Kenya grants ETA exemption to African countries as Libya and Somalia left out

The approval was made during a Cabinet meeting in Kakamega County on Tuesday, leaving Somalia and Libya "due to security concerns".

"This initiative aims to promote regional integration and ease travel across the continent," read part of a statement in Cabinet.

In the new recommendations, African visitors will be allowed a two-month stay while East African Community (EAC) nationals will continue to enjoy a six-month stay under EAC free movement protocols.

An expeditious ETA processing option was also introduced which will allow approvals to be processed within 72 hours, depending on operational capacity.

"The introduction of an Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record system will enhance prescreening, strengthen security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points," Cabinet added.

The Kenyan ETA, introduced in January 2024, is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. 

In a step-by-step guideline listed on the ETA website, all visitors - including infants - will need:

Valid passport for at least six (6) months after their planned date of arrival into Kenya with at least one blank page.

• Selfie or passport-type photo
• Contact information (Email address and phone number)
• Details of arrival and departure itinerary 
• Accommodation booking confirmation(s)
• Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or other means of payment.

In a gazette notice in November 2023, the government through the Ministry of Interior announced that ETA charges will be $30 (approximately Ksh.3,879) from January 2024.

This is in line with President William Ruto's aim to open its skies to more African states and strengthen bilateral ties.

(1USD=Ksh.290)