Kenya Goes Visa Free, Implements New ETA System

Kenya made a historic decision in 2023 to introduce the e-Visa (ETA) system. Later that year, the government also announced that Kenya would become the first African country to offer visa-free entry to all travellers.

On December 12, Kenya’s independence day, President William Ruto shared the news. He said, “No person from any corner of the globe will need to apply for a visa to come to Kenya.”

Visa-free does not, however, mean document-free. In place of a single-entry visa, which previously cost visitors $50, international travellers must apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). Here’s what to know.

How to apply for an ETA to enter Kenya

As of January 2024, international visitors must apply for an ETA prior to departing for Kenya. The ETA is a semi-automated online system that determines whether visitors are eligible to enter Kenya. It costs $34 per visitor, including infants and children.

It is recommended that travellers apply for the ETA at least three days (and up to three months) prior to departure. The authorisation is valid for a single entry and is specific to the flights and dates given in the application. It allows for a stay of up to 90 days.

• Valid passport for at least six (6) months after your planned date of arrival into Kenya, with at least one blank page
• Selfie or passport photo that you upload to the website
• Contact information, including email address and phone number
• Details of your arrival and departure itinerary
• Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
• Credit card, debit card, or other means of payment

In addition, travellers coming for personal visits must submit the passport number (or number from another identity card) of their hosts. Those coming for business purposes must show an invitation letter from the company they are visiting.

Visitors must apply on the official ETA website (https://etakenya.go.ke). After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming receipt of the application as well as the payment made. Within three working days, you will receive another email stating whether the immigration department has approved or rejected your application.

Assuming it is approved, print the PDF attached in the email. It will need to be shown at all arrival and departure points in Kenya.

Why Kenya Goes Visa Free and Introduced the ETA System

The announcement that Kenya goes visa free and introduces an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) creates a strong opportunity to boost visitor numbers. Travellers are welcomed with the phrase Karibu Nyumbani, meaning ‘welcome home.”

The primary benefit of the ETA for the Kenyan government is to digitise what was a burdensome paper process and, in so doing, collect data on visitors to the country.

In a statement, the principal secretary of Kenya’s Immigration and Citizen Services, Julius Bitok, compared the new ETA requirement in Kenya to similar systems that are already in place or forthcoming in European and North American countries.

There has, however, been substantial backlash to the change. Many people, including experts in Kenya’s hospitality industry, say the ETA is essentially a visa by another name.

“Easing travel requirements puts Kenya on a more level playing field with other countries,” added Chirchir. “The easing of requirements can send a positive message about Kenya’s openness and friendliness to international visitors and investors.”