Kenya Eases Entry Rules for Africans, Aims for Greater Regional Travel Flow
African tour operators can look forward to more seamless cross-border expeditions as Kenya embarks on a new directive allowing citizens from nearly all African countries to visit without obtaining prior authorisation. This change effectively removes the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) process for travelers from across the continent—except from Somalia and Libya, where security considerations remain a priority. The Kenyan cabinet says the move intends to boost tourism, open skies policies, and regional integration.
The original visa-free scheme introduced last year required applicants to file an online request before departure—prompting critiques that it was effectively “a visa under another name.” This policy shift comes in response to Kenya’s declining rank in the Africa Visa Openness Index, where it dropped 17 spots to 46th out of 54 African countries in 2024. By revising its approach and simplifying entry procedures, Kenya aims to reassert itself as a welcoming destination and foster tighter bonds with neighboring nations.
Under the updated regulations, citizens of the majority of African countries will be granted up to two months of stay in Kenya with no ETA requirement. Those from the East African Community can remain for up to six months, aligning with broader bloc policy. Government officials have also outlined plans for an enhanced process that promises quicker approvals—potentially delivered instantly—with a maximum wait of 72 hours for exceptions to these new rules.
The cabinet spotlighted additional investment in “pre-screening” measures and advanced data systems tailored to fortify security and streamline the passenger experience at major airports. While an official start date remains unspecified, relevant ministries have been tasked with formulating final guidelines within a week to ensure smooth implementation of the overhauled system.
Previously, visitors from more than 40 nations, including many across Africa, could enter Kenya with a simple passport stamp. However, the ETA’s introduction mandated an online application and a $30 fee, valid for 90 days, which incited questions about potential barriers to tourism growth. Kenyan authorities maintain that security remains an imperative, notably following past incidents linked to al-Shabab factions operating out of neighboring Somalia.
Despite this backdrop, the government’s fresh direction signals renewed optimism for African travelers, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to supporting intra-African tourism and commercial ties. Combined with efforts from the African Union (AU) to relax mobility requirements, these developments point to a more unified continent where travelers can venture across borders with greater ease—and discover the best of what Kenya has to offer.
