Kenya, 21 October 2025 — Travellers across the Horn of Africa could soon move freely using a single digital visa, under a new proposal by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The IGAD Single Visa Initiative aims to simplify cross-border travel, promote regional integration, and attract increased investment and tourism. Once implemented, non-IGAD citizens will be able to apply online for a visa granting access to multiple member states.
IGAD says the harmonised system will streamline border procedures and position the region as a more competitive destination for global visitors and investors.
According to the organization, the unified visa will help reduce travel barriers, promote economic activity, and enhance regional mobility. The proposal supports broader goals outlined in Vision 2050 and the Regional Strategy 2021–2025, which prioritize collective growth, peace, and resilience across the bloc.
Speaking at the opening of the Experts Meeting of the 3rd IGAD Ministerial Conference on Labour, Employment, and Labour Migration in Nairobi on Monday, IGAD Chairperson for the Free Movement Cluster, Souleimon Meïmin Robleh, emphasized the importance of regional mobility.
“Regional mobility is not a threat; it is an engine for shared development. Through IGAD’s Free Movement Protocol, we are building a future where borders connect rather than divide our people and economies,” Robleh said.
In addition to the visa system, IGAD plans to introduce a Regional Biometric Identity Card (IRBIC) for IGAD citizens. This digital ID would enhance internal mobility, especially for pastoralists and cross-border communities.
Currently, the region’s visa-free reciprocity rate stands at just 14 per cent, one of the lowest globally, a significant barrier to integration and economic progress. The proposed changes mark a bold step toward overcoming these challenges and fostering greater unity and development in the Horn of Africa.