Kenya’s Cabinet has announced major reforms to simplify travel for African nationals, exempting most countries from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirement.
- Visitors from African nations can now stay in Kenya for up to two months.
- East African Community (EAC) nationals retain their six-month stay benefit under free movement protocols.
Notable exceptions
- Somalia and Libya are excluded from the exemptions due to security concerns.
Why it matters
The policy shift, unveiled during the first 2025 Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto, aims to foster regional integration, boost tourism, and streamline travel across Africa.
Key details
- The eTA system, introduced in January 2024, required prior travel approval at a cost of $30.
- A new expedited eTA option offers instant approvals, with processing times capped at 72 hours.
- Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record systems will improve security and streamline entry procedures.
- eTA fees are waived for travellers from 15+ African nations, including Ghana, South Africa, and Zambia.
The big picture
This marks a return to a more open travel policy, reminiscent of Kenya’s earlier visa-free system for 51 African countries.
The government aims to strengthen regional ties and enhance the experience for travellers at Kenyan airports, with a report on airport improvements expected within a week.
Source: Eastleigh Voice