- President William Ruto's administration announced plans to review the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) a year after its launch
- At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, January 21, the Kenyan government first exempted almost all African countries from ETA requirements, citing the need to promote tourism and regional cooperation
- The Cabinet said the government will introduce fast-track processing of ETAs that will allow travelers to receive instant permits
All African countries will enjoy visa-free entry into Kenya except for two countries, which are excluded for security reasons.
Source: Twitter
On Tuesday, January 21, the Cabinet of the President William Ruto removed the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements for African countries.
This comes a year after the government introduced a visa-free entry program, granting ETA exemptions to East African Community (EAC) member states and seven other countries only.
Which African countries are subject to ETA requirements?
However, in Tuesday's meeting, the Council of Ministers left all the countries on the continent except Somalia and Libya, citing security issues.
Administration of Kenya First you said ETA exemptions will promote Kenyan tourism and regional cooperation.
“This program aims to promote regional cooperation and facilitate travel throughout the continent. Most African visitors will be allowed to stay for two months, while citizens of the East African Community (EAC) will continue to enjoy a six-month stay under the independent EAC protocols,” part of the message of the Council of Ministers said.
In 2024, the Cabinet estimated that Kenya would receive 2.5 million tourists from the 2.013 million recorded in 2023.
What are the new changes in ETA?
The Council of Ministers approved proposals to strengthen the ETA system to increase efficiency and improve the condition of travelers.
It also noted that the government will introduce expedited processing of ETAs that will allow travelers to receive instant permits.
“This option will allow travelers to receive a permit instantly, with processing times up to 72 hours depending on availability.
“Furthermore, the introduction of the Advanced Passenger Information Record/Passenger Name system will strengthen pre-screening, enhance security, and simplify the processing of passengers at entry points,” The Cabinet added.
Why is the government changing the ETA system?
Some Kenyans and other foreign travelers criticized Kenya's ETA.
In December 2024, the Cabinet, led by Ruto, vowed to review the ETA to ensure that issues raised by stakeholders are addressed.
Despite the president supporting the AfCFTA and declaring Kenya a visa-free country, the country was ranked among the last 10 in the Visa Transparency Index in Africa.
What to know about ETA
- In December 2023, President Ruto officially declared Kenya a visa-free country to relieve travelers of the burden of applying for visas themselves.
- In January 2024, the number of foreign nationals entering Kenya through the visa-free entry program increased to over 9,000.
- Immigration Minister Julius Bitok revealed that the number of foreigners entering the country through the program has increased to 32,000, bringing Kenya more than KSh 158 million.
- However, there were concerns among travelers about the system, with some saying it would scare away tourists.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
