smarts in digital payments, we want to give Somali small business folks and underserved communities a real shot at economic strength and sustainable living," Diarra shared with palpable enthusiasm. Lionel Laurens, the go-to persona at UNDP Somalia, shed…

US slaps extra Somalis with visa restrictions for undermining democratic course of WASHINGTON- The United States continued to demand widespread sense in Somalia's home politics, following the Horn of Africa nation's failure to conclude Lower House elections inside the agreed time-frame, which additional delayed the presidential elections. Somalia was purported to conclude elections on March 15,…

US announces visa restrictions for Ethiopian and Eritrean officials over Tigray conflict WASHINGTON - An unspecified number of officials from Eritrea and Ethiopia will not be able to obtain visas for the United States over what Washington links to atrocities committed in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, in a war that has left thousands dead, according to unverified reports. Since November 2020,…