Kenya will allow citizens of almost all African countries to visit without needing prior authorization, according to new directives issued by the Cabinet.
Last year, Kenya introduced a “visa waiver” policy that requires most visitors to apply online for a permit before leaving their country.
But the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which replaced visa requirements for all visitors, has been criticized as a “visa under another name”.
A Cabinet statement on Tuesday said that ETA would be dropped “for all African countries except Somalia and Libya – due to security concerns.”
She said it was part of “efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth” and “promote regional integration and facilitate travel across the continent.”
Despite the introduction of the ETA, Kenya performed worse in the latest ranking of how open it is to visitors, falling 17 places to 46th out of 54 countries in the 2024 African Visa Openness Index.
Many African countries have tried to ease travel requirements for visitors from elsewhere on the continent in recent years, with studies showing that it is often easier for citizens of Western countries to visit.
Earlier this year, Ghana announced that all African passport holders He will now be able to visit without needing a visa. African visitors to Rwanda also do not need a visa to enter the country.
The African Union also supports this move to facilitate travel within the continent.
Under the updated system, citizens of most African countries will be allowed to enter Kenya and stay visa-free for up to two months.
However, 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 says it will introduce an enhanced process that “allows travelers to receive approval instantly” and the maximum processing time is 72 hours.
It is not clear when this will take effect. Several ministries have been tasked with proposing guidelines within a week to improve “passenger experience at all Kenyan airports,” according to a cabinet statement.
Before the ETA system was implemented, visitors from more than 40 countries, including many African countries, were able to arrive in Kenya, get a stamp on their passport and enter without paying anything.
All travelers must now apply and pay for an ETA at least three days before their flight to Kenya, unless they are citizens of an exempt country.
The ETA fee is $30 (£24) and is valid for 90 days.
This policy has faced criticism, with some suggesting that it may make it difficult for potential visitors to come to the country.
Kenya has cited a security element in introducing the new system, with a government spokesman telling the BBC last year that it was necessary to screen travellers.
The country has been targeted by Al-Shabaab jihadist militants from neighboring Somalia in several notorious attacks.
The government said on Tuesday it was also introducing a system that would strengthen “pre-screening, enhance security and simplify passenger handling procedures at entry points.”
