Kenya has recently announced a significant change in its travel policies, allowing citizens from nearly all African nations to enter the country without prior authorization. This decision, confirmed by a cabinet statement, aims to enhance regional integration and promote tourism.
However, the new policy retains certain restrictions, particularly for travelers from Somalia and Libya, citing security concerns.
The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which replaced traditional visa requirements for all visitors, has faced criticism.
Detractors argue that this system functions similarly to a visa, despite being marketed as a more streamlined process. Initially implemented last year, the ETA required travelers to apply online and pay a fee for pre-approval, which many found cumbersome.
Under the revised guidelines, most African citizens can now visit Kenya and stay for up to two months without needing any travel pre-authorization.
Members of the East African Community, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, benefit from an extended stay of up to six months. This move aligns with broader efforts to simplify travel and foster regional cooperation.
The Kenyan government is also taking steps to improve security at entry points and enhance traveler experiences at airports. Plans include instant travel approvals and a maximum processing time of 72 hours for applications. This policy shift is part of Kenya’s strategy to boost its tourism sector and improve its ranking in the Africa Visa Openness Index, where it recently fell significantly.
Despite these advancements, there are ongoing concerns regarding the effectiveness of the ETA system in attracting visitors.
Previously, over 40 countries enjoyed visa-on-arrival privileges in Kenya, allowing for immediate entry without bureaucratic hurdles.
