Kenya Cancels ETA, Introduces Visa-Free Entry for all African Countries Except Two.
The Kenyan government has announced the cancellation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which previously required prior authorization and a $30 fee for entry. This decision, effective for all African countries except Somalia and Libya due to security concerns, aims to promote tourism, regional integration, and ease of travel across the continent.
Under the revised policy, citizens from most African nations can now enter Kenya visa-free and stay for up to two months. For members of the East African Community, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, the permitted stay extends to six months, aligning with regional bloc policies.
Kenya joins other African nations such as Ghana, Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin in implementing a visa-free regime for holders of African passports. Former Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo similarly announced a visa-free policy for all African passport holders, set to take effect in early 2025.
To enhance the travel experience, Kenya plans to introduce faster entry processes, including instant travel approval and a maximum processing time of 72 hours for non-African travelers. In addition, guidelines to streamline airport experiences will be proposed by Kenyan ministries within a week.
This policy shift addresses long-standing challenges faced by African travelers and underscores the continent’s collective push toward open borders and economic integration.
Source: GBN