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In a significant move to promote regional integration and boost tourism, Kenya announced on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, that it would no longer require citizens of most African countries to obtain prior authorization to visit. The new policy, endorsed by the cabinet, exempts nearly all African nations except Somalia and Libya due to ongoing security concerns.
This development builds on Kenya’s earlier efforts to simplify travel requirements, although it comes after criticisms of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system introduced last year. The ETA, which replaced traditional visa requirements, was initially touted as a step toward “visa-free” travel. However, critics argued that the ETA was merely “a visa under another name,” as it required travelers to apply online and pay a $30 fee before departure.
The introduction of the ETA had an unintended consequence: Kenya’s ranking on the Africa Visa Openness Index plummeted by 17 places in 2024, landing the country in 46th position out of 54 nations. This drop highlighted how the system, rather than making travel easier, had inadvertently restricted access for African travelers.
The cabinet’s decision to abolish the ETA for African visitors aligns with the broader goals of the African Union (AU) to enhance intra-continental mobility. Kenya’s government described the policy shift as part of its commitment to “open skies policies and tourism growth.” The updated rules allow citizens from most African nations to stay in Kenya without prior authorization for up to two months, while members of the East African Community (EAC) bloc—comprising Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi—can remain for up to six months, in accordance with the bloc’s regulations.
Other African nations, such as Ghana and Rwanda, have also embraced visa-free travel for African passport holders, reflecting a growing trend aimed at easing movement across the continent. These initiatives aim to rectify disparities that often make it easier for Western visitors to access African countries than for Africans themselves.
Kenya’s new policy includes measures to enhance traveler convenience. An improved system will soon allow for instant travel approval and a maximum processing time of 72 hours for travelers requiring clearance. This change is expected to streamline passenger processing and improve experiences at Kenyan airports. Relevant ministries have been directed to finalize implementation guidelines within a week, although the government has yet to specify an exact rollout date.
Security considerations remain central to Kenya’s travel policies. The government emphasized that enhanced pre-screening measures would accompany the new system to strengthen border security while ensuring efficient processing. Kenya has faced several attacks by the Somalia-based militant group al-Shabab, underscoring the need for vigilance in managing cross-border movement.
Historically, Kenya had allowed visa-free entry for travelers from over 40 countries, including several in Africa, who could simply receive a passport stamp upon arrival. However, the ETA system, introduced partly for security reasons, replaced this arrangement, requiring travelers to apply at least three days in advance. Critics argued that this system was cumbersome and counterproductive, discouraging potential visitors.
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