In brief
In a new cabinet directive, Kenya has announced that citizens from almost all African countries will no longer need pre-authorisation to travel to Kenya. This move aims to promote tourism and ease travel restrictions across the continent, although some nations are excluded due to security concerns.
Kenya has updated its travel policy to facilitate easier entry for citizens of nearly all African nations, announcing the elimination of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for most travelers. This decision comes as part of the government's ongoing efforts to promote regional integration, encourage tourism, and support open skies policies.Previously, while Kenya's introduction of the ETA was seen as a step toward a visa-free travel environment, it essentially required prior online application before departure, which was met with criticism. The cabinet's recent statement revealed that only visitors from Somalia and Libya will still need this pre-authorisation due to ongoing security fears. Under the new guidelines, citizens of the majority of African nations will be allowed to stay in Kenya for up to two months without an ETA, while members of the East African Community (EAC)—including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi—can remain for up to six months, following regional policies.Despite this initiative, Kenya's position in the Africa Visa Openness Index has declined, indicating that challenges remain in making the country truly accessible to African travelers. Earlier this year, Ghana announced a similar approach, permitting visa-free entry for all African passport holders, and Rwanda has similarly simplified entry for visitors.To further streamline entry, Kenya is set to unveil a system that promises instant approval for travelers, with a processing time of no more than 72 hours. However, specific timelines for implementation are yet to be announced. Previously, travelers from more than 40 nations were able to arrive in Kenya and gain entry effortlessly, and while the ETA has a nominal fee of $30 and is valid for 90 days, concerns have been voiced regarding its potential to deter visitors.In the backdrop of these changes, the Kenyan government cites security reasons for the current vetting processes, which have been necessitated by threats from al-Shabab insurgents in neighboring Somalia. Efforts to enhance passenger and pre-screening processes at entry points are also set to be introduced, showcasing a dual focus on security and increased access for travelers to Kenya.
