In brief
The Kenyan cabinet has announced a significant change to its travel regulations, enabling citizens from most African countries to enter Kenya without obtaining pre-authorisation, following last year's introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that faced criticism for being akin to a visa requirement.
The Kenyan government has outlined new travel protocols aimed at enhancing accessibility for African citizens, emphasizing support for tourism and regional collaboration. As part of its efforts to promote tourism and foster regional integration, Kenya has lifted the requirement for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travelers from nearly all African nations. Previously, the ETA was required for most visitors, which faced criticism for complicating travel for Africans compared to visitors from Western countries. In a cabinet announcement, the government confirmed that citizens from all African countries—except Somalia and Libya, due to security concerns—can now visit without the ETA. This change is seen as a vital step towards supporting the African Union's initiative for easier intra-African travel. Visitors from other East African nations will enjoy an extended stay of up to six months.Despite the initial implementation of the ETA, which aimed to streamline the visa process, Kenya's ranking on the Africa Visa Openness Index fell to 46th out of 54, highlighting ongoing challenges in its travel policies. Travelers are now allowed to stay in Kenya for up to two months without the need for an ETA. The government has proposed a system to expedite approvals and reduce processing times at entry points to encourage tourism. Prior to the ETA, many visitors could enter Kenya without prior applications, but this system will now see a more structured approach towards visitor management, although a fee of $30 will continue to apply. Enhanced screening measures will also support security efforts, in response to threats from al-Shabab militants in the region.The Kenyan cabinet has assigned ministries to develop guidelines aimed at improving the experience for international travelers at Kenyan airports, although implementation timelines for these new measures remain unclear. As regions continue to push for more open travel protocols, Kenya's move signals a commitment to fostering better connectivity within Africa.
