In a significant development in East African diplomacy and travel, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially lifted visa restrictions for Kenyan citizens traveling to their country. This landmark decision was announced by DRC’s Ministry of Interior, Security, and Customary Affairs through a circular note addressed to all airline managers.
The circular note, signed by Roland Kashwantale Chihoza, the Head of the Directorate General of Migration (DGM) in DRC, stated, “The Directorate General of Migration informs you that from September 1, 2023, nationals of the Republic of Kenya are exempt from entry visas to the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
This move comes just five days after Kenya reciprocated by removing visa requirements for citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Notably, DR Congo national passport holders can now travel to Kenya without the need for a visa.
Evelyn Cheluget, the Director General of Immigration and Citizen Services in Kenya, highlighted that this decision aligns with the East African Community (EAC) regulations, emphasizing the principle of the free movement of persons within member states.
President William Ruto had previously issued a directive in July 2023, adjusting visa regulations accordingly, following DRC’s admission to the EAC in April 2022.
Cheluget noted, “The government has removed DRC from Category 2 to Category 1 of the visa regulations.” The implementation of this directive was communicated to all regional heads, missions abroad, and border points officials.
In April 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo officially became the seventh member of the East African Community, solidifying its membership with the signing of the Treaty of Accession at State House, Nairobi.
The accession followed DRC’s successful fulfillment of the conditions outlined in Articles 3 and 4 of the Treaty for the establishment of the EAC.
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