Kenya Abolishes Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Most African Nations, Boosts Tourism Industry, Here is What You Need to Know

Published on January 22, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In a groundbreaking move to foster regional integration and enhance tourism, Kenya announced the removal of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for citizens of most Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe. The decision, effective soon, aligns with the government’s commitment to ease travel within the continent while addressing security challenges.

A Shift Towards Visa-Free Travel

The ETA, introduced last year as a replacement for traditional visas, was met with criticism for being cumbersome and perceived as a “visa under another name.” With the new directive, the ETA requirement will be dropped for all African countries except Somalia and Libya, citing security concerns.

Under the updated system, citizens of Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe can enter Kenya and stay for up to two months without prior travel authorisation. Members of the East African Community (EAC), including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, will enjoy extended stays of up to six months, adhering to EAC policies.

Objectives of the Policy Change

According to a cabinet statement, the removal of the ETA is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to:

• Support open skies policies and foster tourism growth.
• Promote regional integration and collaboration.
• Simplify travel processes for African visitors.

This policy change underscores Kenya’s recognition of the importance of facilitating intra-African travel to drive economic and cultural exchange.

Enhanced Security Measures

Despite easing travel restrictions, Kenya remains vigilant about security concerns. The government announced plans to implement a new pre-screening system aimed at strengthening security at entry points while streamlining passenger processing. This enhanced system will allow travellers to receive approval instantly, with a maximum processing time of 72 hours.

Kenya’s security challenges, particularly threats from al-Shabab militants in neighbouring Somalia, have been a significant factor in shaping its travel policies. The updated measures aim to balance security needs with tourism growth.

Regional Comparisons and Trends

Kenya’s move aligns with efforts by other African nations to facilitate travel within the continent. Ghana recently announced a visa-free policy for all African passport holders, while Rwanda has maintained a no-visa-required policy for African visitors. These policies reflect a broader push by the African Union (AU) to enhance mobility and integration across the continent.

Challenges of the ETA System

Introduced as a digital solution to replace traditional visas, the ETA system faced backlash for its complexity and fees. Visitors from over 40 countries, including several African nations, previously entered Kenya with a simple passport stamp at no cost. Under the ETA, travelers were required to apply online and pay $30 for a 90-day entry permit, often three days before departure.

Critics argued that the system discouraged potential visitors and negatively impacted Kenya’s ranking in the Africa Visa Openness Index. In 2024, Kenya dropped 17 places to 46th out of 54 countries, despite its stated goal of becoming more open to African travelers.

Implementation Timeline and Next Steps

While the exact implementation date remains unclear, the Kenyan cabinet has directed several ministries to propose guidelines within a week. These guidelines will focus on improving the traveler experience at Kenyan airports and ensuring a seamless transition to the updated policy.

Broader Implications for Tourism and Integration

Kenya’s decision to ease travel restrictions is expected to:

• Increase tourism revenue by attracting more visitors from African countries.
• Strengthen regional collaboration and economic ties.
• Enhance Kenya’s appeal as a hub for African travel and investment.

By removing the ETA for most African nations, Kenya positions itself as a leader in promoting intra-African travel and tourism. The move reflects a strategic shift toward regional integration and economic growth, balanced with enhanced security protocols. As implementation progresses, the updated policy is poised to make travel to Kenya more accessible and appealing for African visitors, setting a new benchmark for the continent’s travel industry.

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