Kenya Offers New Digital Nomad Visa With Safaris, Beaches & More

As the world continues to release digital nomad visas, Kenya has now joined the cause, while planning to boost its tourism numbers. This beautiful country offers fabulous safaris, idyllic beaches and lively nightlife, all of which are attractive to vacationers. As noted by Timeout, by offering an option for remote workers to spend time in the country, Kenya’s popularity is likely to increase.

Kenya introduces a digital nomad visa

Any digital nomad looking for warm, sunny weather and pristine beaches will find Kenya’s new digital nomad visa welcome news. The news was revealed this week that the Digital Nomad Work Permit will allow remote workers to temporarily settle in the East African nation. Moreover, the new visa is released with a potential view to longer-term residency in Kenya.

The news was announced at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in Nairobi on October 2, where President William Ruto also mentioned the country’s visa-free policy that was introduced this year. Moreover, Kenya also introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for transit passengers heading through the country’s capital. This allows travelers to leave the airport during their layout to explore Nairobi.

How can you apply for a digital nomad visa?

In order to apply for Kenya’s digital nomad visa, remote workers must show a valid passport and proof of remote work outside the country. Moreover, they must have proof of accommodation in the country and a clean criminal record. Meanwhile, the digital nomad should earn a minimal annual income of $55,000.

At this stage, it is unclear how long the digital nomad visa will be valid, or how much it will cost. However, it is expected that the visa will also provide a potential pathway to long-term residency or even citizenship in Kenya.

What does Kenya have to offer on its digital nomad visa?

Kenya has this year already made it easier for travelers with the introduction of 90-day visa-free travel for citizens of many countries. The ETA must be obtained at least 72 hours prior to flying to the country. That ETA can be extended for a further 90 days at a cost of $50, giving a potential stay in Kenya of six months.

A stay that long gives travelers plenty of time to visit Kenya’s beautiful and diverse landscapes and culture. Meanwhile, one of the main attractions is its safaris, particularly in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Moreover, the country boasts idyllic Indian Ocean beaches, along with outdoor adventures like climbing Mount Kenya, or flamingo watching in the Great Rift Valley.

For those on a short stopover in Nairobi, a visit to the Nairobi Giraffe Center is enjoyable, or enjoying Kenyan coffee in its coffee shops. Retail therapy is available in the Maasai Market, while travelers can dance the night away at the city’s clubs.

In 2023, Kenya welcomed around two million international tourists and it aims to increase the number of tourists to five million by 2027.