Kenya drops electronic travel authorization for African visitors

Kenya's government is exploring various strategies to attract more tourists, from simplifying entry requirements for African visitors to introducing a digital nomad visa, aiming to make the country an even more appealing travel destination. Photo: Son of Groucho, Flickr

Kenya has made a major move to simplify travel for African nationals by eliminating the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement.

This change is part of a broader effort to boost regional tourism and make Kenya a more accessible destination for travelers from across the continent. With this policy shift, African citizens no longer need to apply for pre-arrival approval, reducing bureaucracy and encouraging more tourism. This is a significant step in Kenya’s mission to position itself as a regional travel hub and attract visitors from neighboring countries.

Policy details

Under the new directive, citizens from most African nations can now enter Kenya without the need for prior electronic authorization. This change is expected to streamline travel plans and encourage more visitors from the continent. However, the policy excludes citizens from Somalia and Libya due to ongoing security concerns.

Implications for regional tourism

This policy shift is anticipated to boost tourism within the East African region by making Kenya more accessible to neighboring countries. The removal of the ETA requirement is expected to encourage more regional travelers to visit Kenya, thereby promoting cultural exchange and economic growth. Additionally, the Kenyan government plans to enhance entry processes by introducing instant approvals and reducing processing times to a maximum of 72 hours.

Future plans

Looking ahead, Kenya intends to further improve its entry procedures by implementing instant approvals and ensuring that processing times do not exceed 72 hours. These initiatives are part of Kenya's broader strategy to modernize its travel and tourism infrastructure, making it more efficient and traveler-friendly.

Kenya's tourism sector has been a focal point for government officials, with the former cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Najib Balala, emphasizing its critical role in the nation's economy. In the «New Tourism Strategy for Kenya 2021-2025,» he stated that tourism is a key driver of Kenya’s economy. –Prior to COVID-19, the sector contributed nearly 10% of the country’s GDP.

Additionally, Hon. Balala has highlighted the importance of marketing to promote Kenya's beaches and game safaris. He mentioned already in 2011 in an interview, that Kenya would need to spend more on marketing to promote our beaches and game safaris.

Kenya has seen a 32% increase in visitors and is on track to welcome even more, with a goal of reaching 7 million tourists by 2027. Nairobi boasts a wide range of accommodations that meet international high standards, making it an attractive destination for travelers. Photo: Nina R, Flickr CC BY 2.0

Substantial increase

In 2023, Kenya welcomed approximately 1.9 million international visitors, marking a significant recovery in its tourism sector.

The following year, 2024, saw a substantial increase, with tourist arrivals reaching 2.5 million. This 32% growth reflects Kenya's successful efforts to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.

The Kenyan government has set an ambitious target of attracting 7 million visitors by 2027, aiming to further boost the tourism industry and its contributions to the national economy.

Among the high increase of visitors to Kenya, the rise in Chinese tourist arrivals stands out, with a jump from 51,000 in 2023 to 80,000 in 2024. This surge follows targeted marketing campaigns and strategic efforts by the Kenya Tourism Board to promote the country in major Chinese cities.

The government aims to continue boosting these numbers with further digital marketing initiatives, focusing on platforms like Weibo and WeChat.

In the first half of 2024, Kenya's tourism sector experienced significant growth, with earnings reaching KES 142.5 billion (approximately USD 1.1 billion) from over 1 million international visitors.

This 21.3% increase in visitor numbers compared to the same period in 2023 underscores the sector's robust recovery and its vital role in the national economy.

The surge in tourism has also positively impacted the Kenyan shilling, contributing to its stability against the US dollar.

Digital nomads in Kenya

In addition to easing entry requirements for African tourists, Kenya have also expanded its appeal to digital nomads.

President William Ruto has been a strong advocate for tourisme, but is now facing multiple controversies, including government critic abductions, a withdrawn finance bill, accusations against the Ford Foundation, and land acquisition scandals, sparking public debate over his leadership. Photo: U.S. Secretary of Defense, Flickr, Public domain

President William Ruto has been a strong advocate for Kenya's tourism sector, recognizing its crucial role in the nation's economic growth. According to Conde Nast Traveler, in December 2023, he introduced the digital nomad visa as part of efforts to attract remote workers to Kenya.

–We are introducing a digital nomad visa to attract remote workers from around the world, he stated, highlighting the country's growing appeal as a destination for both leisure and work.

The country has introduced a special visa program aimed at attracting remote workers from around the world. This initiative allows digital nomads to live and work in Kenya for extended periods, offering them the opportunity to experience its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities while continuing their professional work. This move positions Kenya as an increasingly popular destination for remote workers seeking new adventures without interrupting their careers.

$1.5 million back and forth to US

While President William Ruto has been working to boost Kenya's tourism, he faced backlash after claiming that using a private jet for a state visit to the US in january 2024 was cheaper than flying Kenya Airways. The fact is that the private jet used by him for his state visit to the US is reported to have cost around $1.5 million, while flying Kenya Airways would have been much cheaper—estimated at $300,000 for business-class tickets for the president and his entourage. Critics questioned the justification for such a high cost. Many Kenyans were also disappointed that the president chose a foreign-owned jet instead of supporting the national airline.