Kenya has introduced a digital nomad visa as part of its strategy to boost tourism.
If you’re dreaming of sunny weather and long sandy beaches, Kenya’s new Digital Nomad Work Permit offers remote workers the chance to temporarily live and work in the East African country, with the potential for long-term residency.
The visa aims to promote tourism, stimulate the local economy, and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. At the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in Nairobi on October 2, President William Ruto also emphasized the country’s new visa-free policy introduced this year, along with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for transit passengers, allowing them to explore Nairobi during layovers.
To qualify for Kenya’s digital nomad visa, applicants must provide a valid passport, proof of remote work outside of Kenya, accommodation details, and a clean criminal record. A minimum annual income of $55,000 (€50,000) is also required.
Details about the work permit’s duration, cost, and availability are still unclear, but it is expected to offer a pathway to long-term residency and possibly citizenship.
Kenya has also made tourism easier by offering 90-day visa-free travel for many nationalities starting in January. Travellers need to apply for an ETA at least 72 hours before departure, which can be extended for an additional 90 days for $50 (€45), allowing a stay of up to six months.
Kenya is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from safaris in the Maasai Mara to the beautiful Indian Ocean beaches. Tourists can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking Mount Kenya or flamingo watching in the Great Rift Valley. Nairobi offers plenty for stopover visitors, with attractions like the Giraffe Centre, Maasai Market, and vibrant nightlife.
In 2023, Kenya welcomed about two million international tourists, with a goal to increase that number to five million by 2027.
