New visa news for Kenya and China
New visa news for Kenya and China
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has announced the launch of a Digital Nomad visa. The announcement came at the opening of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo. The visa will allow remote workers a legal avenue in which to live and work in the country. “We are ready to welcome global digital professionals to come and live, work, and experience Kenya’s rich culture and stunning landscapes,” said President Ruto.
To qualify for the visa remote workers will need to show proof of a valid passport, remote employment for a company outside Kenya, accommodation within Kenya, and a clean criminal record. The minimum annual income required to apply for the visa is US$55,000.
So far there doesn’t appear to be any information on the duration of the visa, how much it will cost or whether digital nomads will be taxed on income earned while in the country. It was recently announced that all foreign nationals may enter Kenya visa-free for a stay of up to 90 days for either business or pleasure. Alongside this new visa policy, the country has also announced a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system that will replace the existing eVisa system for short-term travel.
China visa news
China has announced the expansion of its visa-free policy. From October 15th people from Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Portugal and Slovenia will join the growing list of nationals who are allowed to enter China for or up to 15 days for tourism, business or family visits.
They join citizens of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand who are also eligible. The new rules remain valid until December 31st, 2025.
Travellers are allowed to visit as many times as they want so long as no single visit exceeds 15 days.
Picture: African elephants in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya by Svein-Magne Tunli via Wikimedia Commons
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