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With Kenya increasing its visa charges, the East African Community will take a step closer to a joint visa regime. Starting 1st July, Kenya will return to the pre-crisis US$50 per person visa fee, and free 're-entry' will be given to tourists going to neighbouring countries and then coming back to Kenya.

 
Foreign tourists today have to pay visa for each country they visit in the region, which doesn’t stimulate regional visits that could benefit to all member countries of the East African Community.

 
After the crisis in 2008, Kenya decided to lower its visa charges to US$25 per person, in order to attract back tourists with lower package costs. The country is now returning to charging $50, partly due to the intransigence of other East African countries applying a $50 fee.

Short term, this move is likely to raise additional income. Nevertheless, Kenya Tourist Board will assess its real impact on tourist arrivals and receipts after some months, hoping that visitors are ready to absorb the added cost.