22nd January 2025 2:49:05 PM
2 mins readKenya 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.
0
Previously, Kenya implemented a "visa-free" policy that required most travelers to apply online for permission before departure.
1
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which replaced the visa system for all visitors, was criticized by some as being "just another form of visa."
2
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."
3
The statement emphasized that this decision aims to "boost open skies policies, promote tourism, and facilitate regional integration to ease travel across Africa."
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
This broader push to simplify travel aligns with initiatives by the African Union (AU) to enhance intra-African mobility.
8
Kenya's updated system permits citizens of most African countries to enter and stay for up to two months without an ETA.
9
For East African Community members, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, the stay limit is extended to six months in line with regional agreements.
10
The government plans to introduce a new approval process to provide instant traveler clearance and a maximum processing time of 72 hours.
11
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."
12
Before the ETA, visitors from over 40 nations, including several African countries, could simply get a passport stamp and enter without paying a fee.
13
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.
14
This policy has faced backlash, with critics arguing it could discourage potential visitors from choosing Kenya as a destination.
15
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.
16
The country has faced multiple attacks from al-Shabab militants based in neighboring Somalia.
17
On Tuesday, the government announced a system upgrade to enhance "pre-screening, improve security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points."
18
2 mins read
1 min read
2 mins read
1 min read
2 mins read
1 min read
2 mins read
1 min read
4 mins read