Kenya Eases Entry Rules for African Visitors, Dropping Electronic Travel Authorisation

Kenya has announced plans to allow citizens from nearly all African countries to enter without prior authorization, following a new directive issued by the cabinet.

In 2023, Kenya introduced a “visa-free” policy that required most visitors to obtain an online authorization before traveling. However, the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which replaced the traditional visa process, was widely criticized as a disguised visa requirement.

A cabinet statement released on Tuesday confirmed that the ETA requirement would be lifted for citizens of all African countries except Somalia and Libya, citing security concerns. The statement explained that the policy change aligns with efforts to promote open skies policies, boost tourism, and enhance regional integration by facilitating easier travel across the continent.

Despite the introduction of the ETA, Kenya’s ranking in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index declined significantly, dropping 17 places to 46th out of 54 countries.

In recent years, several African nations have taken steps to simplify travel requirements for their continental counterparts, with studies showing that it is often easier for Western nationals to visit Africa than for Africans themselves. Ghana recently announced that all African passport holders could enter without a visa, while Rwanda has implemented a similar policy for African travelers. The African Union (AU) has also been advocating for the facilitation of intra-African travel to enhance economic integration.

Updated Entry Rules and Duration of Stay

Under the revised policy, citizens of most African countries will be permitted to enter Kenya and remain for up to two months without requiring ETA approval. However, members of the East African Community (EAC)—which includes Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi—will be allowed to stay for up to six months, in line with regional agreements.

The government also disclosed plans to introduce an improved approval process, enabling travelers to receive instant confirmation with a maximum processing time of 72 hours. The cabinet has directed several ministries to propose new guidelines within a week to enhance the travel experience at Kenyan airports.

Previous Visa-Free Entry and Associated Fees

Before the introduction of the ETA, travelers from more than 40 countries, including several African nations, were allowed to enter Kenya without prior online applications and at no cost, simply receiving a passport stamp upon arrival.

Currently, all travelers—except those from exempted countries—are required to apply and pay a $30 (approximately £24) fee for an ETA at least three days before their trip, with the document remaining valid for 90 days. The policy has faced criticism, with some arguing that it could discourage potential visitors due to additional costs and administrative hurdles.

Security Considerations Behind the Policy

Kenyan authorities have indicated that security concerns influenced the introduction of the ETA system. A government spokesperson previously stated that the system was necessary to enhance traveler vetting, especially given the security threats posed by al-Shabab militants from neighboring Somalia.

On Tuesday, the government confirmed plans to introduce a new system aimed at improving pre-screening, bolstering security measures, and streamlining passenger processing at key entry points.

While an exact implementation date for the new measures has not yet been announced, the government has expressed its commitment to ensuring a more efficient and secure entry process for visitors.

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