Kenyan Government processes 4,046 visas after Electronic Travel Authorisation rollout

The Kenyan government has so far processed 4,046 visa applications under the visa-free entry scheme for foreign tourists.

This was announced on Sunday, January 7, 2024, by Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok as an update since the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system was implemented on Friday.

“So far, 9787 ETA applications have been received on the ETA website, of these, 4046 have already been processed, while the others are undergoing review on a priority basis guided by the travel schedule submitted by each applicant,” PS Bitok said in a statement to media houses.

According to the PS, the decision to remove visa requirements for foreign nationals visiting or transiting through the country underscores Kenya's commitment to fostering an open, accessible, and inclusive environment for tourism and investment.

Before the introduction of ETA, citizens from 51 countries enjoyed visa-free entry to Kenya, while travellers from 155 other countries were subject to a visa application process at $50.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has brought about significant improvements for foreign nationals visiting Kenya.

Uniformity

The ETA ensures uniformity in entry requirements and payments for all foreign nationals, excluding East African Community citizens. Both the visa fee ($50) and ETA fee ($30) are now the same for all.

Previously, travellers from 51 countries were not required to provide personal details.

The ETA now mandates comprehensive information, enhancing the collection of crucial data for informed decisions on security, infrastructure, and insurance needs.

In contrast to traditional visa applications that took up to 14 days for foreigners from 12 listed countries, the ETA has reduced the waiting period for this category to a maximum of 72 hours.

Further, according to the PS, to ensure a seamless experience, a 24-hour service desk dedicated to ETA has been introduced.

“We will continue to review and refine the ETA system to align it with our clients’ convenience and to support our commitment to make Kenya a natural home for visitors and investors. With the ETA system now in place, we are proud to declare to the world, 'Welcome Home!” the PS added.

The introduction of the visa-free entry scheme is a key component of Kenya's strategic initiatives to rejuvenate its tourism industry, which has faced challenges due to global travel restrictions in recent years.

Government data reveals that Kenya generated $1.8 billion in tourism revenue in 2023. With the scheme now in place, the goal is ambitious: Kenya aims to achieve an annual tourism revenue of $9.5 billion.

President William Ruto, declaring the decision on December 12, emphasised the nation's commitment to fostering a thriving tourism sector. The move to go visa-free is anticipated to attract a diverse array of visitors eager to explore Kenya's rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes.