African Countries to Relax Visa Restrictions, Push for More Direct Flights

Kenya and Angola have joined the ranks of African nations aiming to enhance air connectivity and bilateral trade by relaxing visa restrictions. This development mirrors a prior agreement between neighboring countries Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Kenya-Angola agreement was established following discussions between Kenyan President William Ruto and his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço in Nairobi. President Ruto emphasized the growth in trade between the two nations over the past four years but stressed the need to unlock further potential.

To facilitate the resumption of direct air services, both countries are implementing a visa-free regime to facilitate the free movement of people. Under this arrangement, Angolans visiting Kenya will not require a visa, with the possibility of a reciprocal approach for Kenyan travelers to Angola.

This decision coincides with Angola’s imminent inauguration of a new $3.8 billion airport in Luanda, the Agostinho Neto International Airport, situated approximately 26 miles from the city center. This facility will feature a terminal capable of accommodating 15 million passengers annually, two substantial runways, a range of amenities including hotels, shops, and restaurants, and the initial capacity to handle 130,000 tons of cargo each year. The airport is anticipated to be a potent economic catalyst, generating numerous direct and indirect job opportunities, and fostering an airport city with a focus on sustainability and urban mobility.

Notably, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have also recently embraced a visa-free regime and signed a memorandum of understanding to boost trade. Presently, there is only one nonstop air route connecting the two countries, with Uganda Airlines operating five weekly flights between Entebbe, Uganda, and Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, utilizing CRJ 900 aircraft.