8 January 2024, Nairobi
In pursuance of implementing a visa-free regime from January 2024, the Government of Kenya has commenced the process of development and implementation of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The digital platform will ensure that all travelers to Kenya are identified in advance.
In a press statement dated 7 January 2024, issued from the Office of the Principal Secretary, State Department for Immigration & Citizen Services of the Ministry Interior and National Administration, an update on the status of the ETA system was provided. Signed by Principal Secretary, Ambassador (Prof) Julius K. Bitok (MBS), the statement acknowledged that 9787 ETA applications have been received on the new ETA website, which has introduced significant changes to the travel and transit experience for foreign nationals visiting Kenya in four fundamental ways.
These include: 1. Equal treatment and reduced fees of $30, instead of the previous $50 visa fees. 2. Advance passenger information. 3. Reduced processing time, and 4. A dedicated ETA Desk.
The full text of the press statement can be read below:
To boost tourism and attract more foreign investments to Kenya, the Government removed all visa requirements for all foreign nationals visiting and transiting through Kenya from January 2024. This decision reflects our commitment to the promotion of an open, accessible and inclusive tourism and investment environment.
The vacated visa requirements have been replaced by the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This is designed for visaexempt foreign nationals traveling to or transiting through our country, especially by air.
So far 9787 ETA applications have been received on ETA platform. Of these, 4046 have already been processed while the others are undergoing review on priority basis guided by the travel schedule submitted by each applicant.
The introduction of ETA is premised on the need to have a fair, faster and reliable system that also addresses Kenya’s security and other strategic interests. Before ETA, citizens from 51 countries enjoyed visa-free entry to Kenya, while travellers from 155 other countries were subject to a visa application process at a cost of $50.
ETA has introduced significant changes to the travel and transit experience for foreign nationals visiting Kenya in four fundamental ways:
1. Equal Treatment and Reduced Fees.
The entry requirements and applicable payments for all foreign nationals, except for East African Community (EAC) citizens, will now be the same irrespective of the country of origin. The visa fee was $50 while the ETA fee for all is $30, thereby ensuring fairness and equality.
2. Advance Passengers Information.
Previously, travellers from 51 countries were not required to fill out any forms on personal and relevant travel details. There was therefore no means of obtaining data to inform critical decisions and plans around security, infrastructure and insurance needs. With the introduction of the ETA, we now have comprehensive data on all visitors, significantly improving our ability to ensure the safety and well-being of both our visitors and citizens.
3. Reduced Processing Time.
Compared to visa application, ETA provides for a simple and faster process. Previously, it took up to 14 days to process visa applications for foreigners from 12 listed countries. The waiting period for this category has now been drastically reduced to a maximum of 72 hours.
4. Dedicated ETA Desk.
To guarantee a seamless experience, we have introduced a 24-hour service desk dedicated to ETA. This will ensure clients are promptly attended to irrespective of the hour while also taking into consideration the different time zones across the world.
We will continue to review and refine the ETA system to align it with our clients’ convenience and to support our commitment to make Kenya a natural home for visitors and investors. With ETA system now in place, we are proud to declare to the world: ‘Welcome Home!’
Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok, MBS
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
An earlier circular dated January 2, 2024 issued by the Aeronautical Aviation Services of the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) had stated that;
All travelers coming to Kenya from countries that require visas shall continue applying for visas in the usual manner until the government communicates the change program to ETA system.