The United Kingdom has finally lifted the ban on travellers from Kenya against entering Britain.
In a statement on Friday, September 17, UK announced that travellers from Kenya, Pakistan, Turkey, Maldives, Egypt, Oman, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh could now enter Britain.
However, the travellers will not be allowed access immediately. According to a statement, Kenyan travellers will have to wait until September 22, 2021.
Notably, South Africa was not taken off the UK's Red List.
UK envoy to Kenya Jane Marriott celebrated the news, noting that the decision to take Kenya off the list was a step in the right direction.
"Good news on a Friday evening - Kenya is off the red list. Check out @FCDOtravelGovUK for more details," the Ambassador stated.
"I know how this has been difficult but our partnership remains strong, thank you to @StateHouseKenya, @ForeignOfficeKE, and @MOH_Kenya," she added.
Travellers arriving in the UK from countries on the Red List were denied entry while returning Britons were required to quarantine for 10 days.
In April 2021, travellers from Kenya were banned from entering the UK over the rise in cases of the infectious delta variant that was rampant in the country.
"Irish and third-country nationals with residence rights arriving from these countries will be required to quarantine in a Government-approved facility for 10 days," the High Commission explained.
Kenyans strongly reacted to the travel restrictions touching on travellers entering the United Kingdom from Kenya.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kenyan delegates were forced to undergo Covid-19 tests prior to flying out to the UK.
England defended the move, stating that it was adamant about protecting its Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and royal family members who were to interact with Uhuru and his entourage.
