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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has lifted visa restrictions on Kenyans travelling to that country. And in a similar move, Kenya and Tanzania waived similar requirements for DRC Congo citizens.

Welcoming the move, the secretary general of the East African community, Peter Mathuki, said at the weekend that removal of visa restrictions by member States will promote tourism industry in the region. He said the step will enhance inter regional trade and it was in line with the provisions of the EAC Common Market Protocol.

He singled out promotion of domestic tourism in East and Central Africa as a key industry that will benefit from the removal of restrictions.

“Intra-regional trade, free movement of persons will promote the free movement of goods, labour, cultural exchange and domestic tourism in East and Central Africa,” said Dr Mathuki,

He urged other Partner States to follow suit in the spirit of reciprocity.

According to the African Development Bank (ADB) The impact of visa restrictions on the tourism sector has broad economic consequences, notably for the tourism sector. He cited Seychelles does not require entry visas at all, which has led to a high gap in tourist growth.

Boost tourism

The number of tourists to Seychelles has grown by 7 per cent per annum in the last five years while Mauritius has remained almost stagnant. As a result, the Mauritian Government are trying to boost tourism by relaxing visa regimes for 30 African countries and 75 countries overall.

Improving visa facilitation could generate an additional US $206 billion for the tourism sector alone, and create as many as 5.1 million new jobs in the continent.

“This is a positive step towards consolidating the gains made in implementing the EAC Common Market Protocol and other stages in the integration process. It is set to expand trade and investment opportunities, and scale up socio-economic growth across the bloc,” Dr Mathuki said of the latest move by member states

The protocol which among other freedoms and rights, provides for the free movement of persons and workers across the region.