Kenya has introduced a new directive allowing citizens from almost all African nations to visit without prior approval. This move replaces the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that had been in place since last year, which required most visitors to obtain online authorization before departure.
The cabinet announced that the ETA would no longer apply to citizens of all African countries, except Somalia and Libya, citing security concerns. This policy shift aims to boost regional integration, encourage tourism, and support the “open skies” initiative.
Although the new rule simplifies travel for most African nationals, Kenya’s standing in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index worsened, dropping 17 places to 46th out of 54 nations. In comparison, other African countries like Ghana and Rwanda have already removed visa requirements for African travelers.
Under the updated policy, most African citizens will be able to stay in Kenya for up to two months without needing an ETA. However, citizens from East African Community (EAC) countries, such as Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, can stay for up to six months as per regional agreements.
Kenya has also indicated plans to expedite the travel approval process, aiming for instant approval with a maximum processing time of 72 hours. The new system is set to be implemented soon, with government agencies tasked to develop guidelines for improved airport experiences.
This change follows the introduction of the ETA last year, which replaced the previous system where visitors from over 40 countries, including many African nations, could enter Kenya without requiring prior payment or approval. However, the ETA system has faced criticism for making travel more complicated. Despite this, Kenya emphasized that the new system is necessary to improve security by vetting travelers, as the country has been targeted by Al-Shabaab militants in the past.
The government also plans to introduce enhanced screening and processing measures at Kenyan entry points to ensure the security and efficiency of travel.