The Kenyan government has moved to waive its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for citizens of almost all African and Caribbean countries. The privilege, however, does not extend to the citizens of Libya and Somali.
This decision, followed by announcemnt by President William Ruto’s Cabinet on January 21, 2025, features Kenya’s intent to position itself as a leader in Africa’s push for regional integration, free movement, and economic collaboration.
“To improve efficiency, an expedited eTA processing option will be introduced, allowing travellers to receive approval instantly, with processing time capped at 72 hours based on operational capacity,” the Cabinet resolved.
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For many years, African countries have had to grapple with restrictive visa regimes that often made travel within the continent more difficult than travel to destinations outside Africa. While countries like Rwanda, Ghana, Seychelles, Benin, and The Gambia have taken proactive steps to ease visa requirements for fellow Africans. Kenya’s latest announcement represents one of the those comprehensive policy shifts in East Africa.
What does this mean for you?
Kenya has scrapped its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for citizens of almost all African countries, including Ghana.
This means Ghanaians no longer need to apply online, pay a $30 fee, or seek pre-approval before traveling to Kenya for stays up to two months.
what has changed?
Previously, travelers from most African nations were required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before entering Kenya. Introduced in January 2024, the ETA system was seen by many as an indirect visa, carrying a $30 fee and requiring prior online approval before arrival. The system was widely criticized for being cumbersome and counterproductive, especially in light of growing calls for unrestricted intra-African movement.
Under the new arrangement, citizens of all African countries — with the exception of Somalia and Libya — will now be exempt from the ETA requirement for stays of up to two months. This effectively means that African passport holders can travel to Kenya without the need for pre-arrival authorisation, simplifying access for tourists, business travelers, and families visiting relatives.
East African Community (EAC) nationals, including citizens of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan, will continue to enjoy visa-free access for up to six months, maintaining existing protocols that promote free movement within the region.
Somalia and Libya: The Exceptions
Notably, Somalia and Libya have been excluded from the waiver. The Kenyan government cited ongoing security concerns in both countries as the reason for maintaining the ETA requirement for their citizens. While this decision may spark debate, it reflects Kenya’s security priorities amidst complex regional dynamics.