The Kenyan Cabinet has proposed that Africans from 52 countries will be exempted from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system introduced last year.
eTA system was introduced on January 1, 2024, and mandates all travellers, including infants and children, to obtain an approved eTA before commencing their journey to Kenya.
According to the latest dispatch as of Tuesday, January 21, the Cabinet meeting, the first of 2025 and chaired by President William Ruto at State Lodge, Kakamega, approved recommendations to enhance the eTA system to boost efficiency and improve the traveller experience.
“As part of efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth, a key proposal is to grant eTA exemptions to all African countries—except Somalia and Libya—due to security concerns,” the dispatch read in part, adding “This initiative aims to promote regional integration and ease travel across the continent.”
President William Ruto chairing a Cabinet meeting at State Lodge, Kakamega on January 21, 2025. /PCS
In the proposals, most African visitors will be allowed a two-month stay, while East African Community (EAC) nationals will continue to enjoy a six-month stay under EAC free movement protocols.
To improve efficiency, an expedited eTA processing option will be introduced, allowing travellers to receive approval instantly, with processing time capped at 72 hours based on operational capacity.Â
Additionally, the introduction of an Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record system will enhance prescreening, strengthen security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points.
The move now reverts the country to the old travel system that allowed citizens from 51 countries, many within Africa, to enter Kenya visa-free.
At the moment, travellers from the East African region are exempt from applying for the eTA.
Kenya has also waived the fees for Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Zambia.
Other countries include Comoros, Eritrea, the Republic of Congo and San Marino.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Secretaries of National Treasury, Transport, Interior, and Tourism were mandated to review, report, and, within a week, propose guidelines to improve travellers’ experience at all Kenyan airports.
Gates at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). /KENYA GEOGRAPHIC