Kenya Removes Travel Authorisation Requirement For Most African Visitors

             By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Kenya has announced that citizens from nearly all African countries will no longer need to apply for electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before entering the country.

Visitors can now stay for up to two months without prior approval, except those from Somalia and Libya, due to security concerns.

The ETA system, introduced last year as part of a “visa-free” policy, required travelers to apply online for approval before departing for Kenya.

The system faced criticism for being seen as a visa in disguise, and Kenya’s ranking in the Africa Visa Openness Index fell significantly as a result.

Members of the East African Community (EAC) will continue to enjoy extended stays of up to six months.

The government also announced plans to streamline airport processes, aiming for faster approvals and enhanced pre-screening measures to balance security needs with improved visitor experiences.

Previously, travelers from over 40 countries could enter Kenya without any prior application or fee.

The new changes are expected to promote regional integration, boost tourism, and make travel across the continent easier.

Kenya is the latest in a growing number of African countries simplifying entry requirements to encourage intra-African travel, aligning with broader initiatives by the African Union.