Kenya has announced that citizens from almost all African nations can now visit the country without prior authorization, following a new directive issued by the cabinet.Previously, Kenya implemented a "visa-free" policy that required most travelers to apply online for permission before departure.

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The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which replaced the visa system for all visitors, was criticized by some as being "just another form of visa."On Tuesday, the cabinet revealed that the ETA requirement would no longer apply to "all African nations except Somalia and Libya due to security issues.

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"The statement emphasized that this decision aims to "boost open skies policies, promote tourism, and facilitate regional integration to ease travel across Africa."Despite introducing the ETA, Kenya's ranking in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index dropped 17 places, leaving the country at 46th out of 54 nations.

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Efforts to relax travel requirements within the continent have been growing, with studies showing that Western nationals often face fewer restrictions compared to African travelers.Earlier this year, Ghana announced a visa-free policy for all African passport holders, while Rwanda has long allowed African visitors to enter without a visa.

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This broader push to simplify travel aligns with initiatives by the African Union (AU) to enhance intra-African mobility.Kenya's updated system permits citizens of most African countries to enter and stay for up to two months without an ETA.For East African Community members, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, the stay limit is extended to six months in line with regional agreements.

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The government plans to introduce a new approval process to provide instant traveler clearance and a maximum processing time of 72 hours.Although a launch date for this initiative has not been announced, the cabinet has instructed several ministries to propose guidelines within a week to improve "passenger experiences at Kenyan airports.

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"Before the ETA, visitors from over 40 nations, including several African countries, could simply get a passport stamp and enter without paying a fee.Currently, travelers must apply for an ETA at least three days prior to their trip, paying a $30 (£24) fee for a 90-day validity.This policy has faced backlash, with critics arguing it could discourage potential visitors from choosing Kenya as a destination.

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Kenyan officials have defended the ETA as a security measure, with a government spokesperson explaining to the BBC last year that it was necessary for vetting incoming travelers.The country has faced multiple attacks from al-Shabab militants based in neighboring Somalia.On Tuesday, the government announced a system upgrade to enhance "pre-screening, improve security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points."

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