Kenya introduced a new ‘visa-free’ policy that would allow African visitors from different countries to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) authorisation to be allowed to travel into the country.
The recent cabinet meeting at Kakamega State Lodge resulted in a directive permitting Africans to travel to Kenya without requiring prior authorization.
The government of Kenya insists that it is a beneficial move for Kenya that will spur tourism growth, regional integration and ease travel across the continent.
However, a section of Kenyans has criticised the move as a ‘visa under another name’. Others have claimed that it will only bring complications and difficulty for visitors to tour the country.
As per the cabinet statement, only two countries would not be granted the benefits under Kenya’s new open skies policies due to security concerns. They are Somalia and Libya.
Under the new travel system, African visitors to Kenya will be allowed to stay within the country with just their passports for up to two months. East African Community country members can, however, stay in Kenya for up to six months.
US mass deportations go nationwide; asylum shut off, army heads for border
The government of Kenya noted that it would introduce a more efficient process for travellers to receive instant approval with a maximum processing time of 72 hours. However, it has not been revealed when the new policy will take effect.
An ETA costs Sh. 3,850 ($30) and is valid for 90 days. Prior to the ETA, visitors from more than 40 countries would arrive in Kenya, get a stamp on their passports and enter without paying anything.
Kenya is not the first African nation in the continent to ease travel requirements for visitors from African countries. The African Union (AU) has also been pushing for the ‘visa-free’ policy to materialize in many countries.
Earlier this year, Ghana directed the same policy: All African passport holders could visit the West African country without needing a passport. Furthermore, Africans only need their passport to gain entry into Rwanda.
