Kenya has recently implemented changes to its travel policy, making it easier for citizens of most African countries to visit without the need for prior travel authorization.
Under the new guidelines, African visitors, excluding those from Libya and Somalia due to security concerns, can enter Kenya and stay for up to two months without needing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
However, members of the East African Community (EAC) are permitted to stay for up to six months, aligning with the bloc’s free movement protocols.
According to Kenyan authorities, this decision aims to promote regional integration, support open skies policies, and boost tourism in Kenya.
The ETA system, introduced last year to replace traditional visas, required travelers to apply and pay $30 online for pre-approval before entering Kenya. Despite being presented as a visa-free policy, critics labeled it as cumbersome and akin to a visa in all but name.
The policy also coincided with Kenya’s drop in the Africa Visa Openness Index rankings, where it fell 17 places to 46th out of 54 nations.
This latest directive aims to simplify travel while addressing security concerns.
The government plans to enhance pre-screening processes and strengthen security at entry points. It also promised improved traveler experiences at airports, with plans for instant travel approvals and a maximum processing time of 72 hours.
Kenya joins countries like Ghana and Rwanda in easing intra-African travel restrictions, aligning with the African Union’s push for greater integration and movement across the continent.
