Kenya to drop pre-authorisation requirement for most African visitors to boost tourism 

This move, outlined in a recent cabinet directive, is directed at making travel within the continent easier and supporting tourism and regional integration.

According to BBC News, the new directive follows Kenya’s introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system last year, which was widely criticised as a “visa under another name.”

Under the new system, travellers from most African nations will no longer need to apply for an ETA before arriving in Kenya. However, citizens from Somalia and Libya will still be required to obtain pre-authorisation due to ongoing security concerns.

Reports cite that Kenya’s new policy will allow citizens from nearly all African countries to visit without the need for an ETA.

As part of the new policy, citizens of the East African Community (EAC) countries—Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi—will continue to benefit from a special provision. EAC nationals can stay in Kenya for up to six months, in line with the bloc’s regional agreements on travel and immigration.

In addition to eliminating the ETA requirement, Kenya will implement an enhanced system for travellers, allowing them to receive approval instantly, with a maximum processing time of 72 hours.

Reports state that the government has not yet specified when these changes will take effect, but guidelines for improving traveller experiences at Kenyan airports are expected to be finalized within a week.

Despite relaxing entry requirements, security concerns continue to play a central role in Kenya’s travel policies. The government has said that the new system will enhance pre-screening processes, strengthen security and simplify passenger processing at entry points. The move is in response to ongoing threats, including attacks by al-Shabab militants, a group based in neighbouring Somalia.

This policy shift aligns with efforts by other African countries, such as Ghana and Rwanda, to make travel easier for African nationals. It also reflects the African Union’s broader push to reduce barriers to movement across the continent and facilitate greater regional integration.