Kenya Removes ETA for Africans in Push for Regional Integration

The announcement, made on Tuesday, positions Kenya alongside a growing number of African nations embracing visa-free travel within the continent.

The new directive, endorsed by the cabinet, will allow African nationals to enter Kenya without prior travel authorization and stay for up to two months. Citizens of the East African Community (EAC) will enjoy an extended stay of up to six months. However, Somalia and Libya will be excluded from the policy due to security concerns.

Boosting Mobility and Addressing Criticism

The ETA, introduced last year as a replacement for traditional visas, had drawn criticism from travellers and regional stakeholders who dubbed it a “visa under another name.” The system was seen as a hurdle to Kenya’s ambition of becoming a leader in regional tourism and mobility. Kenya’s ranking on the Africa Visa Openness Index fell by 17 places to 46th out of 54 African nations, further underlining the need for change.

Kenya’s move aligns with the African Union’s broader agenda to promote free movement across the continent, a vision shared by countries like Ghana and Rwanda, which have adopted similar visa-free policies. The initiative also reflects a commitment to fostering trade, cultural exchange, and stronger intra-African ties.

Streamlining Travel Processes

The Kenyan government plans to introduce an enhanced entry approval system to ensure seamless border procedures for incoming travellers. Officials promise that decisions on entry will be processed within 72 hours, streamlining arrivals and reducing potential delays. The exact implementation date for the new policy has not been confirmed, but ministries have been instructed to finalize guidelines within a week.

A Step Toward Pan-African Unity

This policy marks a progressive step in Kenya’s efforts to position itself as a regional hub for tourism and business. By prioritizing greater mobility and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, Kenya underscores its role as a leader in the push for a more interconnected Africa.

Observers will be watching closely to see how the new policy impacts Kenya's economy, security, and standing on the continent, as well as how it complements broader initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).