Kenya will allow citizens of nearly all African countries to visit without prior authorization, the government announced Tuesday, as part of efforts to promote regional integration and boost tourism.
The directive, issued by Kenya’s cabinet, eliminates the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for visitors from African nations, except Somalia and Libya, citing security concerns. Under the updated policy, travelers from most African countries can enter Kenya and stay for up to two months without obtaining prior approval.
Members of the East African Community (EAC) including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi can stay for up to six months, aligning with regional agreements.
The announcement comes after criticism of the ETA system, introduced last year as a replacement for traditional visas. Although marketed as a “visa-free” policy, the system required travelers to apply and pay for an ETA at least three days before their trip. Critics called the ETA a “visa under another name,” and Kenya fell 17 places in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index, ranking 46th out of 54 nations.
In a statement, the cabinet said the changes aim to “support open skies policies, promote tourism growth, and ease travel across the continent.” The government also pledged to streamline the travel process, introducing an enhanced system for instant approvals and setting a maximum processing time of 72 hours.
The exact timeline for implementing the new policy is unclear. The cabinet has tasked several ministries with drafting guidelines within a week to improve the traveler experience at Kenyan airports.
Before the ETA’s introduction, citizens from more than 40 countries, including many in Africa, could enter Kenya visa-free upon arrival. The current ETA fee is $30 and valid for 90 days, but the requirement has faced criticism for potentially deterring visitors.
Kenya’s government has defended the ETA as necessary for security, with officials citing the need to vet travelers amid threats from al-Shabab militants. On Tuesday, officials said new measures would enhance pre-screening, strengthen security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points.
Kenya’s move aligns with broader efforts across the continent to ease travel restrictions. Earlier this year, Ghana introduced visa-free entry for all African passport holders, while Rwanda has maintained an open-door policy for African visitors. These initiatives are part of a larger push by the African Union to facilitate intra-continental travel and integration.