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Nationals of almost all African countries can visit Kenya without prior permission, according to a new directive from the African Cabinet.
Last year, the Kenyan government introduced a “visa-free” policy requiring most visitors to apply for Contri Democratic Republic permits online.
However, with the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the visa requirement for all visitors will be abolished and a “visa in Anoda name” will be required.
On Tuesday, a ministerial statement said: “Due to security concerns, we have directed all African countries, except Somalia and Libya, to abolish ETA.”
The statement said it was part of an “effort to support open skies policies and tourism growth” and to “promote regional integration and facilitate travel across the continent.”
Despite the introduction of ETA, Kenya does not rate at all in the latest rankings of openness to visitors, with Contri ranking 46th out of 54 countries in the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index.
Some African Contris have sought to ease travel requirements for visitors from parts of the continent in recent years, as studies have shown that they are easier to visit for nationals of Western Contris.
Earlier this year, the Ghanaian government announced that all African passport holders can now visit Di Contri without a visa.
African visitors to Rwanda also do not need a visa to enter Enta di Contri.
The African Union (AU) is also pushing for moves to make travel within the continent easier and smoother.
Under the latest system, most African Contris nationals are allowed to enter Kenya and can stay without an ETA for up to two months.
Members of the East African Community, which includes Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, can stay for up to six months in line with the bloc's policy.
Kenya also said it would introduce a process with a maximum processing time of 72 hours, in addition to enhanced processes to “ensure travelers receive instant approval.”
We don't know when it will take effect. According to a cabinet statement, authorities have tasked several ministries to come up with guidelines within a week to improve “the traveler experience at all Kenyan airports.”
With the introduction of ETA, more than 40 Contour visitors, including several from Africa, will enter Kenya, obtain their passports and Contour stamps, and no longer need to travel to New York.
Currently, all travelers must apply for and pay their ETA at least three days before traveling to Kenya. However, unless you are an exempt contributing citizen, you must apply for an ETA.
The ETA fee is $30 (£24) and is valid for 90 days.
This policy has faced a lot of criticism as some say it makes it more difficult for potential visitors to come to Contri.
Kenya insists that any new system needs a security element, as the government told the BBC last year.
Al-Shabaab jihadist militants from neighboring Somalia have targeted Di Contri in several notorious attacks.
The government said on Tuesday it was also considering introducing a system that would enhance “pre-screening, enhanced security and streamlining passenger processing at points of entry.”
