Nairobi, Kenya, January 22- Kenya has announced that all African countries will enjoy visa-free entry, with the exception of Somalia and Libya, due to security concerns.
On January 21, 2025, President William Ruto’s Cabinet approved the exemption of African nations from the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements. This decision comes one year after the government launched the visa-free entry program, which previously applied only to East African Community (EAC) member states and seven other countries.
The Cabinet confirmed that all African nations, except Somalia and Libya, would now benefit from ETA exemptions, with the goal of fostering regional integration and promoting Kenya’s tourism sector.
“This initiative seeks to enhance regional integration and simplify travel across Africa. Most African visitors will be allowed to stay for up to two months, while EAC nationals will continue to enjoy a six-month stay in line with the EAC free movement protocols,” the Cabinet statement noted.
In 2024, the Cabinet projected Kenya would welcome 2.5 million tourists, an increase from 2.013 million in 2023.
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved enhancements to the ETA system, aiming to improve efficiency and the overall traveler experience. This includes a new expedited ETA processing option that provides instant approvals, with a processing time of up to 72 hours depending on operational capacity.
The government also plans to introduce an Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record system to improve security, streamline entry point processing, and strengthen passenger screening..
