The Kenyan government has announced that it would allow citizens from 52 African countries to visit without prior authorisation.
On Tuesday, the cabinet announced the ETA would be dropped for “all African countries except Somalia and Libya—due to security concerns.”
TheFact Daily gathered that previously, Kenya required visitors to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online.
The government explained that the move was part of, “efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth” while promoting “regional integration and ease of travel.”
Under the updated system, citizens from most African countries can stay in Kenya for up to two months without an ETA. Members of the East African Community—Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi—can stay for up to six months, in line with the bloc’s policy. An enhanced process will also allow travellers to receive approvals instantly, with a maximum processing time of 72 hours.
Before the ETA’s introduction, visitors from over 40 countries, including many in Africa, could enter Kenya freely. Now, all travellers must apply and pay $30 for an ETA at least three days before travel unless exempted.
The ETA system has faced criticism for complicating travel and discouraging potential visitors. The government defends it as necessary for “pre-screening, strengthening security, and streamlining passenger processing.” Kenya has faced significant security threats from al-Shabab militants based in Somalia, prompting tightened border measures.
Guidelines to improve the “traveller experience at Kenyan airports” are expected within a week, though no implementation date for the new policy has been announced.
