Kenya and Benin have formalized a bilateral agreement that will allow citizens of both nations to travel visa-free for extended stays of up to 180 days. The agreement, which takes effect in October 2025, enables holders of ordinary passports to enter, exit, and remain in either country without obtaining a visa, provided their visit does not exceed six months and does not involve employment.
After the 180-day stay period ends, visitors will no longer be covered by the exemption and will need to go through the regular visa process under the immigration rules of the destination country.
The policy also makes it clear that it does not extend to diplomats or consular staff. Anyone assigned abroad in an official capacity, including those with diplomatic, official, service, or standard passports, as well as their family member, will still have to apply for entry visas before traveling.
The agreement was formalized during a signing event held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Kenya was represented by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, while Benin’s delegation was led by Minister for Foreign Affairs Olushegun Adjadi Bakari.
According to Kenyan officials, this development is the result of two years of diplomatic efforts aimed at improving tourism, trade, and cultural ties between African nations. It reflects a growing commitment to deeper integration across the continent, with easier cross-border travel seen as a vital step.
Officials also highlighted that the visa-free initiative complements the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create a single African market for goods, services, and people. It is consistent with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a politically unified and integrated continent built on shared values and aspirations.
