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Kenya Eases Travel Requirements for Most African Visitors

Kenya has announced a major shift in its travel policy, allowing citizens from nearly all African nations to enter without prior authorization. This move, outlined in a new cabinet directive, aims to enhance regional integration, boost tourism, and support open skies policies.

Previously, Kenya had introduced a "visa-free" system requiring most travelers to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before departing their home countries. However, critics viewed the ETA as merely a visa under a different name.

In a cabinet statement released on Tuesday, the government confirmed that the ETA requirement would be scrapped for all African countries except Somalia and Libya due to security concerns. The revised policy allows most African travelers to enter Kenya and stay for up to two months without ETA approval. Meanwhile, citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states—Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi—can stay for up to six months under the bloc’s regulations.

Despite introducing the ETA, Kenya saw its ranking drop significantly in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index, falling 17 places to 46th out of 54 nations. Many African countries have been working to ease intra-continental travel restrictions, as research indicates that Western passport holders often find it easier to enter African nations than African citizens do. In a similar move, Ghana recently allowed all African passport holders to visit visa-free, while Rwanda has eliminated visa requirements for African travelers.

The African Union (AU) has also been pushing for more seamless travel across the continent. To further improve Kenya’s travel framework, the government plans to introduce an enhanced approval system that provides instant clearance for visitors, with a maximum processing time of 72 hours. Several ministries have been tasked with formulating guidelines within a week to enhance the traveler experience at Kenyan airports.

Previously, travelers from over 40 countries, including many in Africa, could enter Kenya by simply receiving a passport stamp upon arrival without any fees. However, the ETA system now requires all visitors—unless exempt—to apply and pay a $30 (Ksh 4,800) fee at least three days before their trip, valid for 90 days. The system has faced criticism, with concerns that it could discourage potential visitors.

Kenya’s government has defended the ETA, citing security reasons. Officials have stated that the system helps vet incoming travelers, particularly in light of past attacks by the al-Shabab militant group from neighboring Somalia.

Alongside the new travel policy, Kenya also announced plans to implement a more robust pre-screening system to enhance security and streamline passenger processing at entry points. However, the government has not yet provided a specific timeline for when these changes will take effect.