Kenya scraps visa fees, entry forms and ETA for African and Caribbean nationals
The government confirmed that citizens from these regions are now exempt from ETA approvals, visa application forms, and associated fees.
Most visitors from African and Caribbean countries will no longer need a visa, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), lengthy application processes, or pay entry fees to enter Kenya. This move comes as the government officially scraps its previous immigration rules to promote regional integration and ease of travel.
Under the new policy, travellers from eligible countries can enter Kenya without bureaucratic delays or prior approvals.
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The government confirmed that citizens from these regions are now exempt from ETA approvals, visa application forms, and associated fees.
However, the exemption does not extend to Libya and Somalia due to ongoing security concerns.
In January, the Cabinet—chaired by President William Ruto—revised immigration rules to allow African nationals to stay in Kenya for up to two months. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states will continue to enjoy a six-month stay under existing regional free movement agreements.
“This decision aligns with Kenya’s commitment to open skies policies and reflects the country’s broader strategy to enhance the travel experience and stimulate economic growth through tourism,” the Cabinet said in a dispatch.
Strengthen ties
Ruto emphasised that easing entry procedures would strengthen ties across the continent.
“Making cross-border travel more accessible will help us foster relationships with our brothers and sisters across Africa,” he said.
The government had earlier announced plans to exempt all African countries—except Somalia and Libya—from Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements, in a bid to ease mobility across the continent. The Cabinet noted that this policy marks a major shift in Kenya’s immigration framework and reinforces the country’s position as a leading tourism and business destination in Africa.
Alongside the removal of visa and ETA requirements for most African and Caribbean nations, the government unveiled additional measures aimed at streamlining the travel experience. These include instant or 72-hour ETA approvals for travellers from countries still subject to authorisation, as well as the rollout of a new passenger information system to improve pre-screening and security at entry points.
President William Ruto also announced the launch of a digital nomad work permit, enabling remote workers to live and work in Kenya. He added that the government is expanding its fibre optic infrastructure to ensure that visitors can stay connected to the internet while exploring the country.
“We are making it possible for people to work as they travel. Tourists no longer need to remain offline when exploring Kenya,” Ruto said.
Ruto also announced the launch of a new electronic travel authorisation system that will allow tourists with connecting flights to explore Kenya for up to 12 hours without a visa. The president noted that this move is aimed at giving transit passengers a chance to visit local cities and attractions, rather than being restricted to airport terminals.
According to the government, these broad reforms are part of a wider trend across Africa to ease travel restrictions and boost intra-continental mobility.
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