Kenya Free Visa – But There’s a Catch

The prospect of easier travel to one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations, Kenya, in 2024 initially appeared promising as the government announced the elimination of visa requirements, emphasizing Kenya free visa. However, upon closer examination of the details, a different reality unfolded.

Although many international visitors were relieved of the previous visa cost of over $51, a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system was introduced, mandating nearly everyone, including citizens of countries that previously enjoyed visa-free entry, to pay a $34 processing fee. This unexpected development sparked a backlash, with social media serving as a platform for widespread outrage. Concerns were raised within the travel industry, warning of potential adverse effects on tourism at a crucial time when Kenya seeks to attract more visitors.

Under the revised policy, travelers are required to apply online at least three days before their journey and pay the $34 processing fee. This move, perceived as an obstacle by frequent business travelers like Jones Ntaukira from Malawi, has drawn criticism for disrupting the convenience of spontaneous travel to Nairobi for meetings and collaborations.

Despite Kenyan President William Ruto’s advocacy for a borderless Africa, encouraging the free movement of people and goods, the recent policy change contradicts this vision. The ETA, implemented in early January, elicited complaints across the continent, with individuals expressing dismay at the new complexities it introduced.

Rules Change for Children

Furthermore, criticism extended to the additional requirements imposed on children, who were previously exempt from visa fees if under 16. As Kenya aims to attract 5.5 million annual visitors in the next four years, skeptics question the impact of the new policy on arrival numbers, citing the burdensome application process as a potential deterrent.

While Kenyan authorities insist that the ETA represents progress, emphasizing fairness, speed, and reliability, skeptics like Sean Mendis, an aviation executive, argue that it may evolve into one of the harshest visa regimes in Africa. Concerns also arose regarding possible reciprocal measures imposed on Kenyan travelers by countries currently offering unrestricted access.

Kenya’s Ministry of Interior defends the ETA as a necessary step for the country’s security and strategic interests. Although citizens from East African Community (EAC) countries currently enjoy a six-month exemption, the future may see them needing to apply for the ETA. Despite the initial confusion surrounding the rollout, some, like Muthuri Kinyamu of Turnup.Travel, believe that the policy, with its standardized rates, could ultimately have a positive impact on Kenya as an open and accessible destination.

Also Read: Everything to Know About Kenya Visa Free Countries