Nairobi – Kenya has eliminated the electronic travel authorization requirement for most African countries, allowing citizens from across the continent to enter without prior approval and stay for up to two months.
The policy change affects all African nations except Somalia and Libya, which remain excluded due to security concerns.
The decision reflects Kenya’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 integration goals.
Citizens from eligible African countries can now travel to Kenya without obtaining an eTA (electronic travel authorization) in advance and stay for up to two months.
The authorization system, introduced in January 2024, had faced criticism from the African Development Bank and African Union for creating administrative barriers to regional mobility and trade.
The change aligns with continental efforts to increase movement across African borders. Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin already offer visa-free entry to all African passport holders.
In December 2024, Ghana announced similar policies under outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, though the new John Dramani Mahama government has not clearly confirmed full operational implementation. These initiatives reflect broader regional integration efforts.
For travelers from other regions, Kenya plans to accelerate eTA processing to 72 hours and introduce advanced passenger information systems to enhance border security.
The original eTA system required online applications through government websites and allowed single-entry stays of up to 90 days with three-month validity periods.
Kenya’s decision supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework, which aims to create greater unity and economic integration across the continent.
The policy change is expected to boost tourism revenue and strengthen cultural and business exchanges between Kenya and other African nations.
East African Community members continue to receive preferential treatment under existing regional agreements.
Citizens from Burundi, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania can stay in Kenya for up to six months without authorization.
